COUNTRY PROFILE
Sweden
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Key facts and figures
Year of EU entry: 1995
Country code: SE
Dial code: + 00 46
Population: 9.4 million
Capital: Stockholm
Currency: Krona (SEK)
Language: Swedish
Time: +1 hour GMT
Total area: 449 964 sq km
Why Sweden?
Easy to do business
Sweden’s business environment is modern and
business-friendly. The Swedish culture is openminded and readily embraces new ideas and technologies. Smooth business procedures and
willingness to engage in international partnerships make Sweden an easy country to do
business in. Information is also readily available, open and transparent.
Leader in innovation
Sweden is a leading supplier of innovative solutions and products covering a wide range of
sectors on a global scale. Its ability to work across disciplines and bridge corporate and
academic research environments makes Sweden well placed to deliver results. Sweden is often
perceived as a pioneer in harnessing new technologies and setting new consumer trends. Many
companies therefore use Sweden as a pilot market for their new products and services.
First rate Infrastructure
Sweden’s transport network is excellent and matches or outperforms that of any other
European country. Extensive public investment in its transport system has ensured an efficient
nationwide network of roads, railroads, waterways, harbors and airports. It is the only country
that offers 24-hour distribution to all major destinations in the region, with advanced
distribution and communication infrastructure from 10 logistics hubs.
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Central location
Sweden is a prime and central location for market operations in Northern Europe and many
companies choose Sweden for their regional headquarters, multi-country distribution centers,
contact centers and shared service centers.
Key sectors
Information & Communication technologies
Sweden boasts a sophisticated ICT market and is one of the most advanced nations in the ICT
world. Its early implementation of mobile communications and early deployment of
computerized technology is why it is the home to several ICT developers. There are currently
opportunities for UK companies in Healthcare IT known as eHealth. The healthcare IT market in
Sweden is regarded as technologically advanced and has a well established purchasing
structure and therefore open to international technology to ensure that working methods are
continually developing.
Consumer goods
Sweden is an ideal export market for quality UK products. The range of goods that have done
well in the Swedish market includes clothing, accessories, giftware and food and drink. Swedes
are familiar with British brands and have the disposable income to pay for high quality
products. High quality niche products have been particularly successful to date.
Life sciences
Sweden is a great place to access cutting-edge research in the medical field. It is the source of
a number of groundbreaking innovations and home to two of Europe’s most distinguished
biotech clusters. It is also Europe's fourth largest biotechnology industry. Many companies
capitalize on Sweden for in-licensing, clinical research or partnerships with academic research
institutions
Security
The Swedish Security market is worth approximately €1.2 – 1.5 billion and is constantly
growing. Improved means of communications is a trend in the Swedish security sector, as well
as wireless systems for CCTV and other detectors. CCTV is the largest segment in terms of
number of operating companies in the Security market.
Partnering opportunities with Sweden
Below is a brief selection of partnership opportunities available in Sweden. You can search for
more opportunities on our website at www.enterpriseeuropeeast.org.uk
Abnormal cell proliferation
Swedish Biotechnology Company with a new highly sensitive technique for measuring abnormal
cell proliferation which makes cancer detection faster and cheaper seeks subcontractors in
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Europe in order to optimize the product. The subcontractor should be used to working with biotech companies.
Ref: 20110707035
Product for portion control
Swedish healthcare company has developed a new concept for weight control which includes a
product for portion control as well as know-how. The company is looking for trade intermediary
services in the UK, as well as dietary stores and pharmacies who might be interested in acting
as resellers.
Ref: 20110924004
Gardening tools
Swedish manufacturer and designer of both traditional and innovative gardening tools of their
own design is looking for agents or retailers.
Ref: 20110705003
Heating and cooling systems
Swedish suppliers and installers of renewable energy heating and cooling systems and other
energy effective solutions is looking for accredited installation firms, agents and distributors.
Their products aim to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality for all types of
households and buildings.
Ref: 20110926003
Car tent for camping
Swedish developer of a patented car tent for camping is looking for trade intermediary services.
The tent consists of a living area with 4 to 5 places plus a connecting car cover. The tent creates
a dry, draughts free area between vehicle and tent where conveniences like lights and radio
from the car can be used. The company is also interested in selling the patent.
Ref: 20111004005
Public sector opportunities
Here is a selection of public sector opportunities in Sweden.
Data equipment
http://www.ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:356289-2011:TEXT:EN:HTML
Cleaning products
http://www.ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:373117-2011:TEXT:EN:HTML
Telecommunication consultancy services
http://www.ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:371745-2011:TEXT:EN:HTML
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For more information on European public procurement opportunities visit our website at
www.enterpriseeuropeeast.org.uk
Business culture and etiquette
Swedish business partners tend to be technically oriented, scientifically curious and highly
interested in innovation that is close to practice. Appointments must be made in advance,
and punctuality is important in Sweden. Swedes are in general good, reliable business partners
who are straight-talking and direct. You can expect negotiations to be somewhat formal and
rapid. Work dress code is slightly conservative but casual.
Events
Stockholm Furniture & Light Fair
7th -8th February 2012
http://www.stockholmfurniturelightfair.se/en
Case study
Find out how one of our companies’s benefited from EU funding when partnering with a
Swedish company- http://www.enterprise-europe-network.ec.europa.eu/successstories/linking-save-lives
Useful contacts
Embassy
11 Montagu Place
London W1H 2AL
Tel: 020 7917 6400
Fax: 020 7724 4174
E-mail: ambassaden.london@foreign.ministry.se
Web: www.swedenabroad.com/london
Office hours: Mon–Fri 0900–1200 and 1400–1600
Swedish Trade Council
Winchester House
259–269 Old Marylebone Road
London NW1 5RA
Tel: 020 7616 4070
Fax: 020 7616 4099
E-mail: unitedkingdom@swedishtrade.se
Web: www.swedishtrade.se
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British Embassy
Skarpögatan 6–8
Box 27819
115 93 Stockholm
Tel: 0046 8 671 3000
Fax: 0046 8 671 662 9989
E-mail: info@britishembassy.se
Web: http://ukinsweden.fco.gov.uk/en
British–Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Sweden
Jakobs Torg 3
4th Floor
Box 16050
SE-10321 Stockholm.
Tel: 0046 8506 12617
Fax: 0046 8506 12618
E-mail: bscc@chamber.se
Web: www.bscc.info
Invest in Sweden
Klarabergsviadukten 70, B6
P.O Box 90
SE-101 21 Stockholm
Sweden
Phone: +46 8 402 78 00
Fax: +46 402 78 78
Email: info@investsweden.se
Tel: +46 8 402 78 00
Web: http://www.investsweden.se/world/
This guide was prepared by the Enterprise Europe Network in the East of England. We are your
local gateway to doing business in Europe. To find out more on doing business, finding partners
and opportunities available in Sweden contact us at enterprise.europe@eeneast.org.uk or
telephone 0845 641 99 55 (select option 2).
Neither the European Commission nor any person acting on behalf of the European Commission is responsible for
the use which might be made of the information contained herein. The views in this publication are those of the
author and do not necessarily reflect the policies of the European Commission.
December 2011
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