Swedish startups personify the new Swedish model

The most used word during Almedalen Week 2024 must be collaboration. Possibly, AI, security or innovation. All of them combined definitely summarise this year’s week in Almedalen and say a lot about where we have our focus right now. But what happened to climate and sustainability?

A quick AI analysis of the content from Almedalen 2024 suggests that sustainability and climate were prominent themes, but that this was mainly reflected in the focus of the organisers and the call for all actors present to create sustainable events, environmentally, socially and economically. UNHCR was one of the many organisations that organised events to discuss social sustainability issues. WWF actively participated in the discussions on climate and biodiversity. On the Techarena stages, climate and sustainability were discussed extensively with a focus on how technology and innovation can contribute to a sustainable future – through collaboration

What we missed in focus were the main actors for Sweden’s – and the world’s – sustainable transition, future prosperity and security, namely the new, innovative companies, our startups and scaleups. There was a lot of discussion about how the big companies need to take the lead, but less focus on who is responsible for the new ideas and solutions that will be crucial to make it happen.

We are in a hurry!

On the Google stage, SISP held the seminar “Sweden’s startups and scaleups are crucial for the green transition”. The panellists were Annika Remaeus – Uppsala Municipality, Berfin Roza Mert – Bower, Claes Fredriksson – Liquid Wind, Daniel Vencu Velasquez Castro – Social Democrats, Emma Adlerton – Alfa Laval, Nastaran Baleng-Soultani – RadCap, Siduri Poli – Nordic Angels and Vahid Sohrabpour – Saveggy – probably Almedalen’s most diverse panel of the week, especially when it came to representing all parts of the innovation ecosystem, from the commercialised research and investment that makes the business journeys possible, to the customers (large companies and the public sector) and the policies that set the rules of the game.

The panel was very much in agreement that it is urgent and that no one can manage the green and digital transition alone. We can’t sit and wait, we need to start using the fantastic Swedish innovations that are on the market. Reference was made to the Swedish Startup Climate Map, which has mapped 508 startups and scaleups with climate-focused solutions. When the panellists were asked to make posters for the politicians responsible for the invasion in Visby, the messages were clear.

“Sweden needs an innovation strategy now!”

“Support the hero!” said Siduri Poli from Nordic Angels, referring to putting the entrepreneur at the centre. Ensure that startup founders are given the right conditions to run their companies so that they reach their full potential.

“Think like a startup” wrote Berfin Roza Mert from the startup Bower.

Have “Courage” Emma Adlerton – Alfa Laval thought that everyone should have, but not least the big companies to dare to buy and sometimes invest in innovative startups and thereby provide them with an established customer base in need of the solutions.

“Sweden needs an ‘Innovation Strategy NOW’,” said Daniel Vencu, Member of Parliament for the Social Democrats and member of the Enterprise Committee.

Engaging young people in climate action

In the Garden of the Future, Vinnova held the seminar “From words to action – now we accelerate for a sustainable and safe future” which focused on concrete actions to promote sustainability and safety. Discussions covered different strategies and innovations to tackle climate change, energy supply and green technologies. Participating in the panel were Amanda Henriksson – WWF Sweden, Anders Persson – AstraZeneca, Catalina Negrei – Fryshuset, Darja Isaksson – Vinnova, Lisen Schultz – Stockholm Resilience Centre, Palle Lundberg – Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions and Stina Lantz – Swedish Incubators & Science Parks.

“As long as we don’t have a planet to live on, none of the other stuff matters”

Stina Lantz – Swedish Incubators & Science Parks, emphasised the importance of cooperation between different sectors and creating favourable conditions for innovation.

“Sweden needs to invest in technologies and research projects that can both address current problems and promote future sustainability”.

Amanda Henriksson – WWF Sweden Youth, emphasised the importance of youth engagement on climate issues and how young people can drive change by being active and influential.

“It is crucial to include young people in decision-making processes and create platforms where their voices can be heard and have a real impact.”

Catalina Negrei – Fryshuset, was happy to listen to the discussion in the panel from different sides and especially how much is being invested in Sweden to transition to a sustainable society. She also emphasised something very important.

“Health care is important. Schools are important. But as long as we don’t have a planet to live on, none of the other things matter.”

The new Swedish model

The traditional Swedish model is historically characterised by cooperation between the social partners without government interference, as well as a strong welfare state financed by high taxes and comprehensive social insurance. The new Swedish model, on the other hand, includes modernisations to meet today’s challenges, such as globalisation and digitalisation. It focuses on innovation, sustainability and increased labour market flexibility, while maintaining basic social safety nets and equality.

If it is not Sweden’s startups and scaleups that are laying the foundations for the Sweden of the future, we do not know. These players personify the new Swedish model and contribute precisely the power and risk-taking needed to transform Sweden – and the whole world – into a sustainable one. Together, of course, in symbiosis, in a system, hopefully with the backing of a united and long-term political direction.

Next year, we hope to see more startups take the stage at Almedalen. Because, as I said, we, and the climate, have no time to wait.