Invest in advanced manufacturing in Sweden

Pioneer the future of smart, sustainable industry

Why Sweden for advanced manufacturing

Sweden combines industrial maturity with forward‑looking infrastructure. This offers an environment where companies can manage risk while upgrading production, integrating digital solutions and meeting sustainability requirements.

  • Clean and reliable energy system
    Fossil‑free electricity and mature circular‑economy practices enable energy‑intensive manufacturing while supporting climate and net‑zero transition objectives.
  • Stable and competitive business environment
    Predictable regulation, strong intellectual property protection and transparent institutions support long‑horizon investment decisions.
  • Leadership in industrial automation
    Sweden has deep expertise in industrial automation and robotics, supporting highly automated, flexible and efficient production systems.
  • Digitalisation and technology edge
    Advanced connectivity and digital infrastructure enable data‑driven manufacturing, smart factories and integrated value chains.
  • Access to highly skilled competence
    A well‑educated workforce, strong engineering tradition and continuous upskilling support advanced manufacturing and systems integration.
  • Strong research and development (R&D) capabilities
    Close links between industry, applied research and universities support product development, process optimisation and industrial innovation.
  • Resilience and supply chain security
    A diversified industrial base and strong local supplier networks reduce exposure to disruption and improve operational resilience.

Contact us about advanced manufacturing

#1 Most innovative country in the EU
#1 Manufacturing per capita in the world
#2 Largest robot density in Europe
98% Fossil-free electricity
A complete and future‑ready value chain

Sweden offers an end‑to‑end environment that supports advanced manufacturing investments across the full value chain:

Product and process development

Applied research and industrial engineering environments support the design and optimisation of products and production processes.

Automation and systems integration

Capabilities in robotics, automation and control systems enable efficient, scalable and flexible production setups.

Digital manufacturing operations

Connectivity and data infrastructure support monitoring, optimisation and integration of manufacturing operations.

Sustainable and circular production

Industrial practices and system solutions support resource efficiency, recycling and reduced environmental impact.

Testing and industrial scale‑up

Access to testbeds and pilot environments allows validation of technologies and processes before fullscale deployment.

The big gamechanger is that we can design any type of component. This opens up a world of opportunity. Hans Holmström, CEO, Siemens Industrial Turbomachinery
Sweden’s key advanced manufacturing hubs

Sweden’s advanced manufacturing is organised around specialised hubs nationwide. Each combines industry, research, testbeds and skills across the value chain, giving investors clear entry points based on technology focus, scale and maturity.

Stockholm–Mälardalen: Automation, robotics and smart manufacturing
A centre for industrial automation, robotics and digitalised manufacturing, combining advanced engineering talent with strong research, testbeds and global manufacturers. Well suited for R&D‑intensive manufacturing and pilot‑to‑production activities.

West Sweden: Industrial scale and automotive manufacturing
Sweden’s largest industrial hub, focused on automotive, heavy vehicles and large‑scale production. Dense supplier networks, strong OEM presence and export infrastructure support automation, digitalisation and industrial scale‑up.

Southern Sweden: Materials research and specialised manufacturing 
Combines world‑class materials research facilities with specialised manufacturing and precision engineering. Strong SME networks and cross‑border links to Denmark support materials innovation, process development and flexible production.

Northern Sweden: Sustainable materials and battery manufacturing
A hub for energy‑intensive and sustainability‑driven manufacturing, with access to fossil‑free electricity, raw materials and industrial land. Strong clusters in metals, minerals and batteries support large‑scale, low‑carbon production.

Opportunities for investment and expansion

Sweden offers clearly defined opportunities for investors looking to build, scale and anchor advanced manufacturing capabilities in Europe. These opportunities align strong industrial demand with environments designed for long‑term development and scale.

Sensing, quality and metrology systems

Opportunities exist to build platform‑based solutions that integrate sensors, software and analytics for industrial quality control and inspection. Sweden’s strong metrology base and industrial customer proximity support co‑development, validation and scaling of advanced measurement systems.

Industrial IoT and connectivity platforms

Investment opportunities focus on applied software R&D, system integration and smart factory solutions rather than standalone hardware. Sweden’s digitally mature industries provide real‑world environments for developing predictive maintenance, digital twins and connected production systems.

Robotics and industrial automation

There is potential to expand robotics platforms, mid‑market automation solutions and software‑driven control systems. Sweden’s automation leadership and systems integration capability support investments that strengthen scalability, flexibility and end‑to‑end automation.

Production technologies and precision engineering

Opportunities centre on advanced machining, additive manufacturing and digitally controlled finishing processes. Sweden offers a strong base for highprecision, exportoriented production technologies that improve productivity, quality and manufacturing resilience.

Precision and quantum manufacturing

Targeted investments include ultraprecision assembly, nanomanufacturing and cryogenic systems linked to advanced research and industrial applications. Sweden provides a credible environment for scaling niche, highvalue manufacturing technologies where precision and reliability are critical.

How we help you establish and scale in Sweden 

We support international companies throughout the establishment and expansion process in Sweden. As a long‑term partner, we help you navigate local conditions, reduce risk, and move efficiently from planning to operation.

  • Market and opportunity assessment
    Assess market potential, policy conditions, and strategic fit for advanced manufacturing investments in Sweden and Europe.
  • Site selection and location analysis
    Compare locations based on talent availability, infrastructure, connectivity, and ecosystem strengths.
  • Partner and ecosystem introductions
    Connect with technology partners, research environments, innovation hubs, and public stakeholders.
  • Regulatory and stakeholder coordination
    Support dialogue with relevant authorities and help navigate regulatory and operational considerations.
  • Expansion and long‑term growth support
    Support follow‑on investments, scaling, and strategic repositioning over time.

Our role is to help you move forward with clarity and confidence. Support is tailored to your needs and delivered in close dialogue.

Frequently asked questions about advanced manufacturing

Is there access to skilled talent for advanced manufacturing in Sweden?

Yes. Sweden offers access to a highly skilled workforce across engineering, production and technical roles. Companies can recruit from universities, applied sciences institutions, vocational programmes and experienced industrial professionals.

How can companies access Sweden’s innovation capability and industrial ecosystem?

Sweden provides structured access to innovation through testbeds, industrial research collaborations and companies with specialist expertise. These environments support codevelopment, testing and validation in close cooperation with industry and academia. 

Are suitable industrial sites available for manufacturing investments?

Yes. Sweden offers a range of industrial sites suitable for manufacturing, expansion and advanced production. Site selection can be adapted to different operational needs, including infrastructure, logistics and proximity to suppliers or customers.

Is there reliable access to green electricity for industrial production?

Yes. Sweden has strong availability of fossilfree electricity, supporting energyintensive manufacturing and longterm sustainability objectives. This enables companies to align production with decarbonisation and netzero strategies.

How competitive are operating costs such as labour, energy and utilities?

Operating costs in Sweden are transparent and predictable, enabling companies to build robust business cases. Business Sweden supports investors with highlevel cost benchmarks for labour, electricity, water and other key inputs.

How does Business Sweden support foreign investors in Sweden?

Business Sweden helps companies navigate the Swedish landscape and connect with relevant stakeholders. Support includes guidance on regulations, site selection, talent access, innovation environments and coordination with public and private partners.

Talk to me about advanced manufacturing
Program Manager Jenny Kjellberg
Business Sweden can support you

Across strategy, execution and risk as you invest in Sweden. If you are preparing for your next step, we are ready to discuss how we can support your plans.