This year’s Total Defence Report from Combitech shows that businesses’ preparedness is now moving in the right direction. As many as 62 per cent state that they have already reviewed their preparedness or plan to do so. This is a positive and necessary development in a continuing uncertain global environment.

Governance and information are reaching a broader part of the business community

At the same time, we are seeing that clearer governance and communication are beginning to yield results. The proportion of decision-makers who feel that it is the government and public authorities have provided clear guidance on how their companies can contribute to total defence has risen significantly to 43 per cent, an increase of 19 percentage points since 2023. Information gathering has also improved: 67 per cent have accessed preparedness information aimed for businesses. Public authorities remain an important source of information, but an increasing number of companies are now obtaining information via industry associations. This suggests that the business community is increasingly taking responsibility for its own preparedness and its role in total defence.

Uneven levels of maturity create vulnerabilities in total defence

However, progress is uneven. Companies are best prepared to deal with pandemics, information influence and cyberattacks, whilst preparedness for more severe scenarios such as war and terrorist attacks is gradually improving – albeit slowly. At the same time, there is a clear divide between large and small companies: only 8 per cent of small businesses have preparedness plans, compared with 21 per cent of medium-sized companies and 31 per cent of large companies. There are also regional differences. Northern Sweden is leading the way, whilst developments in other parts of the country are more uneven. If Sweden’s resilience is to be sustained in full, all companies – regardless of size or location – need to take responsibility for their role in total defence.

Remaining obstacles are slowing down progress

Lack of knowledge, limited resources and unclear requirements from the government and public authorities are cited by companies as the biggest challenges. To increase the pace of preparedness efforts, these obstacles need to be removed – and the requirements need to clearer, more concrete and more accessible, not least at a local level.

“We are seeing a positive trend, with companies taking greater responsibility. An increasing number of businesses have either carried out or are planning preparedness efforts, thereby contributing to stronger resilience. However, when levels of maturity differ between companies, vulnerabilities arise. If Sweden’s resilience is to hold up throughout, all companies must have the opportunity to contribute. When the conditions are clear, the pace of work also increases. There is a need for more targeted information, particularly at local and regional level. At the same time, we must continue building a culture characterised by trust, courage and leadership, as this creates the ability to act when it truly matters,” says Jessica Öberg, CEO of Combitech.

Key findings in brief

• 62 per cent have already reviewed their preparedness or state that they plan to do so.
• 67 per cent have accessed information on business preparedness.
• 43 per cent consider it clear, based on guidance from the government and public authorities, how their company can contribute to total defence.
• 73 per cent want to learn more about preparedness and their responsibilities within total defence.
• 52 per cent believe that total defence is relevant to their professional role.
• 57 per cent have preparedness measures in place for cyber security, while 31 per cent have preparedness for a wartime situation.

About the Total Defence Report

Since 2023, Combitech has conducted an annual study on how business preparedness capability is developing. The study is carried out through Demoskop’s Decision-Maker Panel and is based on responses from decision-makers within Swedish business and industry.

In 2026, 1,006 respondents took part in the survey. Data collection was conducted between January and February 2026.

Read the Total Defence Report

View the Total Defence Report. Click the link to read the report (PDF file, in English).

For further information, please contact:

Ulrica Matsers, Head of People, Culture and Communication, Combitech
Telephone: +46 73 446 00 70
Email: ulrica.matsers@combitech.com