Sweden disaster risk data system assessment and roadmap

This report assesses Sweden’s disaster risk data system and provides recommendations for developing a modern, unified risk and resilience data system. It draws on desk research, stakeholder consultations with government agencies, research institutions, and private sector actors, as well as a review of existing data flows, institutional arrangements, and technical capacities. The analysis also considers lessons from international good practices, with an emphasis on adapting global standards to Sweden’s context and starting with a narrowly defined system that can be expanded as needs evolve.

The key findings highlight Sweden’s strong enabling environment, high-quality data availability, and broad stakeholder consensus. However, the report identifies gaps such as lack of an official mandate, fragmented data, insufficient system maintenance and funding, limited data integration and accessibility, and barriers to adopting emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI). The authors recommend establishing a formal institutional mandate for a national data system, designating the Swedish Civil Defence and Resilience Agency (MCF) as lead, leveraging existing coordination platforms, developing a centralized interoperable database with common standards, and securing sustainable financing. Incremental development, investment in technical capacities, and regular stakeholder engagement are encouraged to support evidence-based decision-making, strengthen preparedness, and reinforce resilience in line with Sweden’s total defence strategy.