2025-05-12: Chalmers is engaging in public debate to advocate for changes in tax regulations concerning donations to universities – a change that could enhance Sweden’s competitiveness and strengthen our institutions of higher education.
Not many people become genuinely interested when tax regulations are brought up – at least not unless it affects their own personal finances. Many perceive it as mere technicalities, and in the worst case, one risks coming across as a complainer – someone unwilling to pay their fair share toward the common good. It’s a challenge.
Nonetheless, some issues need to be addressed – last week the CEO of the Chalmers University of Technology Foundation, Sara Wallin, wrote in DN Debatt about how important it is to make donations to universities more attractive. Under the current regulatory framework, Sweden is missing out on donations that could have strengthened our universities but are instead benefiting institutions abroad.
We need look no further than Finland to encounter a completely different view on private engagement in higher education – there, the state has systematically and repeatedly encouraged private donations, at times by matching donated amounts with public funding, but above all through tax deductions. It is simply seen as an opportunity to mobilise resources that likely would not have been available otherwise.
There is an important lesson here – private investments contribute more than just money. The significant personal commitment that often accompanies major donations adds intrinsic value. Resourceful individuals with a strong belief in the value of universities become crucial supporters in various ways.
In academic circles, there is sometimes scepticism regarding private capital, mainly concerning the safeguarding of academic freedom. There may be a fear that some funding could come with strings attached, limiting the independence of research. Such concerns must be taken very seriously – but they can be wisely managed to eliminate problems. One could even argue that research in Sweden today is more steered by the strong agenda-setting role of public research funders – this limits the ability to direct research based on scholars’ own curiosity and also constrains universities' internal quality control.
A greater element of private funding would, if handled properly, bring increased autonomy and allow universities to set their own agendas, supported by a wider group of personally invested stakeholders. Right now, for example, would be a golden opportunity to recruit international talent – even more than we already do – if we had access to more freely available funds.
Chalmers, by its very origin, is the perfect example of the power that can be mobilised under the right conditions. A combination of social commitment, personal friendship, and belief in knowledge and competence as keys to progress – this led to the donation that laid the foundation for the entire existence of the institution. It remains a source of inspiration for the future.
Martin Nilsson Jacobi, President and CEO of Chalmers University of Technology
Under the headline "President’s perspective" the President and CEO for Chalmers University of Technology, shares his reflections on current topics that concern education, research and utilisation.