Fintech on the Agenda as Minister for Financial Markets Visits Science Park Skövde
On February 17, Sweden’s Minister for Financial Markets, Niklas Wykman, visited Science Park Skövde and met with the park’s fintech forum. During the visit, discussions covered the opportunities and challenges facing the industry, as well as innovation and artificial intelligence.
The visit began with a presentation by the Minister, highlighting how Sweden’s financial market is often regarded as a role model within the EU - particularly when it comes to funded pension systems and broad household participation in equity and mutual fund savings. Sweden accounts for 13 percent of the EU’s total pension capital, despite representing only 2 percent of the Union’s population. Sweden is also at the forefront of digitalization and technological development, creating strong conditions for a dynamic and innovative fintech sector.
At the same time, Wykman emphasized the importance of sound legislation, clear regulations, and strong industry ethics. He pointed to two areas where policymakers must remain vigilant: the risk of individuals facing financial vulnerability, for example due to gambling addiction, easily accessible credit, and fast loan services, and the growing issue of fraud linked to financial and banking services.
Strong Interest in AI’s Impact on the Industry
Following the presentation, a dialogue was held with the fintech forum, consisting of Inexchange, Bricknode, Piktiv, DevCode, Silverspin, Aptic, Stacc Farm, Bizzdo, and Distancify. The latter two companies also participated in a more in-depth discussion, sharing their perspectives and experiences.
The Minister showed particular interest in how companies view AI’s impact on the financial sector - an area evolving rapidly. In discussions with Bizzdo, the concept of the “Death of SaaS” was raised, describing how the traditional Software-as-a-Service business model is being fundamentally reshaped by generative and agent-based AI. The shift does not imply that software will disappear, but rather that business models are evolving in step with technological advancement.
Bizzdo also took the opportunity to raise a concrete issue for the Minister’s consideration: making it easier for companies to apply for R&D funding with a clearer focus on innovation. Currently, the emphasis is often perceived to be on research rather than innovation-driven companies.
“What You’ve Achieved in Skövde Is Impressive”
Ahead of the visit, the Minister had familiarized himself with Skövde’s development and expressed appreciation for the local innovation climate.
“I did my homework before coming here, and what you’ve achieved in Skövde, both within fintech and games is impressive. You have demonstrated strong entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Niklas Wykman.
The visit gave local fintech companies the opportunity to share their perspectives directly at the national level, while also showcasing how innovation is developing in practice in the Skaraborg region.
“Our companies bring hands-on experience and firsthand knowledge of how technology is applied in real-world contexts. Having the opportunity to share this directly with the responsible minister is valuable for us and for the industry as a whole. It’s also encouraging to see national interest in what is happening here in Skövde and Skaraborg,” said Ingi Jonasson, CEO of Science Park Skövde.