Deadline: 27-Apr-2026
Vinnova is inviting applications for a capacity-building program to strengthen innovation and system renewal in top-level Swedish state administration. The call will fund one project only, with a total budget of SEK 2 million, for a 6–10 month project led by an individual actor or consortium, including public sector entities, non-economic organizations, and companies.
Overview
Vinnova has launched a funding opportunity to support a capacity-building program aimed at improving how the highest levels of state administration address complex societal challenges.
The call seeks an actor or group of actors that can design and deliver a structured program for senior government administration, using collaboration, shared methods, and practical experimentation.
Purpose of the Program
The initiative is intended to strengthen the capacity of top-level government administration to:
- Analyze and manage complex societal challenges
- Use system perspectives
- Develop common working methods
- Build shared problem understanding
- Conduct practical testing in real policy processes
- Identify and address system barriers
- Trial methods in a selected government pilot environment
The focus is not just on theory, but on applying methods in real-world policy settings.
Funding Amount
- Total available budget: SEK 2 million
- Number of projects to be funded: 1 project only
Only one proposal will be selected under this call.
Project Duration
Projects are expected to run for:
- 6 to 10 months
The project will begin only after the required matching phase is completed.
How the Process Works
This call includes a two-step implementation process:
- Proposal submission and selection
- Matching phase with a designated pilot environment in the highest state administration
Important:
The selected project will not start immediately after selection. It will begin only when:
- The matching phase is completed
- A suitable pilot environment is confirmed
- All formal eligibility requirements are fulfilled
Who Can Apply?
The call is open to an individual actor or a group of actors willing to take overall responsibility for the project.
Eligible Applicants
Applicants may include:
- Public sector entities
- Non-economic organizations
- Companies
- Consortia / groups of actors
The lead applicant must be prepared to manage the full design and delivery of the program.
Funding Conditions
Funding will be provided according to:
- Vinnova’s standard terms
- Applicable state aid regulations
The call specifically operates under:
- De minimis rules
- Support frameworks for non-economic activities
So applicants should be prepared to check compliance depending on their legal and operational status.
What Vinnova Is Looking For
Strong proposals should show the ability to:
- Build and deliver a high-quality capacity-building program
- Work effectively with senior government administration
- Apply system innovation approaches
- Facilitate structured collaboration
- Support practical testing and learning
- Help create new governance approaches for complex challenges
This is best suited to organizations with experience in public innovation, systems change, governance reform, facilitation, or policy experimentation.
Why This Grant Matters
This is a niche but important opportunity because it supports system-level transformation in government administration, not just standalone innovation projects.
It is especially relevant for organizations that can:
- Work at the intersection of policy, governance, and innovation
- Support institutional learning
- Design programs for senior decision-makers
- Test methods in real administrative environments
- Contribute to long-term public sector renewal
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Vinnova grant for?
It supports a capacity-building program to strengthen innovation and system renewal in the highest levels of state administration.
How much funding is available?
The total available budget is SEK 2 million.
How many projects will be funded?
Only one project will be selected.
How long can the project run?
The project duration is expected to be 6 to 10 months.
Who can apply?
Eligible applicants include public sector entities, non-economic organizations, companies, and groups of actors/consortia.
Can a consortium apply?
Yes. A group of actors may apply, provided they are willing to take overall responsibility for the project.
Does the project start immediately after selection?
No. The selected project first enters a matching phase with a designated pilot environment, and implementation starts only after that process is completed.
Conclusion
The Vinnova capacity-building call is a strong opportunity for organizations that can support innovation, systems thinking, and governance renewal within top-level Swedish state administration. With SEK 2 million available for one project, and a focus on practical experimentation in real policy environments, this opportunity is best suited for applicants with strong experience in public sector innovation and system transformation.
For more information, visit Vinnova.
