Almedalen Focuses on Northern Sweden's Growth Challenges
Key stakeholders discussed growth and infrastructure issues in northern Sweden at Almedalsveckan.
Key Points
- • 70% of major industrial investments are expected in northern counties.
- • Focus on retaining graduates in urban areas to address labor shortages.
- • Infrastructure development is crucial for attracting talent.
- • NATO's increased defense spending influences regional transport planning.
During Almedalsveckan 2025, key stakeholders from northern Sweden convened to address pressing issues of growth, infrastructure, and labor mobility. The seminars highlighted significant upcoming investments, with Niklas Säwén, chair of Sundsvall's municipal council, revealing that around 70% of major industrial investments are projected in the four northernmost counties. Säwén urged for increased state responsibility in infrastructure and industry to enhance regional competitiveness.
A roundtable discussion emphasized strategies for retaining graduates in student cities, where urban qualities and job opportunities were foregrounded. Björn Wigge, Sundsvall's growth manager, stressed the need for coordinated infrastructure development to attract skilled labor, stating that talent attraction strategies must go hand-in-hand with infrastructure improvements to be effective.
The discussions were also informed by NATO's recent commitment to increase defense spending to 5% of GDP by 2035, prompting concerns regarding the adequacy of east-west transport corridors. Moreover, to combat population decline, Sundsvall is revising its urban vision, aiming to enhance the attractiveness of the city for potential residents and businesses.