Business Sweden establishes operations in Östergötland

Business Sweden has opened a new office at Do Space Alfa in Linköping. The organisation helps Swedish companies expand internationally and enter new markets, while also supporting foreign companies interested in investing in and establishing operations in Sweden.

Global trends shaping trade and investment

Business Sweden is jointly owned by the Swedish state and the business community and serves as a link between the public and private sectors, with the aim of strengthening Sweden’s exports and global competitiveness.

The inauguration began with a welcome address by Andreas Scheibenpflug, Vice President & Head of Region Sweden. This was followed by a presentation from CEO Jan Larsson on current trends shaping the global market. He described how global trade is adapting to the prevailing geopolitical situation, with relations between the United States and China increasingly becoming a new normal. At the same time, competition is intensifying in areas such as technology, energy and natural resources.

Jan Larsson also highlighted how supply chains are being reshaped with a stronger focus on resilience, and how Europe is undergoing a geopolitical awakening.

Sweden's resilience in a changing world

Despite continued turbulence in global trade, particularly in relation to developments in the United States, several stabilising factors were highlighted. Around 75 per cent of Sweden’s exports go to Europe, while Swedish companies generally have globally diversified production, diversified supply chains and a strong local presence in their markets. New free trade agreements between the EU and other regions are also helping to reduce vulnerability.

Taken together, these factors mean that Sweden, despite being a small and export-dependent country, remains relatively resilient.

Official inauguration of the new office

Following presentations by participating companies, the official inauguration took place. The ribbon was cut by County Governor Gunilla Svantorp together with Per-Olof Brehmer, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Linköping University, Per Larsson, Regional Councillor of Region Östergötland, and Jan Larsson, CEO of Business Sweden.

Supporting future investments and business establishments

Over the past three years, Region Östergötland has been actively working to attract investments and support business establishments in the region. Business Sweden’s decision to establish operations in Östergötland is therefore considered strategically important and is expected to provide valuable support for continued efforts together with the region’s municipalities and business community.