Gripen for Sweden
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SWEDISH GRIPEN

EMPOWERING THE SWEDISH ECONOMY

The Gripen programme has brought undoubted success to Sweden. Whether as a total defence solution for Sweden, a catalyst for education and development, a springboard for the economy and for Swedish trade around the world, or as the defender of Sweden’s national sovereignty, Gripen continues to deliver positive benefits for Sweden. And it will continue to do so long into the future.

A launch pad for growth

Despite the fact that the Gripen programme is a huge investment requiring massive resources, it has been profitable. According to Stefan Fölster, associate professor and chief economist at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv), the programme has been a launch pad for new jobs, new products and new business. It has also earned revenues for Sweden that significantly exceed the investment costs.

Stefan Fölster, associate professor and chief economist at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv)

Image: Stefan Fölster, associate professor and chief economist at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv)

 “The macroeconomic effects of the Swedish Gripen programme are considerable. The combination of technological spin-off effects, increased export revenues and the investment in training has resulted in Sweden gaining something in the region of SEK 15 billion. If you then add the 3,000 jobs that have been created as a result of the programme, it becomes apparent that Sweden will continue to benefit from Gripen for many years to come.” Says Stefan Fölster, associate professor and chief economist at the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise (Svenskt Näringsliv)

Gripen project drives technology forward

Gunnar Eliasson, Professor of Industrial Economics at the Royal Institute of Technology, has conducted a study of the spillover effects generated by advanced technological development. He used Gripen for his case study. The results show that the original investment in research and development in the Gripen project has been repaid to Swedish society at least 2.6 times over. (If the spillover multiplier had been 1, Gripen’s development would not have cost society anything.)

Clouds of technology tend to form around any advanced production, which other companies can readily utilise based upon their capabilities. Gunnar Eliasson’s study shows that the Gripen project has been a technology driver that has created a broad range of spillovers in Swedish industry and has contributed to Sweden’s standing as a high-tech industrial nation. In his case study, Eliasson identified and calculated the value of the civil production created by Gripen’s spillover effects, the value of the civil and military exports that Gripen technology has facilitated and the value of the entrepreneurial spin-offs that have resulted.

Industry and education in close cooperation

Realizing a project as advanced as the Gripen programme demands continuous access to skilled engineers. In order to attract students and researchers to develop such skills, you must be able to provide appealing job opportunities. Saab has therefore developed a close relationship with many of Sweden’s universities and colleges. Saab is also one of the founders of Teknik-SM, the Swedish Championship in Technology, aimed at promoting interest in technology amongst students.

 

“Close cooperation with leading-edge industry is highly stimulating for research, each sharpening the other. It spawns ideas and helps us to maintain the focus on relevant issues. It is important for our students to have teachers with close ties to industry issues.”  

Says Mille Millnert, Rector at Linkoping University, Sweden

Mille Millnert, Rector at Linkoping University, Sweden.

Image: Mille Millnert, Rector at Linkoping University, Sweden

Successful spin-offs from the Gripen programme, some examples:

  • MX Composites – Development of composite materials for engine components.
  • Nobel Biocare – Advanced science-based titan solutions for tooth implants.
  • Marine Electronics – Radar-based tank level gauging systems for tankers, refiners, tank terminals and the chemical industry.
  • SMM Medical – Based on the technology developed for flight suits, SMM Medical provides solutions for the treatment of Cardio Vascular Diseases.
  • Biosensor Applications – artificial “nose” for detecting drugs and explosives.
  • A2 Acoustics – solutions for better sound and vibration properties among products.

Examples of products developed using technology generated by the Gripen programme and the Swedish aeronautic industry:

  • Ericsson – mobile phone systems.
  • Elekta – components for Elekta’s Leksell Gamma Knife®.
  • Saab – visor system for fire fighters and smoke-helmeted firemen.  

 

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