When Tesla's electric car swept the world as a technological disruptor, and when SpaceX started the rhapsody of interstellar travel, we couldn't help but marvel at the powerful strength of United States technology.
But have you ever thought that on the other side of the world, Sweden, a country famous for its auroras, forests and fairy tales, has mastered the top technology that even the United States is proud of? What kind of cutting-edge technology does this small Nordic country have?
Ericsson, from "Big Brother" to the leader of the 5G era
In this era full of words such as 5G and artificial intelligence, do you remember the "big brother" that was once all the rage? All this was created by Ericsson, a communications giant from Sweden.
In 1876, Ericsson was just a small workshop repairing telegraphs. 100 years later, it has grown into a global leader in the communications industry, witnessing and driving every leap in mobile communication technology from 1G to 5G.
In the 80s, "Big Brother" became a symbol of wealth and status, and Ericsson quickly became the leader in the global mobile phone market thanks to its advanced technology and reliable quality. In the 90s, Ericsson pushed mobile communication into a new era with the success of GSM technology.
In the 21st century, in the face of the rise of brands such as Nokia and Motorola, Ericsson has gradually lost its past glory in the mobile phone terminal market. But the century-old enterprise did not sink because of this, but turned its attention to a broader field - communication infrastructure construction.
In the process of evolving mobile communication technology to 4G and 5G, Ericsson once again occupies the commanding heights of the industry with its deep technology accumulation and continuous R&D investment, becoming one of the world's largest 5G equipment suppliers, providing key equipment and technical support for more than 40% of the world's 5G commercial networks.
Volvo and Scania, the perfect combination of safety and environmental protection
In addition to communication technology, Sweden is also very successful in the field of transport equipment manufacturing.
"Safe, reliable and environmentally friendly" is synonymous with Sweden cars, and it is the world-renowned car brand - Volvo and the heavy-duty truck manufacturer - Scania - the two "twin stars" that are reshaping the future of the global transportation industry with their unremitting pursuit of safety and environmental protection.
Volvo, since its birth in 1927, has carved "safety" into its DNA. From the world's first three-point seat belt, to City Safety and Pilot Assist, Volvo has always put the safety of its customers first.
In recent years, Volvo has actively embraced change, carried out forward-looking layout in the fields of autonomous driving and new energy vehicles, and its Recharge series of electric vehicles has quickly become the new favorite of the luxury electric vehicle market.
Scania, founded in 1891, has won the hearts of truck users around the world for its superior performance, reliability and fuel economy. In recent years, Scania has continued to make efforts in the fields of electric trucks and autonomous trucks.
The electric truck developed by it has a cruising range of more than 250 kilometers, providing a feasible solution for the realization of green logistics and transportation.
Volvo and Scania, the twin stars from Sweden, have always been at the forefront of technological innovation and contributing to the green, safe and sustainable development of the global transport industry.
Saab, the low-key Nordic military-industrial giant
In the cold winds of the Baltic Sea, Sweden also hides a force to be reckoned with - military science and technology. When it comes to Sweden's military industry, we have to mention Saab, which is known for its low profile and strength.
Many people's impression of Saab is still stuck in the "car brand", but as everyone knows, Saab has transformed into one of the world's top military enterprises, and its fighter jets, missiles, radars and other weapons and equipment are well-known all over the world.
If Volvo symbolizes the safety and reliability of Sweden manufacturing, then Saab represents the Nordic country's strong defense strength. Its proudest product is none other than the JAS-39 "Gripen" fighter. This light fighter, which combines multiple functions, high performance and low cost, is known as the "Nordic male lion" and is favored by the air forces of various countries.
The Gripen fighter has excellent performance, low price and easy maintenance, which is very attractive to countries with limited defense budgets, and has been exported to many countries and has become a shining business card of Sweden's military industry.
In addition to fighter jets, Saab also has world-leading technology in the fields of missiles, radar, electronic warfare systems, etc. The RBS series of missiles developed by it are known as "star products in the missile industry". Saab's electronic warfare system provides the Sweden army with a powerful electronic defense capability.
Many people may wonder why Sweden, as a country with a policy of neutrality, invests so much energy in the field of military industry. In fact, Sweden has a long history of attaching importance to national defense security.
In both world wars, although Sweden maintained neutrality, it also knew that "if you are backward, you will be beaten". Therefore, Sweden has been committed to developing its own defense industry to ensure national security.
Stusvik, the guardian of nuclear safety
You may be unfamiliar with the name Sdusvijk, but this low-key Sweden company is the world's leading company in the design, construction and maintenance of nuclear power plants, and a world leader in nuclear energy safety technology.
Unlike other countries, Sweden began to vigorously develop nuclear power as early as the 60s of the 20th century, and today nuclear power has become one of the most important sources of electricity in Sweden.
But the shadow of the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear accidents has always hung over people's minds. How to ensure the safety of nuclear power has become the biggest challenge facing the development of global nuclear energy.
Stusvik is the "security guard" who is committed to solving this problem. The company has world-class nuclear safety technology, from the design and construction of nuclear power plants to the operation and maintenance, and strives to minimize safety risks at every step.
Stusvik not only provides safety for Sweden's own nuclear power plants, but also exports advanced technology and experience around the world.
In addition, they have also invested a lot of resources in the research and development of advanced treatment technologies, aiming to greatly reduce the impact of nuclear waste and effectively reduce the pollution of nuclear waste to the environment.
Getinge and Elekta, the power of science and technology to protect human health
In the field of medical technology, Sweden has also shown strong strength, and two of the brightest pearls are Getinge and Elekta.
Getinge, the world's leading medical technology company, may be a little new to the general public, but it produces medical equipment, from precision surgical equipment to ventilators to maintain vital signs, to sterilization equipment in sterilization supply centers, covering all aspects of medical care and protecting the lives of countless patients around the world.
Getinge's success stems from its relentless pursuit of technological innovations, such as the development of a 3D laparoscopic surgical system that improves the precision and safety of surgery.
Elekta is an "expert" in the field of radiation oncology and neurosurgery. The Sweden medical device manufacturer, whose products and technologies have always been at the world's leading level, bring hope to millions of cancer patients around the world.
Elekta's radiotherapy equipment has won the recognition of medical institutions around the world for its precise positioning, efficient treatment and low side effects. Its Leksell Gamma Knife has been hailed as a "revolutionary product in the field of neurosurgery".
The success of Getinge and Elekta is due to Sweden's well-established medical security system and well-developed biomedical industry, as well as the government's strong investment in the medical field.
Sweden's successful experience in these fields tells us that even countries with small populations and limited resources can occupy a place in the fierce international competition and become a scientific and technological power as long as they find the right direction and insist on innovation!