Big Science Sweden
Big Science Sweden (BiSS) is a national initiative to strengthen Swedens participation in large-scale international research facilities – driving innovation, enabling collaboration, and creating new business opportunities.
Sweden contributes financially to a number of major international research infrastructures that not only enable world-leading science but also push the frontiers of technology. These facilities purchase components, systems, and services worth tens of billions of kronor every year.
Big Science Sweden connects Swedish industry, academia, and research institutes with international research facilities. We facilitate interactions with these facilities, guiding Swedish companies and research groups to take part in technical development and procurement opportunities.
We act as a direct link to key technical and procurement contacts at the 13 research facilities where Sweden is a member country. Our team provides insights, support, and connections, helping Swedish companies and research groups turn their expertise into successful tenders, collaborations, and innovation projects.
Industrial Liaison Officers (ILO:s)
Many international research facilities have a network of Industrial Liaison Officers (ILOs). Each country that contributes financially to a facility appoints an ILO to the network. These officers serve as the official contact point between the facility and their national industry, ensuring that information about procurement and collaboration opportunities is communicated effectively.
At Big Science Sweden, our Industrial Liaison Officers possess deep technical expertise and a solid understanding of the complex challenges that characterise Big Science projects. They play a central role in connecting Swedish suppliers with facility representatives, providing early insights into upcoming tenders and supporting companies throughout the bidding and delivery process.
Business, Knowledge Transfer, and Careers
Big Science Sweden’s work is built on three core areas – Business, Knowledge Transfer, and Careers – that together strengthen Sweden’s role in international Big Science. We connect Swedish industry, academia, and research institutes with international research facilities, promote the exchange of technology and expertise, and support Swedish participation to build long-term competence and innovation.
Funding
BiSS is a publicly funded organisation. Its main financiers are the Swedish Research Council (Vetenskapsrådet) and the Swedish innovation agency Vinnova. BiSS also receives funding from Region Skåne, the Västra Götaland Region, and Region Västerbotten.
Partners
BiSS is organised as a consortium. Our partners are Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University, Luleå University of Technology, Uppsala University, RISE, the Association of Swedish Engineering Industries, the industrial development centre IUC Syd, and Region Skåne.