In many parts of Sweden, small businesses are facing headwinds. Demand is falling, costs are rising and confidence is wavering. But in Dalarna we see something completely different.
This year's Small Business Barometer shows that we have the strongest economy in the country. In addition, the forecast shows that confidence in 2026 is the highest in Sweden. When others hesitate, Dalarna dares. This is a powerful sign of drive, entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to grow.
But confidence is not just a feeling. It is also a door opener. Especially when it comes to stepping out into the world. This year's Innovation Panel, which Dalarna Science Park is conducting for the fifth year in a row together with Novus, confirms the picture of a region with strong international links. 43% of respondents believe that Dalarna has good global connections. More than 15,000 people in the county work in foreign-owned companies, mainly in the manufacturing industry. Dalarna also ranks 11th in the country in terms of goods export value.
At the same time, the panel shows that there is a gap between opportunities and actions. Almost 20% of respondents say that lack of knowledge and experience is the biggest obstacle to internationalization. 18% point to the lack of global networks. Only a smaller proportion believe it is a matter of disinterest.
These are important insights. They tell us that companies want to, but that many do not know how. That is precisely why Dalarna Science Park exists. Our role is to make the big tangible and the global accessible. Whether it's business support, networks or expertise.
Through the Enterprise Europe Network, a business network hosted by us at Dalarna Science Park that spans over 60 countries, more companies than ever in Dalarna have been helped to find the right partner or market.
Together with Business Sweden and our industry organization SISP (Swedish Incubators and Science Parks), we have developed an introductory workshop that makes it easier for startups to build their first international strategies.
We know that innovation happens in meetings. Across borders and between sectors. When we, together with Dalarna University, participated in Crunchtime, Europe's largest innovation event for students, the aim was to bring new ideas and working methods to Dalarna. Today, we are part of a European collaborative project to strengthen innovation in higher education. It is a direct extension of our regional strength.
And the strength is clear. The Central Sweden Chamber of Commerce's economic report shows that small businesses in Dalarna are entering the fall of 2025 with clear confidence in the future. A full 91% have a positive view of their own company's development, and more than half (58%) believe that demand for products and services will increase in the coming year.
On December 4, we invite you to the next Dalarna Talks where the theme is internationalization. Among the guests is Fredrik Reinfeldt, former Prime Minister and today leader of a global sustainability initiative. We will talk about why the world needs more regional voices and how Dalarna can be one of them.
It doesn't always start with a leap. It starts with an idea. A conversation. A step in the right direction.
So what are you waiting for? The world is waiting for Dalarna.
Angelica Ekholm
CEO Dalarna Science Park
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