How Twelve Years of Investments Made Their Mark
Hosting a national programme like IoT Sweden has given Uppsala University a unique position in Sweden's digitalisation landscape. This is something we want more colleagues to be aware of and also be able to benefit from, says Catrin Ditz att Uppsala University. Photo: Maria Bergenheim, Uppsala University.
Before today's surge of interest in AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) was one of the most talked-about areas within digitalisation. In 2014, IoT Sweden was launched as one of 17 national strategic innovation programmes aimed at increasing the diffusion and system-wide implementation of the Internet of Things within the Swedish public sector. On 19 March 2026, a large part of Sweden's digitalisation community will gather in the University Main Building for IoT Sweden's closing conference.
Internet of Things Sweden (IoT Sweden) has had a clear mission in its nearly twelve years: to create societal benefit through increased use of connected digital infrastructure, or the Internet of Things. Uppsala University has acted as the host for the programme.
"After twelve years of this programme, we have gained many insights about what is required for digital technology to deliver real value. We want to share that knowledge, especially with colleagues across the university," says Catrin Ditz, Programme Director of IoT Sweden and Collaboration Manager at Uppsala University.
From Hype to Everyday Practice
IoT Sweden is one of seventeen strategic innovation programmes working on solutions to global societal challenges and strengthening international competitiveness. The programmes are funded by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency and Formas. Since 2014, IoT Sweden has financed around 140 research and innovation projects with a total investment approaching half a billion kronor.
"Important advances have been made. IoT has moved from hype to becoming a natural part of day-to-day operations in the public sector. But there is still considerable untapped potential, and research has an important role to play here," says Catrin Ditz.
A Conference with Wide-Ranging Content
The conference opens with a talk by Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt, who will also take part in a panel discussion alongside the programme's funders. Mats Målqvist is professor of global health and the director of UUniCORN - Uppsala University Conflicting Objectives Nexus.
“UUniCORN contributes research on the goal conflicts that arise from the technology‑driven transition. To fully harness the opportunities of digitalisation, these conflicts must be highlighted. I therefore look forward to taking part in IoT Sweden’s final conference to learn more about what has been done and to discuss which research questions will be most important going forward,” says Mats Målqvist.
Catrin Ditz emphasises the significance of Uppsala University's role as host organisation:
"Hosting a national programme like IoT Sweden has given us a unique position in Sweden's digitalisation landscape. This is something we want more colleagues to be aware of and also be able to benefit from. Over the years, researchers at Uppsala University have taken part in many of IoT Sweden's projects," she says.
The conference offers discussions on the role of universities in innovation programmes and includes thematic sessions with examples from municipalities, government agencies, businesses and higher education institutions across the country. There is also a dedicated track highlighting the academic contributions the programme has made and exploring the research front of IoT-linked research.
The keynote speaker is the historian of ideas Sverker Sörlin, who will provide a broader perspective on the use of digital technology in society.
Maria Bergenheim
Open to all staff
The conference is free of charge for staff at Uppsala University. Registration is required to participate.