The innovative vector of the Nordic countries’ competitiveness: case of Sweden

Innovation and competitiveness are among key research topics in the social, economic and hu-manitarian fields. This article describes specific aspects of innovation policy in Sweden, one of the dynami-cally developing Northern European countries. This development is confirmed by the position of the coun-try in the global innovation and competitiveness rankings. It is shown that high position of Sweden arises from the successful use of its geographic location, the “welfare state” model put into practice, the effective interactions of the state, science, and business, the implementation of research policy, according to which universities and research, and educational centers, involved in technology clusters formation, play an im-portant role. The existing Arctic strategy developed in Sweden adds relevance to the research. The Arctic strategy states that “growth and competitiveness based on overcoming trade barriers, research and educa-tion system, as well as on international cooperation within the Arctic Council, the EU and the UN” will have crucial significance for the sustainable social and economic development of the state. From a practical point of view, the Swedish experience in the formation of an innovation economy, which includes northern re-gions as well, is of interest for the Russian subarctic areas. The article can be used for the educational pro-cess at universities. It is relevant for civil servants and researchers, economists and geographers involved in forecasting and territorial development of the northern regions.