During the Cold War, Swedish investments in military research were massive. The research was significant for both the military and the society at large. However, not much is known about these expenditures and their impact.
The authors of the book Det dolda universitetet (The Hidden University) show that more resources were invested in military research than has been previously known and the results reached far beyond the military sector. Cold War scientists moved between military research institutes, universities, and industry. Military research projects moved into and spread within the research system at large, shaping disciplines such as physics, computer technology, political science, psychology, and food research.
The authors challenge the traditional view of the post-war Swedish research system, which normally excludes military research. Military research, the authors claim, constituted a hidden university.