Swecare & Health by Sweden
Sweden is a global leader in life science, public health and innovation. Our healthcare system is known for its high quality, accessibility and sustainability—and for putting patients and professionals at the centre. From cutting-edge medical technology to pioneering elderly care, Sweden has long combined knowledge with compassion. Ready to see how Sweden can inspire better health globally? Health by Sweden is your gateway to Sweden’s healthcare ecosystem. Dive in and connect with us!✨
Join Sweden & Swecare
Join Sweden in Transforming Global Health
We invite high-impact partners to connect and collaborate in advancing precision medicine, connected health, and infection control. Will you join Sweden in shaping the future of healthcare?
About Swecare
Swecare is a unique non-profit platform that brings together the public sector, academia and private companies to strengthen international collaboration and promote Swedish healthcare and life science abroad.
Founded in 1978 by the Swedish government and industry, Swecare now connects over 100 members ranging from startups to university hospitals, regional authorities and global health companies. Our members represent the full healthcare spectrum, including biotech, medtech, pharma, and care services.
We operate through Sweden’s triple helix model, where joint efforts between sectors drive innovation, tackle global health challenges, and increase Sweden’s international competitiveness.
🌍 Explore our events and find out more at www.swecare.se
OUR VISION
Swecare’s vision is a world with good health on equal terms as well as access to high quality and sustainable health care.
OUR MISSION
Swecare seeks to contribute to increased export of Swedish products, services and knowledge within health care.
Swedish Healthcare & Life Science
Sweden provides healthcare for a population of 10.5 million and is consistently ranked among the world’s top healthcare systems. Continuous innovation and investment in cutting-edge technology drive ongoing improvements in access, quality, and efficiency.
Swedish Healthcare: An overview
Sweden’s health system is grounded in universal access, equity, and evidence-based, high-quality care delivered as efficiently as possible. These principles are also reflected in the products and services offered by Swedish health and life science companies. Healthcare professionals are highly trained and work in collaborative, patient-centred teams ensuring coordinated care across the system.
Swedish healthcare and life science companies are committed to sustainable solutions. Sweden is recognised as one of the world’s leading research nations and has a long tradition of life science innovation. Groundbreaking Swedish contributions - such as the pacemaker, stereotactic radiosurgery, omeprazole and beta blockers - have improved the health and quality of life for millions around the world.
Over the past decade, Sweden has made significant investments in life science infrastructure. Key examples include the national research centre SciLifeLab, a robust system of quality registries, as well as infrastructure for clinical trials and biobank networks that support both research and innovation.
Create a healthier future with Sweden
Sweden’s life science sector includes over 1,000 companies employing around 40,000 people from global corporations to dynamic start-ups. These companies excel in areas such as biotech, drug development, diagnostics, medtech, and digital health solutions.
A key to Sweden’s success is its strong culture of collaboration between healthcare providers, researchers, academia and industry. Life science is one of Sweden’s most important export sectors and a major contributor to the economy. With a focus on sustainability, innovation and global health challenges, Swedish healthcare and life science actors offer proven, forward-looking solutions to the world.
The future is now
Sweden aims to be a global leader in life science driving innovation and setting the standard for advanced, sustainable healthcare. With cutting-edge digital capabilities, world-class universities and strong public–private collaboration, Sweden offers a uniquely fertile environment for life science breakthroughs.
7%
Pharmaceutical exports have grown strongly in Sweden and have more than doubled over the past 10 years. Figures show that 2022, Pharmaceutical exports account for roughly seven percent of total exports.
99%
of all prescriptions in Sweden are digital.
#3
Karolinska Hospital’s European ranking in life sciences and medicine and eighth in the world.
Sweden at a glance
A small country with global health impact
👥 Population: 10.5 million
🌟 2nd most innovative economy in the world
🌱 #1 in global sustainability competitiveness
💡 Pioneer in medical innovation
🧬 23% of life science employees are foreign-born
🚚 SEK 149.5 billion in life science exports
🏥 Universal healthcare since 1955
Quiz
Sweden introduced universal healthcare in 1975.
The correct answer is ❌ False. Universal healthcare was adopted in 1955.
Was Swecare founded in 1978?
The correct answer is ✅True. Swecare was founded in 1978 by the Swedish government and the health care industry together as a semi-governmental non-profit organization.
Sweden is ranked as the 2nd most innovative economy in the world.
The correct answer is ✅ True. (Global Innovation Index, WIPO)
Was the Ministry of Health and Social Affairs one of Swecare's founders?
The correct answer is ✅True. The Ministry of Health and Social Affairs, Ministry of Commerce, County federation and a number of industry representatives founded Swecare to meet the high international interest we require for Swedish solutions in healthcare.
Over 70% of Swedish exports go to Europe.
The correct answer is ✅ True.
Does Swecare have over 100 Swedish members?
The correct answer is ✅True. Today, Swecare has more than 100 Swedish companies and organizations in its network. The members represent the entire health care spectrum – from the small startup company to university hospitals, regions, and global corporations, working with everything from biotech to medical technology, pharmaceuticals, and health care services.
There are over 3,900 life science companies in Sweden.
The correct answer is ✅ True. Employing around 52,000 people (2022).
Is it true that Swecare work to promote exports and internationalization of Swedish health care?
The correct answer is ✅True. Swecare seeks to contribute to increased export of Swedish products, services and knowledge within health care.
Sweden is the origin of breakthrough medical innovations like the pacemaker and omeprazole.
The correct answer is ✅ True Sweden is a pioneer in medical technology.
Swecare's latest publications and ongoing projects

A concerted effort for long-term excellence, competitiveness and increased patient benefit
On 7 November 2024, the Swedish government launched an updated strategy for life sciences in Sweden. The strategy was first presented in December 2019 with the ambition of establishing Sweden as a leading life sciences nation. The strategy has now been updated with the aim of contributing to excellence, long-term competitiveness and enhanced patient benefit in Sweden.
A concerted effort for excellence, long-term competitiveness and increased patient benefit (pdf 15 MB)
AI in Healthcare - A blessing or a curse? Sweden at a glance
In this episode, we will look closer upon the opportunities of AI and digitalization and explore how Sweden turned from being one of the poorest countries in Europe - to a frontrunner in digitalization of healthcare.
Swecare podcast - episode 1
Why has Sweden fostered so many succesful innovations?
The Swedish start-up scene is vibrant and generates more life science companies per capita than any other country. Who could imagine that the Swedes, known to be moderate, typically avoid drawing attention to their own accomplishments and definitely not brag about success – are the ones ending up at the very top? In this episode we will uncover why Sweden has fostered so many successful innovations.
Swecare podcast - episode 2
Healthcare at a distance: Exploring remote patient monitoring
In this episode we will look into how remote patient monitoring can transform healthcare systems and handle more patients with fewer resources but equally important, how it empowers patients and improves their quality of life.
Swecare podcast - episode 3
Treating and Defeating cancer - the Swedish way
As part of Swecare's work to showcase areas of excellence in Swedish healthcare and life science, we have created this interactive brochure on cancer care and Swedish solutions.
Treating and Defeating cancer - the Swedish way
Infection Prevention and Control - the Swedish Way
Swecare continues to showcase Swedish solutions in Infection Prevention and Control and for the global fight against Antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Several examples are gathered in this interactive brochure.
Infection Prevention and ControlSweden’s national life science strategy
"Sweden aims to be a leading life sciences nation. Life sciences contribute to improving health and quality of life of the population, ensuring economic prosperity, advancing the country as a leading knowledge nation and achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development."
Listen to Ebba Busch, Minister for Energy, Business and Industry and Deputy Prime Minister, Jakob Forssmed, Minister for Social Affairs and Mats Persson, Minister for Education, at the life sciences conference in the era of personalised medicine during the Swedish EU-Presidency 2023.
Visit www.regeringen.se/lifescience