On December 4, Dalarna Science Park was filled to capacity, both physically and digitally, when the last Dalarna Talks of the year took place. The theme: local perspectives on a globally changing world.
The keynote speaker was former Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, who confidently guided the audience through the shifts in the geopolitical landscape, from Pax Americana to a new and more unpredictable world order.
"We are facing a shift in which superpowers such as the US, China, and Russia are reshaping the world according to their own interests. This has direct consequences for Europe and also for regions such as Dalarna," said Reinfeldt.
At the same time, his message was not entirely pessimistic; he emphasized the important role of companies in promoting values, sustainability, innovation, and cooperation, despite political turbulence.
When politicians step aside, businesses and the public sector step forward, and there is much to be hopeful about, especially in a forward-looking region like Dalarna. When Dalarna looks out towards the world, it should consider stable regions such as the Nordic countries, the Baltic states, and northern Europe, but also be aware that the rules of the game are changing. What was previously taken for granted is no longer a given, said Fredrik Reinfeldt.
The panel provided concrete examples from real life.
After Reinfeldt, an experienced panel took over with insights from some of Dalarna's most influential companies and organizations.
Thomas Wennberg, Head of Transformer Operations at Hitachi Energy, spoke about the company's ongoing expansion in Ludvika, where a new 20,000-square-meter transformer factory is being built, representing an investment of SEK 6 billion.
"Europe is one of our largest markets right now, and we have allocated a lot of capacity there. But we work globally and take large orders from all over the world. Our growth is driven by the global energy transition. Despite geopolitical uncertainty, there is still a great need for electrification and renewable energy," he said.
Matts Nilsson, Sales Manager at SSAB, addressed the steel industry's shift from globalization to regionalization but chose to focus on the opportunities:
– The green transition is a huge business opportunity. When we come out on the other side, we will not only be more sustainable, but also stronger, more efficient, and more competitive.
Gunilla Roberg, project manager for Export Arena Dalarna, emphasized the importance of more companies daring to take the step out internationally—but with a smarter and more risk-aware approach.
"Uncertainty can be a catalyst. We are seeing more companies now examining their supply chains and seeking out stable markets. That's where Export Arena Dalarna comes in—we make it easier to take the first step," she said.
The panel agreed that Dalarna has something unique, a wide range of companies in forestry, energy, steel, and tourism, combined with an unusually high level of optimism about the future.
"We have competent business leaders who are used to dealing with change. You can tell," said Gunilla Roberg.
This morning's Dalarna Talks was held in collaboration with Exportarena Dalarna.
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