On May 26-28, Skövde will host Sweden's Innovation Riksdag 2026, one of the country's most important meeting places for innovation, sustainable development and collaboration. For three days, decision-makers, business, academia and the talents of the future will meet to discuss how we can tackle the greatest challenges of our time together.

A conference in a time that demands direction

This year's theme, The future playing field, focuses on Sweden's innovative strength in a rapidly changing world. With a hundred days to go before the election and major societal changes ahead of us, the conversations are about how we create long-term sustainable solutions together.

"The ability to adapt is crucial to how we meet the challenges and opportunities of the future. In Skaraborg, we are in the middle of a major transition, where industry, technology and society are developing at a rapid pace. During the Innovation Day in Skövde, we gather perspectives from business, academia, the public sector and, not least, the young generation, because it is together that we build the solutions of the future. Our ambition is that this is where new innovation ideas are born, while strengthening faith in the future and creating better conditions for more young people in our region to want and be able to help shape a sustainable and competitive society," says Ingi Jonasson, CEO of Science Park Skövde.

Innovation Day brings together perspectives from politics, business, academia and innovation environments, together with representatives from the young generation. The goal is clear: to strengthen Sweden's ability to meet the future.

"The solutions of the future are created in collaboration with the next generation, it is a prerequisite for moving forward in development," says Louise Samuelsson, project manager for Sweden's Innovation Riksdag in Skövde.

Three days in Skövde with a focus on the future

The program is based on three perspectives on the future, with each day building on the previous one:

Day 1: Securing the future
Focus on Sweden's role in a new global reality with issues of resilience, innovation and international competitiveness. The day also includes study visits linked to the region's industry and transition.

Day 2: Shaping the future
Technology, talent and systemic change are at the center. It discusses the choices needed for Sweden to remain a strong innovation nation.

Day 3: Building the future
From idea to implementation. Focusing on how innovation is put into practice and how we create sustainable solutions that make a real difference.

A meeting place for collaboration and new perspectives

The Innovation Riksdag creates space for both knowledge exchange and new collaborations. Leading voices from different parts of society - from international experts to Swedish politicians, entrepreneurs and industry representatives - will be on stage.

This year's speakers include:

- Benjamin P. Horton, internationally recognized climate expert
- Birna Jonsdottir, Digital Iceland
- Benjamin Dousa, Swedish Minister for Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade
- Lars Stenqvist, Senior Advisor at the Volvo Group
- Rickard Frisegård, CEO of Stunlock Studios
- Tove Jarl, Young Enterprise

Why Innovation Day is held in Skövde

It is no coincidence that the conference is organized in Skövde.

The city and region are a strong environment for innovation and transformation, with a unique combination of industry, technology, game development and close collaboration between academia, business and the public sector. It has established structures for developing ideas and putting them into practice.

At the same time, Skaraborg is in the midst of extensive development linked to industrial transition, skills supply and sustainable growth.

This makes Skövde a relevant and natural place for discussions about the future.

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