The Barometer report provides for example industry statistics, key metrics and forward-looking perspectives. It is based on a survey of executives from Swedish life science companies and provides insights that complement statistics from The Swedish Innovation Agency (Vinnova), with some of the report’s key takeaways drawing directly on Vinnova data.

“With 2026 being an election year, we have placed particular emphasis on strategic priorities and on conveying key messages from the industry to policymakers. Our focus has been on measures that can strengthen Sweden’s position as a leading life science nation,” writes the authors.

The share of female CEOs increased by 5 percentage points, since last year’s report, reaching 31%.

Key takeaways according to the report:

1. The Swedish life science industry makes a significant contribution to the Swedish economy, with net sales of 508 billion SEK and accounting for almost 10% of product exports, making it the second-largest export sector.

2. The majority of the 3,879 companies are small and young, but with significant potential in the form of intellectual assets, aiming for global markets.

3. The share of female CEOs increased by 5 percentage points, since last year’s report, reaching 31%.

4. Funding is a top concern with executives calling on policymakers to prioritize stronger funding structures, increased early-stage capital, and long-term financial stability.

5. While global biopharma financing rebounded in 2025, with Q4 among the strongest quarters in over four years, the Swedish life science industry did not experience the same momentum.

6. Executives are keen to understand AI’s impact on the industry, while the most sought after competencies are marketing and sales, R&D, business development and leadership.

The most sought after competencies are marketing and sales, R&D, business development and leadership.