A smart start in Sweden
For the past six years, Sweden has been named the EU's most innovative country. Our neighbour has a long history of successful industrial companies. Sweden's willingness to reinvent itself has strengthened its international competitiveness. It has also become an attractive destination for international businesses.
A different business culture
Norwegian companies can therefore benefit from the global supply chains of Sweden's industrial giants. With its favourable location and few barriers to entry, Sweden offers Norwegian companies an attractive opportunity for expansion.
Swedish business culture and the Swedish market differ more from Norway than you might expect. Building consensus around decisions in Swedish companies is a very different process from in Norway, and it takes longer.
Ready for cross-border shopping in Sweden
One company that has benefited from our advisory is Norwegian company airMont. Strategically located in Halden, close to the Swedish border, the company develops innovative, smart solutions to reduce harmful emissions and improve air quality. It is now exploring opportunities in the Swedish market.
- We have not yet established ourselves in the Swedish market, but Innovation Norway has helped us connect with relevant stakeholders. This has enabled us to build relationships and gain insight into how the Swedish market works, says Karl-Magnus Haugen, CEO of airMont.
Among other things, we have helped them arrange meetings with the regulatory authority and the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency. Haugen believes this would have been difficult to achieve on their own.
- We are now talking to Innovation Norway about how to move forward with our approach to the Swedish market.
Arild Nilsen, CEO of Norwegian company Loopfront, also praises us for the support his company has received. The company has developed a digital platform for a circular construction and property industry.
'We have received help in understanding the Swedish market and identifying potential customers. Innovation Norway has been proactive, bold and highly skilled at building relationships on behalf of Loopfront. We are very pleased with the support and coaching we have received.'
- Be prepared for decisions not to be made at the first meeting.
- Swedes value long-term business relationships. Building a relationship will take time.
- Being able to showcase case studies and previous work is a major advantage.
- Be well prepared and make a compelling case to everyone involved.
- Punctuality is important in business and social engagements. Never be late.
- Be aware that Swedes may find Norwegian more difficult to understand, both spoken and written. Dialects can be particularly challenging for them.
- Avoid focusing all your efforts on reaching senior executives. It is equally important to identify, meet and build relationships with other decision-makers.