FOI’s collaboration with NATO

Through our research and innovation efforts, FOI contributes to strengthening NATO’s shared capabilities and ensuring its technological edge. We are active in NATO’s research structure, the Science and Technology Organization (STO). We were already involved in research collaborations with NATO even before Sweden became a member of the alliance. Now, as a full member, the partnership has deepened.

NATO’s research organisation: STO

NATO has its own research structure, the Science and Technology Organization (STO) External link, opens in new window., which is the world’s largest collaboration in security and defence research. Over 5,000 researchers and engineers from more than 40 nations work within this organisation to meet the alliance’s needs in science and technology. The goal is to generate, share, and spread scientific knowledge and technological innovation that enhances the alliance’s military capabilities through research partnerships.

The STO has three levels

  1. Science and Technology Board (STB): the highest level, which directs the STO’s activities. NATO’s Chief Scientist is the chairperson. The STB provides strategic guidance and decides on research programmes.
  2. Research Panels and Groups: the research panels within the STO initiate and lead research activities. Each panel is led by a representative from the member countries. FOI participates in several panels and is actively involved in many research activities.
  3. Activity Level: This is where concrete research projects and collaborations within the STO framework are carried out.

FOI’s contribution to NATO

  • Jens Mattsson, FOI’s Director General, represents Sweden on the STB.
  • Sweden is one of the most active nations, along with Norway, in the STO, and FOI coordinates Swedish participation. Most Swedish participants in STO activities are FOI employees.
  • FOI’s involvement with NATO also extends to other organisations outside the STO. Among other things, FOI conducts assignments for the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration, which is part of an organisation responsible for promoting collaboration between countries in the area of defence materiel.

Last updated: 2024-11-15