Dalarna Talks
Dalarna Talks is Dalarna Science Park’s hybrid seminar—30 impactful minutes where you’ll meet interesting guests who discuss current trends and future developments. Throughout the year, we’ll host five sessions covering timely topics related to social development, business, and innovation, ranging from AI and digital transformation to sustainability, circularity, and international business and innovation. You can follow the program in person at Dalarna Talks or digitally from wherever you are.
Dalarna Talks 2026
The theme for the morning was the future of AI, energy, and data centers. We were joined by Judith Wolst, an entrepreneur, investor, and trend forecaster, who shared her perspectives on the technological developments currently transforming both society and the business world. The panel featured representatives from the energy sector, tech companies, and regional stakeholders who discussed the rise of AI, the growing demand for energy, and how value creation can remain within the region. The panel: Pontus Hjort, founder of Stackship; Thomas Edh, Falu Energi & Vatten; Hassan El Mahdi, Fortum; Melina Juselius, Dalarna Science Park; and moderator Angelica Ekholm, CEO of Dalarna Science Park.
The event featured engaging discussions on economic trends and the path toward a more sustainable future. Under the theme of sustainability, transition, and the economy of tomorrow, representatives from EY, sustainability organizations, and regional stakeholders came together for a panel discussion featuring a wide range of expertise. Industry observer:
Mikael Salo, Sweden’s leading sustainability and ESG expert.
The panel: Anja Vanhatalo, Sustainability Manager, EY Sweden; Alexandra Bennström, Business Manager, Swedbank, Alarna/Gävleborg; Anna Adolfsson, Energy Project Manager, SSAB; Johan Sonne, Partner, Energismeden; and moderator Angelica Ekholm, CEO, Dalarna Science Park.
Dalarna Talks 2025
, addressed issues related to global developments and what these changes mean for Dalarna. We were joined by Fredrik Reinfeldt, former Prime Minister and party leader, now an author and advisor. He shared his perspectives on the world situation and the global shifts that are shaping the future. Dalarna Talks on December 4 was organized in collaboration with Exportarena Dalarna.
Panel: Fredrik Reinfeldt, former Prime Minister, party leader, author, and advisor; Gunilla Roberg, Exportarena Dalarna; Thomas Wennberg, Head of Transformer Operations, Hitachi Energy; Matts Nilsson, Sales Manager, SSAB; Angelica Ekholm, moderator and CEO, Dalarna Science Park.
Sara Wimmercranz, investor, entrepreneur, and one of Sweden's leading voices in innovation and future entrepreneurship. Sara spoke about a place where pride, tradition, and community meet innovation and optimism about the future.
The panel: Erika Hellman, CEO, Hellman Dynamics and Dynamic Time; Ronne Hamerslag, CEO, Nordic Iron; Klas Palm, Associate Professor of Engineering Physics, Uppsala University; Björn Äng, Director of Research, Education and Innovation, Region Dalarna; and Brita Klingberg, Business Coach, Dalarna Science Park.
For the fourth year in a row, we are here to talk about Sweden's next growth region. This is no coincidence; we are here for one simple reason. We are continuing our work to put Dalarna on the map as Sweden's next growth region. Behind our participation is a deep conviction that the sustainable growth of the future will be shaped where entrepreneurship, innovation, and regional collaboration play a leading role. This year's Dalarna Talks from Almedalen focused on the following question: What is required to manage the development of expanding existing industry while also establishing new world-leading AI infrastructure? Can entrepreneurs for green transition and new technology be attracted to a place where expertise is brought in from other counties?
The world around us, opportunities, and circularity with Mattias Goldmann. How is the circular economy developing, globally and in Dalarna? Mattias Goldmann provides an up-to-date overview of resource shortages, business models, and how we can take the lead in the transition. The panel discusses concrete examples and new data on how sustainability and circularity are perceived in Dalarna.
The panel: Helén Wittsjö, GreenIron Christian Olhans, Borlänge Energi Carolina Friberg, Dalarna Science Park Angelica Ekholm, CEO Dalarna Science Park.
Paulina Modlitba, one of Sweden's leading voices in technology and innovation, opened the seminar with a presentation on AI and digitalization.
The panel: Ronny Modigs, regiment commander at Dalaregementet, Carl Romlin, expansion manager at Eko datacenter, and Stefan Rodheim, who works with digital transformation at Dalarna Science Park. Together with moderator Angelica Ekholm, they discussed how digitalisation and AI can be used in different areas.
News about Dalarna Talks
Watch the May 7 episode of Dalarna Talks on AI, energy, and data centers
Watch the March 20 episode of Dalarna Talks on the economy of the future
Fredrik Reinfeldt set the tone at this year's final Dalarna Talks
Dalarna Talks with Sara Wimmercranz
Dalarna Talks from Almedalen, a conversation about how Dalarna is growing with courage
How to build future competitiveness with circularity
How can we create a better future through AI and digitalization?
Dalarna Talks 2025 has a new approach and starts strong with Paulina Modlitba
"Here we have Sweden's next growth region" - watch the broadcast from Almedalen
Dalarna Talks March 10 - New business opportunities in a changing world!
Dalarna Talks through the years
Over the years, we have had one person come with us on link who has brought an outside perspective.
2025– We were visited byPaulina Modlitba,Mattias Goldmann,Sara Wimmercranz, andFredrik Reinfeldt, who spent the year exploring AI, Cirkulariet, entrepreneurship, and the world around us.
2024–Annie Lööfanalyzed the global situation and shared her predictions for the future. With her extensive experience in Swedish politics, she has been a strong advocate for entrepreneurship and sustainable innovation – important drivers for growth and green transition.
2023–Per Schlingmann, communications strategist and futurologist, was our regular guest and shared his insights on change, leadership, and the society of the future.
2022–Tobias Degsell, futurist and creativity expert, participated and provided new perspectives on innovation and development.
2021 – Heléne Lidström, Workplace Strategist and Change Leader; Tobias Degsell, Futurist
Since 2022, we have also organized Dalarna Talks during Almedalen Week, where we highlight Dalarna as Sweden's next growth region.
Watch all previous episodes of Dalarna Talks
Since the fall of 2021, the hybrid seminar Dalarna Talks has been held. Are you curious about future trends and opportunities? In Dalarna Talks, you will meet inspiring guests who share insights on innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable development. Take part in previous episodes and stay updated on what's around the corner!
Dalarna Talks is funded with support from
