A Shared Vision of the Future

How can conflicting forces and interests be reconciled - and how can we chart a course toward a rational and secure society? Essay written for IVA as part of Swedish Futures - a vision for Sweden as a country of technology and innovation by 2035 by Professor Mats Benner, Lund University and Professor Sylvia Schwaag Serger, President of IVA.

The Academy

IVA has approximately 1,300 elected Swedish and international Fellows, along with 250 member companies on the Business Executives Council. We bring together leading engineers, economists, researchers, entrepreneurs and leaders in business and the public sector, who contribute generously to IVA’s operations through their intellectual capital and their engagement. IVA’s patron is HM The King.

The Academy’s Divisions

IVA’s approximately 1,000 Swedish Fellows are divided into 12 Divisions. The Divisions monitor and work on current issues in their specific fields, not least by organising seminars and other activities.

IVA’s Business Executives Council

The Business Executives Council roots IVA in the business community, making it an essential part of the Academy. The members make a strong contribution to the work of the Academy, and have considerable scope to influence issues in areas such as business, education and research policy.

Interested in the Business Executives Council?

Being a member of the Business Executives Council puts you at the heart of IVA’s network which, in addition to around 250 company representatives at executive level, comprises close to 1,300 Swedish and international Fellows of IVA.

IVA’s Student Council

The Student Council is a meeting place for socially engaged engineering and economics students who want to help develop ideas for Sweden’s future, by taking part in IVA’s discussions and work.

Governance and management

IVA’s operations and mandate are regulated by the Academy’s statutes. IVA is governed by a Presidium that serves as the Academy’s board. The highest decision-making body at IVA is the Assembly of the Academy. IVA’s Secretariat and the Secretariat’s management team work to support the Academy’s operational activities, as well as driving development and change management work.

The history of IVA

Sweden’s second youngest Royal Academy, the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), was founded as recently as 1919, but is nevertheless the world’s oldest engineering academy.

Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs are the drivers of progress towards the businesses of the future. IVA inspires and creates the conditions for more people to become entrepreneurs.

Research and Innovation

Research and innovation are key to competitiveness and prosperity – and require collaboration between the worlds of academia and business. Successful collaborations on research results that lead to innovations and business development strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness and contribute to positive social development.

Building and Construction

In the field of building and construction, IVA applies a broad perspective and systems thinking to subjects such as the cities of the future and sustainable construction.

A meeting place for Sweden’s future

IVA seminars and events

IVA arranges seminars and other events, which in most cases are free of charge and open to everyone. In many cases, you can choose to participate on site or remotely via streaming - live or afterwards. Most events are held in Swedish.

Global Foresight in a Shifting Geopolitical Landscape

IVA North Seminar in Kiruna: Space and AI

IVA's Annual Meeting Festivities

Magnets for a Sustainable World

Science & Society Forum 2024

Meet AI Researcher, Professor Yoshua Bengio

IVA's Annual Meeting 2024