Sweden will be the driver of Europes knowledge economy and enjoy higher per-capita economic growth than other European nations over the coming decade, according to a new study.
Robert Huggins Associates, an economic think-tank based in Cardiff, Wales, measured European knowledge-based sector activity such as employment, patents, research and development expenditure, and property rents to compile an index of GDP per capita across the continent. According to the index, Sweden will be Europes prime success story between now and 2010, with a 15 percent increase in its relative GDP per capita − well ahead of nearest rivals Ireland on 9 percent, Finland on 8 percent and Luxembourg and the U.K. on 6 percent. Professor Robert Huggins, the reports main author, said Swedens high level of investment in research and development and technology was paying dividends and the countrys knowledge infrastructure was now largely in place. He praised the commercialization by universities of potential products and businesses, reflected in the fostering of an enterprise culture and a readiness to spin off promising businesses. Sweden was probably the best performer in Europe in terms of commercializing intellectual property, Prof. Huggins said. Sources: Financial Times, Robert Huggins Associates