SEDU Centre for Capability Development and Innovation

The Swedish Defence University is establishing a new centre for capability development and innovation. The aim is to bring together expertise, strengthen collaboration, and contribute to the development of future defence in a time of rapidly evolving security challenges.

Bringing together research, education and collaboration

Capability development and innovation are central issues for both military defence and total defence. At the same time, they span multiple disciplines and involve a wide range of stakeholders.

The new centre will serve as a shared hub where research, education and collaboration converge. By bringing these activities together, better conditions are created for developing new knowledge—and ensuring that it is put to practical use.

A meeting place for stakeholders in capability development

The goal is for the Swedish Defence University to be a natural meeting place and partner in matters relating to capability development. This covers the entire field—from doctrine and organisation to education, materiel and leadership—and is aimed at government, public authorities, industry, academia and research institutes.

Initially, the centre will focus on capability development and defence innovation. The emphasis will be on creating enabling conditions and contributing to the development of defence systems and innovation environments. In the longer term, the ambition is also to work more closely with military application in ongoing operations. At the same time, research will encompass the entire field from a theoretical perspective.

From research to practical benefit

The centre will work to:

• initiate and develop new research projects
• highlight ongoing research
• disseminate knowledge to relevant stakeholders
• contribute to the use of research results in education
• organise seminars, conferences and other meeting forums

The aim is to strengthen the link between theory and practice—and to contribute to the tangible development of capabilities in defence and security.

Strong collaboration—internally and externally

The centre brings together expertise from several parts of the Swedish Defence University and works closely with external partners, including the Swedish Armed Forces and Vinnova. This enables interdisciplinary work and helps align research more closely with real-world needs.

Launch in 2026

The Centre for Capability Development and Innovation will be launched on 1 April 2026 and will initially be established for a period of three years.

The Director is Rickard Stridh, with Ingrid Kihlander as Deputy Director.