Innovation Strategist with a Focus on Collaboration

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. The research spans several areas, such as underwater, cyber defense, space, electronic warfare, sensor systems, civil defense, CBRNe (chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive materials), military platforms including weapons and protection, as well as security policy analyses. FOI's research plays a key role in building Sweden's defense capability.

Do you want to contribute to the public sector and companies together implementing new technology for enhanced defense capability? Do you want to work strategically at the interface between innovation, technology, and collaboration? Then this role might be for you. FOI offers a developing and knowledge-intensive work environment and a socially important mission!

About the Position

To strengthen our ability to identify and implement new opportunities in practice, we are seeking an innovation strategist with a particular focus on collaboration with companies. The role involves contributing to the development and advancement of the agency's innovation work, primarily aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises. In this role, you need to understand both the agency's needs and conditions as well as the perspectives of companies. You are expected to navigate between innovation, technology, law, and business development while simultaneously contributing to the development of our internal working methods and structures for collaboration.

An important part of the assignment is to clarify and strengthen the agency's interface with companies and to follow and analyze external developments in technology and innovation.

Your Responsibilities Include

• Developing conditions for innovation in collaboration between authorities and companies, both structurally and operationally and legally
• Developing FOI's interface, working methods, and processes in relation to companies
• Identifying and analyzing best practices, nationally and internationally, for collaboration between authorities, companies, and other relevant actors
• Contributing to the development of working methods for how needs are identified, new solutions are tested, and implemented in operations
• Participating in external forums, networks, and demonstration arenas to develop FOI's contacts and capture ideas and opportunities for enhanced defense innovation.

About the Unit

You will be part of the Office for Innovation Coordination, which is part of the Director General's management support.

Do You Have the Competence Profile We Need?

Requirements

• Academic education, such as engineering, in social sciences, economics, or another area deemed relevant by the employer
• Experience in leading or developing innovation work, technology-driven development, or equivalent change work
• Good understanding of the interplay between technology, business, and organizational development
• Experience working at the interface between different areas of expertise and organizations
• Good ability to express yourself verbally and in writing in Swedish and English

We are looking for someone who is analytical and structured with the ability to grasp complex issues and translate analyses into clear choices and working methods. You are curious and aware of your surroundings and keep yourself updated on developments in technology and innovation, both nationally and internationally. At the same time, you are proactive and driven, accustomed to leading development issues, and enjoy taking responsibility for work from idea to implementation. The role also requires good collaboration skills and the ability to create trusting relationships, as the work is conducted in close dialogue with both internal and external actors. You can translate ideas into concrete results and contribute to developing working methods that create real benefits and renewal.

Meritorious

• Experience in collaboration between the public sector and companies
• Knowledge of innovation systems, start-ups, or technology-intensive companies
• Experience working in the defense, security, or public sector

What Do We Offer You?

The Total Defence Research Institute (FOI) is a government agency conducting world-leading research in defense and security to support Sweden's military and civil defense. We offer a unique workplace where you have the opportunity to work on what is important for total defense and society as a whole. The research is applied both within defense authorities and among civilian actors and plays a crucial role in building a relevant and effective defense capability.

We consciously work for a good work environment with a good balance between work and private life. In addition, we offer a range of benefits. Read more about what it's like to work with us: Work with us (https://www.foi.se/jobba-hos-oss.html)

The position is a permanent employment that may begin with a six-month probationary period.

Do you want to be part of seeking answers for a safer world?

Welcome with your application in the form of a CV and cover letter, in Swedish, via the application button no later than April 9!

For more information about the position, please contact Innovation Director Karin Nygren. Union representatives are David Sundell (Saco-S) and Magnus Lindström (OFR/S – ST). All can be reached at 08-555 030 00.

As the position is classified, Swedish citizenship is required. Security screening with background checks will be conducted before employment in accordance with the Security Protection Act (2018:585). Before the security screening, certified copies of relevant education and service certificates will be requested.

FOI is an authority whereby submitted application documents become public documents that can be disclosed to outsiders upon request in accordance with the Public Access to Information and Secrecy Act.

Offers from recruitment companies are not welcome.