Sweden Moves to Expand R&D Tax Breaks in Competitiveness Push

The Swedish government approved a proposal Thursday to expand tax breaks for companies with employees working in research and development, to boost the country’s economic growth and international competitiveness.

Under the proposal, which centers on the R&D deduction that cuts employers’ social security contributions and related payroll charges for qualifying staff, the definition of R&D would be broadened so more projects qualify, the Finance Ministry said.

• The requirement that an employee spend at least 15 hours per month on R&D would be scrapped, leaving only the condition that at least 50% of working hours in a given month relate ...