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Research

We work for:

• material and process development, improved energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact 
• the strategic research programmes to be industry-focused  
• the research to be based on the steel industry’s processes, products and markets, so-called needs-based research 
• the provision of key research environments for the steel industry at research institutes, universities and institutes of technology 
• the development of networks linking steel companies, researchers, steel industry suppliers and customers.

In the face of ever increasing competition, it is crucial for Sweden’s steel industry to continue to develop cutting-edge expertise within the materials area. The main objectives of the joint Nordic steel research – led by Jernkontoret – are process development, increased energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact.

National research bodies are of great importance to the joint Nordic steel research and the provision of competence and skills for the sector. Strategic steel and energy research, with support from VINNOVA, the Swedish Energy Agency, Mistra and the Knowledge Foundation, has had very successful results and has generated a major dividend in the form of economic growth and new knowledge. 

Needs-based research covers both very long-term projects of a pure research character as well as more applied and industry-linked research projects. Such research is carried out at research institutes, universities and institutes of technology/technical universities in close collaboration with the steel industry and is essential for the long-term development of knowledge resources. It also creates the preconditions for international competitiveness.

Examples of essential research fields for the steel industry:

• Manufacturing processes and product realisation 
• Environmental impact 
• New advanced materials 
• Energy use 
• Utilisation of residual products 

At present, Swedish steel companies are amongst the most research-intensive in the world and every year just over one billion kronor is invested in research.

In order to retain and improve its market share the Swedish steel industry is investing strongly in the development of new products and applications.

Like other industrial sectors, the steel industry is becoming ever more internationalised with a substantial element of foreign ownership. International concerns choose to place their research in countries where there is a high standard of research and education. For this reason, it is important that Sweden – in future also – is able to rely on leading research environments and the provision of competence that are necessary for the steel industry’s continued investments in Sweden.