APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090022-2
Science
A. General (U/OU)
Sweden enjoys an impressive position in the field of science and technology, ranking well ahead of the other Scandinavian countries. It has made many important contributions to science, and several Swedish scientists have been recipients of the Nobel prizes, derived from funds provided by the Nobel Foundation of Sweden. Because of the rapid growth of scientific research in many other countries, the overall impact of the Swedish scientific effort on worldwide science and technology has decreased, but the quality of scientific research remains very high. A country of the size of Sweden with a population of 8 million cannot have the financial resources or the number of technically trained personnel to compete effectively in all scientific fields with such countries as the United States, the United Kingdom, the U.S.S.R., or West Germany. Nevertheless, efficient management of limited resources, well-equipped research facilities, and excellent scientific manpower have contributed to a strong research and development capacity.
Swedish leaders are aware of the rapid progress of science and technology and of the impact of advancing technology on social progress and economic development. Because the growth of the population is slow and the level of employment is high, further expansion of the economy must come mainly from more advanced technological methods, the development of new skills, and improved utilization of manpower. Research is being deliberately stimulated and directed toward meeting national needs, and both private industry and the government are cooperating in the endeavor. The government has set up a mechanism to give greater direction to the planning and coordinating of research and has undertaken programs for the expansion of higher educational facilities.
Most of the research is of an applied nature, although some excellent basic research is done in the medical, biological, and physical sciences. Outstanding research is underway in biochemistry and limnology. Sweden is close to attaining world leadership in the fields, paralleling its traditional prominence in the biomedical sciences.
Sweden cooperates internationally in scientific affairs on a bilateral basis as well as with multilateral organizations such as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the European Nuclear Energy Agency (ENEA), the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), and the Southern European Observatory. It is a member of the principal international astrogeophysical organizations. Sweden also participates in the European Space Research Organization (ESRO), but is not a member of the European Launcher Development Organization (ELDO). Although there have been some indications that Sweden might discontinue its ESRO membership and concentrate on a national program of space research, it has agreed to participate in the various programs at ESRO at least until 1974. Sweden is a member of the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) and the Scandinavian Council for Applied Research, which was set up in 1947 to promote cooperation in scientific research and development among the Scandinavian countries. Swedish scientists take an active part in international scientific
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APPROVED FOR RELEASE: 2009/06/16: CIA-RDP01-00707R000200090022-2
