AI & Innovation Investment: The UN’s WIPO says AI is driving a rebound in innovation spending and venture capital, with corporate R&D hitting record levels and deep-science startups turning research into products. Nordic Logistics Finance: Blackstone is launching Norla, a Nordics-focused logistics investment platform with 200+ last-mile warehouses across Sweden, Denmark and Finland. Rail Freight Deal: Ashurst advised InfraRed on the acquisition of Hector Rail, Scandinavia’s largest private rail freight operator, strengthening the road-to-rail shift. Healthcare Tech in Sweden: Stockholm Region plans to use AI as an independent second reader for mammography, scaling an approach already used in Dalarna. EU Fisheries Funding Fight: EU countries including Sweden pushed back on weaker environmental safeguards in fishing funding rules, after ministers debated how money should be spent under budget conditions. EU Budget Pressure: “Frugal” states led by Germany and backed by Sweden demand major cuts to the next EU budget, arguing for more defence, competitiveness and border control. Sweden in Global Pharma: New registry research reports semaglutide shows no link to pancreatic cancer risk, using data from Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Sámi Culture Spotlight: Sámi artist network Dáiddadállu wins the MUNCH Award, highlighting Nordic creative industries and freedom of expression.