Research
Research lays the foundation for the development of knowledge in society. Basic research is driven by the curiosity of the researcher and can be defined as a systematic and methodical quest for new knowledge and new ideas. Applied research is similarly a quest for new knowledge but with a specific application in view. Needs-driven research is based on a problem or an issue in a specific sector and can contain elements of both basic and applied research. Basic research and needs-driven research are overlapping concepts. Basic research in areas of strategic importance to society and industry is also needs-driven. When research spans several disciplines it is known as multidisciplinary or interdisciplinary research.
Research in Sweden
Sweden is one of the countries that invests most public resources in research, relative to its population. Research and development (R&D) received SEK 30.33 billion in central government appropriations in 2012, which is equivalent to 0.85 per cent of GDP. In 2012, publicly financed research cost a total of over SEK 37 billion, or 1.04 per cent of GDP. In Sweden, research financed by the central government has long remained at a relatively constant level, but over the period 20092012 R&D will receive increased appropriations, adding a further SEK 5 billion. Most of the central government research funds go to universities and other higher education institutions. Sweden has chosen a model in which public funds for research are primarily linked to universities. In many other countries much of the research funded by central government is carried out at public research institutes with no responsibility for educating students.
The Swedish business sector put SEK 77,8 billion into R&D in 2010, equivalent to approximately 2.42 per cent of GDP. Proportionally speaking, total Swedish research allocations are among the highest in the world. Only Israel and Finland allocates more to R&D.
