Changes in the global security landscape, pandemics, and geopolitical conflicts have shown how quickly crises can unfold. Understanding, anticipating, and managing risks has now become a critical task – not just for politicians and the armed forces, but also for businesses, organizations, and individuals. That is why SSE is establishing the Center for Security and Resilience.

The center will contribute with research on how Sweden and other open democracies can become better at managing risks and building resilience. This includes everything from critical infrastructure and cybersecurity to supply chains, disinformation, and organizational crisis preparedness. The goal is to create solutions that work before, during, and after a crisis, based on strong collaboration between the private sector, public institutions, and civil society.

“We want to understand how to build societies and organizations that can not only withstand crises but also learn and grow from them,” says Martin Carlsson-Wall, Professor at the Stockholm School of Economics and Director of the new center.

Fast but responsible governance as a key to collaboration

Swedish security policy has shifted rapidly in recent years. The war in Ukraine, NATO membership, and increasing geopolitical tensions have led to larger budgets for both military and civil defense. This raises an important question: how can we organize and govern this work so our total defense can develop both rapidly and responsibly? A core theme for the new center will be how financial and operational management can support cooperation across society.

“Research, defense, and industry must collaborate. Sweden needs new knowledge to face tomorrow’s threats,” says Lars Strannegård, President of the Stockholm School of Economics.

One area that needs rapid but responsible development is the supply chains that support total defense. Everything from components to maintenance must be available even in times of crisis. Requirements for performance, availability, and servicing must be clearly defined early on, which demands close cooperation between suppliers and authorities. Research at the center will provide insights into how these requirements can be defined during procurement. Sometimes the second-best option is actually the best – because it is sustainable over time. It is about balancing cost-efficiency with long-term resilience.

Innovation, cybersecurity, and new business models

Innovation, cybersecurity, and business models are also areas where fast but thoughtful development is needed. The war in Ukraine has shown how quickly civilian technology can be adapted for military use. Drones and apps have been used effectively – but have also come under attack. The center will explore how innovation can become faster, more affordable, and more secure – through new business models and better cybersecurity.

“To meet today’s security threats, military capability isn’t enough. We also need knowledge, collaboration, and resilient societies. That’s why we are proud to support this initiative,” says Michael Claesson, Supreme Commander of the Swedish Armed Forces.

Mikael Frisell, Director General of the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), agrees:

“Research and innovation generate new solutions for total defense and help strengthen Sweden’s defense capability and resilience. The center’s close collaboration with both private and public actors is a strong foundation for making real and timely contributions.”

The center is supported by, among others, the Swedish Armed Forces, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB), Saab, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and AFRY. This cooperation gives the center access to both hands-on experience and strategic perspectives from key players in Sweden’s total defense system.

For more information, please contact:

Martin Carlsson-Wall
Professor and Director, Center for Security and Resilience
Email: martin.carlsson-wall@hhs.se
Phone: +46-730 440 900

About the Stockholm School of Economics

The Stockholm School of Economics is rated as a top business school in the Nordic and Baltic countries and enjoys a strong international reputation. World-class research forms the foundation of our educational offering, which includes bachelor, master, PhD, MBA, and Executive Education programs. Our programs are developed in close cooperation with the business and research communities, providing graduates substantial potential to attain leading positions in companies and other organizations. 

The School is accredited by EQUIS, certifying that all of its principal activities – teaching as well as research – maintain the highest international standards. The Stockholm School of Economics is also the only Swedish member institution of CEMS and PIM, which are collaborations between top business schools worldwide, contributing to the level of quality for which our school is known. 

Press contact

Ylva Mossing
Content and Media Relations Manager
Email: ylva.mossing@hhs.se
Phone: +46 730 97 26 16

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