This case study, one of four, examines Sweden’s approach to digital capabilities. It identifies lessons that can be drawn from Sweden’s experience and approach.

Enabling NATO Digital Capabilities

Lessons from Swedish investment in digital capabilities for defence

Judith Huismans, Rebecca Lucas, Ondrej Palicka, Sarah Winder, Erik Silfversten

ResearchPublished Jan 21, 2026

Ahead of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)’s Summit in The Hague, Microsoft commissioned a range of think tanks and research organisations to conduct projects examining digital capability across defence. The projects are intended to help to better articulate how NATO and its members can progress the development of digital capabilities and encourage informed dialogue before and after the Summit. As part of this effort, RAND Europe proposed to write papers across three aspects of digital capability development.

This case study is one of four country-based deep dives that were written as part of Paper 1: this case study covers Sweden, while the other three cover Estonia, Finland, and Poland. Research for this document was based on a literature review, stakeholder interviews, and workshops. The short studies provide examples of how different NATO Allies have approached digital capability development. They are intended to be read alongside the other research papers as an addition or supplement.

Key Findings

  • Sweden’s published strategies for digitalisation provide a clear blueprint for where the country is aiming, and a guide for how resource can be matched to aims. The country’s high levels of digital skills speak to the success of dedicated funding for digital and cyber skills training and literacy.
  • The Swedish example highlights the importance of civil-military cooperation through its Total Defence concept.
  • The human element of digital capabilities is particularly pronounced in Sweden’s efforts to counter foreign information manipulation and influence (FIMI) operations.

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Huismans, Judith, Rebecca Lucas, Ondrej Palicka, Sarah Winder, and Erik Silfversten, Enabling NATO Digital Capabilities: Lessons from Swedish investment in digital capabilities for defence. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2026. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RRA3831-7.html.
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This research was sponsored by Microsoft and conducted within the Defence, Security and Justice Program within RAND Europe.

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