From D15 to Swedish Innovation Program

Jan Söderström, former Vice President at Ericsson and head of its D15 innovation hub in Santa Clara, has been named Chair of the Strategic Vehicle Research and Innovation (FFI) program.

The program is a cornerstone of Sweden’s efforts to drive innovation in sustainable and digital road transport.

"I am deeply honored to be entrusted with leading FFI. It is an important program that makes a real difference, and I look forward to taking on this role," says Söderström.

Jan Söderström worked for almost 25 years for Ericsson in the U.S. and Sweden.

Söderström led Ericsson’s D15 center in Santa Clara from 2018 to 2023, focusing on advancing cutting-edge technology and fostering collaboration with industry partners. While living in the San Francisco Bay Area, he also served on the board of the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce in San Francisco, strengthening ties between Swedish and American businesses.

FFI is a collaboration between Sweden’s automotive industry (including AB Volvo, Scania CV AB, Volvo Car Group, and FKG) and the government, represented by Vinnova, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the Swedish Transport Administration. Established in 2009, the program invests approximately $100 million annually in research and innovation for road transport. Its steering group includes representatives from government agencies and the automotive industry.