Research is often carried out through collaboration, bringing together organisations with complementary expertise and capabilities to achieve shared results. FOI collaborates with research institutes, universities, companies, public authorities and international organisations, both in Sweden and abroad. At the European level, FOI participates in EU research projects within the Commission’s research framework programmes, which are organised in seven-year cycles.

The type of cooperation projects that FOI participates in at EU level can be initiated, for example, through the European Commission’s research programme calls. The objective is to strengthen European competitiveness and harmonise certain activities within the Union. FOI has long experience working in this kind of context and has a well-established network with other actors.

The Commission’s ongoing framework programme for research and innovation is called “Horizon Europe” and runs from 2021 to 2027. During this programme period, the new European Defence Fund is also expected to have major significance. The purpose of the fund is to promote competitiveness and innovation in defence and technology. During the programme period, the fund will be supporting various research projects with a total of approximately 8 billion euros.