SSE Policy Lab

Policy Lab is the House of Governance and Public Policy's invitation-only roundtable dinner event. We selectively invite experts from industry, academia, and public decision-making to share their insights in an open-ended discussion format, moderated by a faculty expert. The tone is informal yet informed, encouraging thoughtful exchange.

Policy Labs 2026

May 5, 2026

Theme: Strengthening school health services in practice

Thirty senior representatives from education, healthcare, government, academia, and civil society gathered to discuss how Sweden's proposed reforms to school health services can be successfully implemented. Against the backdrop of rising mental health challenges among children and young people, the discussion focused on how schools can provide earlier, more coordinated support while translating policy ambitions into everyday practice.

Participants agreed that stronger school health services require more than increased funding. While new research presented at the seminar showed that greater investment can reduce the most severe mental health problems among students, it also highlighted that many vulnerable students remain overlooked. Discussions emphasized the need for a clearer mandate for school health services, earlier interventions, stronger multidisciplinary collaboration, improved access to specialist expertise, and effective school leadership. Participants also explored how digital solutions and regional support structures could help schools address growing needs despite persistent staffing shortages.

The dinner seminar was organized by the Karl-Adam Bonnier Center for Governance in cooperation with the Center for Educational Leadership and Excellence at the Stockholm School of Economics.

March 17, 2026

Theme: Sweden's infrastructure and industrial policy in a new geopolitical reality

Thirty senior leaders from government, industry, academia, and public agencies gathered to discuss how Sweden should strengthen its infrastructure and industrial policy in response to a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Against the backdrop of increased security challenges, NATO membership, and major investment needs, participants explored the state's role in enabling long-term competitiveness and societal resilience.

Discussions highlighted the need for stronger public-private collaboration, more strategic state leadership, and governance structures that support long-term investment across electoral cycles. Energy systems, transport infrastructure, digital infrastructure, and civil preparedness emerged as key priorities, alongside the importance of clearer political direction, faster decision-making, and greater coordination between public actors. Participants also emphasized that trust, shared responsibility, and robust governance will be essential to strengthening Sweden's competitiveness, security, and resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.

The dinner seminar was organized by the Karl-Adam Bonnier Center for Governance in cooperation with the House of Innovation at the Stockholm School of Economics.