Swedish organisations join forces on language data for AI

The European Language Data Space (LDS) Country Workshop Sweden brought together representatives from more than 20 organisations on 4 September 2026. Linköping University hosted the workshop, which was moderated by Professor Fredrik Heintz. 

Participants discussed how organisations in different sectors can share language data and make Swedish language resources easier to access and use. Closer collaboration could support the development of trustworthy, competitive and culturally relevant AI systems and language technologies in Sweden.

From available data to usable resources

The programme included contributions from European initiatives, Swedish research infrastructures, public sector organisations, academia and industry. Presentations covered the European Language Data Space, the Alliance for Language Technologies (ALT-EDIC), Swedish large language models, language policy, research infrastructures and the role of AI in media and society. Professor Fredrik Heintz says:

“Swedish language data is an important national resource. If we want AI systems that truly understand Swedish conditions, Swedish culture, and Swedish society, we need collaboration between academia, industry, and the public sector. The workshop showed that we have the actors, now we need to go from talking to doing. Together we can curate the data we need with quality while maintaining diversity.” 

Axel Furusten

Participants identified closer cooperation between academia, industry and the public sector as necessary to make high-quality Swedish language resources easier to access and use.

New contacts between sectors

The workshop enabled participants from different sectors to exchange knowledge and establish contacts. During the panel discussion and networking activities, they identified shared interests and areas where organisations may need to cooperate more closely. Susanne Ackum, Executive Secretary of the Swedish Language Models Coordination Initiative, says:

“It was extremely valuable for me, in my role, to take part in the conference. It covered a range of areas that are relevant to our work, particularly the presentations on access to data and language models at European and national level. Many interesting people attended, and I hope we will have the opportunity to meet them again in the future.” 

Axel Furusten

The workshop also connected Swedish organisations working with language data and language technology with European initiatives in the field. Continued cooperation will be important both for the development of language technology in Sweden and for Sweden’s participation in European initiatives.