About the Knowledge Foundation
We strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness
What we do
In 1994, the Knowledge Foundation was one of several research foundations established using the capital from Sweden’s dismantled wage-earner funds. Our mission from day one has been to fund research and competence development conducted in collaboration with business sector partners at Sweden’s university colleges and newer universities.
Supporting research and competence development
Today, the Foundation offers a portfolio of nine funding programmes. Some are primarily focused on research, while others support the development of education at second and third cycle levels. When necessary, special calls for proposals may also be announced. All calls are open to project proposals across all academic and professional fields.
Projects that benefit the business sector
Co-productionThe basis of our operations
Co-production forms the basis of our operations. The projects we fund must be designed and implemented in close collaboration between academia and the business sector, usually with co-funding from the participating business actors.
Why co-produce?
Co-production gives researchers and business actors an insight into and an understanding of each other’s needs. This also provides better conditions for research to be implemented and contribute to innovation, development, and renewal.
Get to know the Knowledge Foundation
Organisation
The Knowledge Foundation has 14 employees, and the office is located in Stockholm. Our operations, divided into three units, are led by CEO Eva Schelin. The board is the highest decision-making body and consists of ten members including the chairman. Alongside the board, there is a capital committee that manages the foundation's investments.
An accessible funder
We strive for close dialogue with our target universities and their business partners. You are always welcome to reach out to us – for everything from project administration to strategic dialogues.
Analysis and evaluation
DocumentsAnalysis to improve our activities
The Knowledge Foundation conducts analysis and evaluation to develop our programmes and initiatives for the best possible impact on academia, industry, and society. For example, we examine how the initiatives contribute to the business actors’ knowledge and skills and how the funding has strengthened research and educational environments.
3,500 projects since the start
In 2023, the KK Foundation granted SEK 323 million in project funding to 14 universities. In total, 351 projects funded by the foundation were underway across Sweden. Since our inception in 1994, we have financed approximately 3,500 projects. You can read more in our annual report