As is well known, building up total defence is a task in which all sectors of society are involved. In recent years, this work has intensified, with significant resources also being allocated to it. Universities, too, must adapt to the new societal challenges arising from the increased need for resilience, as well as the development of civil and military capabilities in order to cope with a more turbulent world.
Some time ago, the KTH Centre for total defence was established with the aim of increasing our visibility and capacity in matters relating to total defence. The Centre was also set up to gather and disseminate knowledge regarding relevant research and education. KTH is also responsible for Cybercampus Sweden, a national initiative that promotes research, education and innovation in the field of cyber security.
The Svenskt Krut centre was inaugurated this week at KTH, in collaboration with the FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration), the FOI (Swedish Defence Research Agency), and Swedish industry. The centre’s aim is to secure the national supply chain for the raw materials used in the production of nitrocellulose-based ammunition. The basic research required, which has a range of other applications, is well suited to a university environment given KTH’s expertise and research excellence built up over many years.
There are further examples of areas in which universities must take a more proactive approach to total defence needs today. They must also define what is and isn’t appropriate for them to work on. This is also important for the education sector, where the need for skills development and provision is becoming increasingly apparent as a result of the current international situation and geopolitical tensions.
Swedish research plays a long-term role in strengthening Sweden’s total defence and self-sufficiency. Svensk Krut is another piece of the jigsaw in this regard, where we, as a university, bring together the societal challenges we face with the successful research and education environments available at KTH.
