The west Sweden region is a leading European node for research, development and business in microwave technology.

It started sixty years ago when Chalmers initiated research in radio astronomy calling for development of low-noise receivers.

In the late 1950's, Ericsson's development and production plant for defence radars was set up

The present largest regional microwave employers are Saab and Ericsson.

Saab is developing and delivering state of art radar systems for defence and security applications.

Ericsson has research and development of cellular radio base stations and microwave radio links .

The radio links produced at the Ericsson plant in Borås supply 40% of the global market.

Ruag Aerospace Sweden is the largest space company in Sweden where microwave technology is one key part of the high-tech equipment being produced.

Rosemount Tank Radar has a leading product portfolio on tank radar gauging for example in marine applications.

Arkivator is a large producer of antennas and telecom component.

Chalmers University of Technology in Göteborg is internationally recognised for research on microwave technology, antennas and communication systems. Chalmers hosts several centre of excellence with participating companies such as GigaHertz Centre and CHASE.

Industrial research institutes such as SP Technical Research Institute of Sweden, SwereaIVF and Swedish ICT  are based in the region.

Entrepreneurship is strong in the region and support many small enterprises and growing start-ups in the microwave business such as microwave sensor systems for space (Omnisys Instruments), microwave detection of foreign bodies in food (Foodradar Systems),  medical microwave imaging (Medfield diagnostics) and antenna test systems (Bluetest).