The government's decision to halve funding for research and innovation in the transport sector has triggered extensive debate among researchers, industry organisations and politicians. In a memorandum, the Swedish Transport Administration summarizes reactions and media coverage following the adoption of the National Transport Infrastructure Plan for 2026–2037 in April.

In the Swedish Transport Administration's original proposal, SEK 7.4 billion was allocated to research and innovation over the coming twelve-year period. In the government's final decision, this amount was reduced to SEK 4 billion, despite the plan's overall budget of nearly SEK 1.2 trillion. 

After the decision was highlighted by Swedish Radio's Ekot programme in early May, criticism from researchers and representatives of the shipping industry quickly followed. Several stakeholders warned that lower research funding could result in fewer research projects, a weaker supply of expertise, and reduced opportunities to develop the transport systems of the future.

To the memorandum (in swedish)