In an op-ed published in Dagens Industri on 8 June 2026, Fredrik Janse, CEO of SRS Security, and Daniel Persson, Head of Amyna at Ideon Science Park, argue that lengthy regulatory and certification processes are hindering Swedish dual-use companies developing technologies for both civilian and military applications.
Sweden is known for its strong innovation ecosystem and the many startups that contribute to employment and economic competitiveness. In light of the increasingly uncertain global security environment, dual-use products—goods and technologies with both civilian and military applications—have received growing attention. These products and services can be used for both civilian and defense purposes, and it is often very small companies and startups that succeed in developing truly unique innovations.
Sweden’s accession to NATO and Europe’s increased defense investments mean that Swedish technology companies now operate in a rapidly expanding international market where civilian innovation and defense capabilities frequently overlap. As a result, startups, research environments, and science parks are becoming increasingly important for both economic growth and Sweden’s defense capacity.
Dual-use companies are no longer a niche segment of the defense industry. They are becoming increasingly important for Swedish exports and competitiveness, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced materials, sensors, electronics, and autonomous systems. The Swedish government has described dual-use technologies as strategically critical for both national security and Sweden’s competitiveness, especially in relation to advanced technologies.
However, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, export controls and sanctions compliance requirements have become significantly stricter within both the EU and Sweden. As a result, the Swedish Inspectorate of Strategic Products (ISP) has taken on a larger role in reviewing investments and technology transfers from a security perspective.
While these reviews and procedures are necessary, they have become overly rigid. Many Swedish technology companies are now required to think and operate like “mini defense contractors,” even when their products are primarily civilian in nature. This is particularly true for drones and technologies related to AI, cybersecurity, quantum technology, telecommunications, and advanced electronics. Several examples illustrate the challenge:
If a company’s dual-use product falls under the EU Dual-Use Regulation, authorization from the ISP may be required before it can be exported outside the EU. In some cases, authorization is even required for sales within the EU. These regulations apply not only to physical products but also to software, technical drawings, know-how, and other forms of technology transfer. Unfortunately, ISP processing times for permit applications are often considerably long, negatively affecting sales, investment opportunities, and international collaborations.
Certain products and services also require NATO-related security approvals or certifications. In Sweden, these processes are largely overseen by the Military Intelligence and Security Service (MUST) and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). The challenge is that MUST and FMV are primarily interested in products and services that meet Sweden’s own defense needs. As a result, many companies are excluded from the process and must instead seek certification in another NATO member state. For small export-oriented companies, this creates an unnecessary and time-consuming administrative burden.
In addition to slowing business development, these delays also create security risks. Many investors are interested in the innovations developed by these companies, and for a small startup, it can be tempting to accept funding when an interested investor appears. The problem is that not all investors have good intentions. Companies that have developed unique technologies with defense applications risk becoming targets of infiltration and industrial espionage by foreign actors. In such cases, what begins as a business challenge can quickly become a national security concern for Sweden.
In other words, dual-use companies can find themselves in situations where they must comply with ISP export regulations, navigate NATO certification requirements, protect themselves against infiltration and industrial espionage, and at the same time operate as internationally competitive growth companies. That is a considerable burden to place on small startups.
These companies are also attractive acquisition targets for foreign buyers. Therefore, Sweden must create the conditions necessary to retain the technology, expertise, and jobs within the country. This is particularly important given our dependence on large American technology companies, which leaves both Sweden and Europe vulnerable.
The Swedish government recently revised its economic growth forecast downward, and considering the ongoing conflicts around the world, further downward revisions cannot be ruled out. The government should therefore take action to reduce ISP processing times, simplify NATO-related certification procedures, and create conditions that encourage dual-use companies to remain in Sweden. Otherwise, Sweden risks losing competitiveness, innovation capacity, and valuable jobs within this important future industry. We also risk increased intrusion by hostile actors, which could become a direct threat to Sweden’s national security.
This is a translation of a debate article written by Fredrik Janse, vd SRS Security, and Daniel Persson, Head of Amyna, Ideon Science Park, published by Dagens Industri on 8 June 2026.
