On May 22, 2026, the governments of the United States and Sweden signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) titled the "Technology Prosperity Deal," marking a significant step forward in bilateral science and technology collaboration between the two nations. The agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation across multiple strategic technology disciplines aimed at bolstering innovation, economic competitiveness, and national security.
The Technology Prosperity Deal outlines a broad scope of collaboration spanning artificial intelligence, advanced connectivity, biomedical research, advanced manufacturing, energy innovation, space exploration, defense technology, and quantum computing. Both countries expressed mutual interest in leveraging science and technology capabilities to usher in a new age of innovation designed to fortify freedom and prosperity for generations to come.
A central pillar of the agreement involves accelerating the development and diffusion of trusted artificial intelligence and advanced connectivity systems. The United States and Sweden intend to deepen cooperation on next-generation AI and network technologies, promote trusted technology stacks, and coordinate on international telecommunications standards development. This collaboration reflects a shared recognition of the importance of secure technology infrastructure to both economic prosperity and national security.
In the biomedical field, the two nations aim to accelerate research and innovation, particularly in cancer and rare diseases, by leveraging artificial intelligence. The agreement also seeks to secure biotechnology and health supply chains, reinforcing resilience across the healthcare ecosystem. Furthermore, both countries plan to advance manufacturing and industrial competitiveness by adopting digital manufacturing, additive manufacturing, and next-generation production methods.
Energy collaboration under the deal includes expanding cooperation on nuclear energy and critical minerals technologies to support innovation and the deployment of next-generation energy infrastructure. The United States and Sweden also intend to strengthen space collaboration, engaging in dialogue on space security, exploration, and technology research and commercialization.
Defense innovation represents another key area of cooperation. The participants plan to establish a dialogue on regulatory and policy matters affecting defense technology cooperation, including technology transfer, and seek to reduce regulatory friction where possible to strengthen transatlantic defense industrial collaboration. Additionally, the agreement advances cooperation on quantum technology through the Quantum Development Group, aiming to establish a trusted quantum ecosystem with secure and open standards.
The MOU builds upon longstanding bilateral research and innovation partnerships, including the 2006 Agreement on Science and Technology Cooperation. Both countries emphasized the importance of deepening ties with strategic partners as a means to strengthen stability, security, and competitiveness on the global stage.
The Technology Prosperity Deal reflects the deepening strategic partnership between the United States and Sweden and underscores the Trump administration's commitment to forging international technology alliances that advance American economic and security interests while promoting shared values of innovation and freedom.
Sources: whitehouse.gov/nasa.gov
