Smart Specialisation in Swedish Regions as a Governance Tool for Societal Transformation

This article investigates how smart specialisation strategies (S3) in the Swedish regions are evolving to align with the European Green Deal (EGD) and its transformative ambitions for sustainable development. Drawing on a content analysis of 14 S3 strategies from seven regions across two EU programme periods (2014–2020 and 2021–2027), the study explores the integration of EGD focus areas and cross-sectoral transformative goals. The analysis reveals that, while energy, industry, and food systems are commonly addressed, the extent and manner of integration vary significantly across regions, reflecting differences in industrial structures, governance capacities, and regional trajectories. Although traditional innovation approaches focusing on technological development remain dominant, there are emerging signs of mission-oriented and systemic ambitions, such as circular economy models and bioeconomy transitions. However, the inclusion of broader societal actors and values, which is central to transformative innovation policy, remains limited. The article concludes that, while S3 strategies in Sweden show incremental steps towards transformative change, substantial challenges remain if smart specialisation is to fully serve as a governance tool for societal transformation. These findings underscore the need for stronger regional governance capacities, cross-sectoral collaboration, and alternative pathway thinking to meet the ambitions of the EGD.