Hello Jenny! Could you provide a brief overview of the Swedish Institute’s mission and the types of projects you typically engage in?
- The Swedish Institute is a public agency that builds interest and trust in Sweden around the world. We work with Sweden promotion, cooperation in the Baltic Sea region and global development. SI facilitates international exchanges and partnerships in order to increase awareness of Sweden and build good relationships with individuals, organisations and other countries with the goal to improve the conditions for trade, investment, tourism and cultural exchange.
Why is the Swedish Institute participating in Bifrost Summit 2024, and what do you hope to achieve through this collaboration?
- Sweden contributes to the green transition through technical innovation and expertise in for example wood construction. We look forward to showcasing groundbreaking projects, talent, and to boost connections between Swedish companies and American colleagues and potential partners. Bifrost is a great opportunity for Sweden and the Nordics to build stronger relationships with the United States, a key partner in advancing the green transition.
"WE BELIEVE IN THE POWER OF PEOPLE MEETING, AND THE EXCHANGE OF IDEAS AND KNOWLEDGE BETWEEN PROFESSIONALS FROM DIFFERENT AREAS OF SOCIETY"
-Jenny Bergström Bonmont, Program Manager, Swedish Institute
Which emerging trends does the Swedish Institute foresee playing a significant role in shaping a sustainable future?
- We believe in the power of people meeting, and the exchange of ideas and knowledge between professionals from different areas of society. To facilitate such meetings has been our core business since 1945, so I can’t really call it a new trend, but I believe that the need for the inspiration and innovation that happens when people get together might be bigger now than ever.
What can Sweden and the other Nordic countries learn from the US and vice versa?
- One thing that we in Sweden and the Nordics can really learn from is the entrepreneurial spirit that is so strong in the US – to be bold, brave and transform good ideas into business.
In Sweden we are good at collaborating. Sweden ranks high when it comes to innovation and green transition thanks to high political aims, but also very much thanks to the business sectors and the companies. They were quick to identify the business advantages with the green shift and want to be part of the solution, which drives change. This might be inspiring to American colleagues.
Bifrost is just around the corner, what are you looking forward to the most at Bifrost?
- I´m looking forward to network, to learn new things and to take part of green visions for the future. I hope to come back home filled with hope for a better tomorrow.
