A new global playing field
The global playing field has changed rapidly. Geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and rising technological nationalism are defining features of today’s landscape. Countries around the world are competing more actively for investment in future industries such as semiconductors, batteries, energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing. Many are taking increasingly aggressive steps to direct investment flows into strategic sectors. We look forward to Sweden taking a strong, clear stance in the government’s forthcoming industrial strategy.
Sweden’s strengths give us a head start
Sweden offers clear advantages. We consistently rank high in international indices for innovation capacity, sustainability, talent, and business climate. In the 2024 Sustainable Development Report, we placed second globally for progress on the 2030 Agenda goals. Our electricity production is 99 per cent fossil-free and among the largest in the EU, while our per capita emissions are among the lowest in Europe.
Foreign-owned companies such as Hitachi Energy and Siemens Energy have recently made major expansion investments in Sweden to meet rising global demand for sustainable energy solutions.
Investments that build jobs and prosperity
Over the past three years, Business Sweden has supported 130 investments with an estimated value of SEK 100 billion, generating approximately 13,000 new jobs. Today, nearly 15,000 foreign-owned companies employ around 800,000 people in Sweden. Total foreign direct investment amounts to nearly SEK 4 500 billion – with record inflows in both 2022 and 2023.
These companies also account for half of Sweden’s exports and over 40 per cent of private-sector investment in research and development. Without their contributions, Sweden would be a far less innovative and competitive country.
Active and business-oriented investment promotion is needed
It cannot be taken for granted that Sweden will continue to attract investment. Global competition is intense, and we must be strategic and proactive. Investment promotion means highlighting our strengths, understanding industry needs and identifying critical links in value chains – where investment in Sweden can boost resilience for both companies and the country.
The goal is to build relationships that lead to collaboration, establishment, and business – while reinforcing Sweden’s long-term resilience. This requires coordinated action from public and private actors at national, regional and local levels – all working closely within the Team Sweden framework.
We need targeted measures to shorten permitting processes, strengthen electricity supply and access to power, secure strategic talent, finance innovation, and offer attractive incentives for investment in future industries.
Join Sweden – part of the strategy
The Government’s recent Join Sweden Summit, organised by Business Sweden, brought together over 600 decision-makers from leading international and Swedish companies. The attendance of the Prime Minister and eight ministers sent a clear signal that investment promotion is high on the political agenda.
Join Sweden is not a one-off initiative, but part of a long-term strategy to position Sweden as a top-tier investment destination. Business Sweden and the Government are now developing Join Sweden into a permanent platform to promote Sweden globally and engage with strategic investors.
A crucial moment for Sweden’s future
Following years marked by pandemic, war and crisis, companies are re-evaluating their value chains. They are seeking stability, predictability, and long-term partnerships – all of which Sweden can offer. We now have a unique opportunity to position ourselves as the first choice for new investments.
By reinforcing our investment promotion efforts, we can ensure that Sweden not only maintains its attractiveness – but enhances it. Our future competitiveness, resilience, and prosperity hinge on our ability to attract and facilitate foreign investment. But this also demands a sustained, collective effort – and continued reforms to strengthen Sweden’s investment climate and secure our long-term competitiveness.
Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden
Jaani Heinonen, Head of Investment Promotion at Business Sweden
Anna Hammarberg, Senior Project Manager for Investment Promotion at Business Sweden
Link to article in Dagens Industri: DEBATT: En kraftsamling för fler utländska investeringar
