Seminar: The Economics of Defense

The Economics of Defense: Cost, Capacity, and Innovation
A talk by Professor Pontus Braunerhjelm

 

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has forced a sharp reassessment of Europe’s security — and the so-called peace dividend has expired. Sweden and other NATO countries have committed to raising defense spending to 5% of GDP (3.5% military, 1.5% civil defense). But what does this mean for the economy? Is it wiser to buy defense capabilities abroad or build them at home? Can military production become a driver of innovation, industrial dynamism, and growth — and how should policy be designed to make it so? Professor Braunerhjelm takes on these questions in a talk on the economic effects of defense investment.

 

Pontus Braunerhjelm is Professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH), as well as Research Director at the Swedish Entrepreneurship Forum (Entreprenörskapsforum). His research centers on entrepreneurship, innovation, and industrial dynamics as drivers of economic growth and structural change — including the economic effects of defense investment and how military spending can spill over into civilian innovation. He has advised government at the highest levels, notably as Secretary General of the Swedish Globalization Council and chairman of the government’s Entrepreneurship Committee. 

 

The talk will be held in English. There will be an apero after the talk is concluded.