Today’s Dalarna Talks 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.
The discussion centered on how ongoing economic changes are affecting Dalarna, with a particular focus on sustainability, systemic change, and economic resilience. Mikael Salo, an expert in economics and sustainability, highlighted the importance of understanding broader societal trends and how they shape both the economy and society. He noted that we are in an era of sweeping change, where technological advancements and environmental issues are key drivers.
The panel also emphasized the need for a new approach to finance and business development.
– We need to move away from silo thinking and instead adopt a more systems-focused approach, and that’s something we need to start doing today. Right now, the focus is very much solely on the financial aspects. We need new business models and new metrics, incorporate them into our calculations, and pick up the pace, says Anja Vanhatalo, Sustainability Lead, EY.
The panel also discussed EY’s role in the sustainability transition. Several examples were highlighted, including how SSAB and other companies in the region are making significant investments in a sustainable transition. At the same time, Dalarna Science Park’s Novus survey shows that awareness of these changes remains limited among many people in Dalarna.
Participants
- Mikael Salo, Sustainability and ESG Expert
- Anja Vanhatalo, Sustainability Manager, EY Sweden
- Alexandra Bennström, Branch Manager, Swedbank Dalarna and Gävleborg
- Anna Adolfsson, Energy Project Manager, SSAB
- Johan Sonne, Partner, Energismeden
- Angelica Ekholm, moderator, CEO of Dalarna Science Park
