One thing is for sure, and that is that if these centres are to be effective, we must encourage the mobility of researchers. We hear much talk of the European research area, but if this is to become a reality, expertise must flow freely to where it is most required. It is well known that government policies can aid innovation or hamper it. In the 1970s Sweden had the 3rd-fastest growth among the OECD countries, but we have now dropped back to 17th. And our figures for start-ups are not that impressive.
Small firms find it much harder.
We have been used to working for large employers, whether in the private or public sector. So we have a lot to do to open up research to them. We have not supported innovation as such. What we have tried to do is to create an environment in which innovation and growth could spring up of their own accord, primarily by funding education and research in universities. Other policy initiatives have also had good side-effects on innovation.