This year's program

This year's program

Theme: Northern Sweden in the world

Bünsow pre-event at Elite Hotel Knaust, 9 October

  • 17:30 Admission and mingle

  • 18:00 Welcome to Bünsow's pre-event!

    Welcome to Bünsow’s pre-event at Elite Hotel Knaust!

    Maria Åslin, Project Manager Bünsow Business Growth Forum

    Magdalena Persson, MAQS Advokatbyrå

    Anna Långström, EKN

    Anna Söderström, Elite Hotel Knaust

  • 18:15 Opportunities and challenges for successful international trade in northern Sweden

    Moderator Anders Edholm presents the program item and talks to an expert from MAQS Advokatbyrå about the new law regarding the review of foreign direct investments that came into force in Sweden in December last year. Anders also talks to Anna Långström from EKN about how they see export development in northern Sweden.

    Anders Edholm, Sustainability Communications Director SCA (Moderator)

    Anna Långström, EKN

    MAQS Advokatbyrå

  • 18:30 Panel discussion

    In a discussion and QA session, we will explore how international trade can continue to flourish in a safe and secure way, and how investments and new investors in northern Sweden can create opportunities for growth for innovative companies in all sectors.

    Anders Edholm, Sustainability Communications Director SCA (Moderator)

    Talare

    Per Altenberg, Trade Strategist, National Board of Trade
    Kristina Alvendal, Industry Coordinator
    Micael Säll Lindahl, Regional Police Chief Region North
  • 19:00-21:00 Mingle

    Networking and preparation for the Bünsow Business Growth Forum continues! During the evening, drinks and light snacks are served. Bünsow’s pre-event is organized by MAQS Advokatbyrå EKN together with Elite Hotel Knaust.

Bünsow Business Growth Forum, 10th October

  • This year's theme: Northern Sweden in the world

    At the intersection of the midnight sun and global trends, northern Sweden plays a critical role in leading the way towards a sustainable and secure future. Join us on a journey that highlights our unique position in the world and how we are navigating our way forward to help shape the geopolitics, economy and sustainable development of the future. This year’s Bünsow Business Growth Forum explores how collaboration and forward-looking insights create a foundation for security, preparedness and a greener future.

  • 07:30 Registration, breakfast mingle

    Registration opens with a mingle breakfast.

  • 07:50 Introduction

    Let the uploading begin! We start the day with films from our partners.

  • 08:00 Opening number

  • 08:10 Welcome to the Bünsow Business Growth Forum!

    Known for her warmth, rigour and humour on stage, she approaches each assignment with a depth of understanding and expertise that few can match. Anna Olin Kardell is back and welcomes us to this year’s forum!

    Anna Olin Kardell, Moderator

    Läs mer om talarna

    Anna Olin Kardell
    Anna Olin Kardell
  • 08:10 Block: Power play in the midnight sun: the new playing field of geopolitics

    As the global security situation rapidly changes, Sweden has been forced to reassess its place and role in world politics. The increased geopolitical tensions, combined with new security threats, not only affect the country as a whole, but also extend to regions, companies as well as individuals. Northern Sweden, with its strategic location in the Arctic, has become a focal point for discussions on defence, surveillance, and sovereignty. With its entry into NATO, Sweden’s position as a key player in the international security dialogue has become increasingly clear. At the same time, we face new challenges – from the struggle for natural resources to the management of complex global crises, including climate change and cyber threats.

  • 08:15 Deep dive discussion: Sweden on the frontline - Geopolitics and security in transition

    Sweden’s unique position between East and West has always played a crucial role in our security policy. Since joining NATO, this importance has increased significantly, and we now find ourselves in a complex geopolitical context, where both the Baltic Sea and the Arctic have become increasingly important strategic areas. In this panel discussion, we will explore how Sweden’s geographical position affects our defence, and what challenges and opportunities it presents. We also explore how we build resilient organizations and how international locations can affect national security.

    Robert Egnell, Rektor Försvarshögskolan

    Helena Carell, VD Air Target

    Micael Säll Lindahl, Regionpolischef region nord

    Åke Norling, Överste Stabschef operationsledningen

    Läs mer om talarna

    Robert Egnell
    Robert Egnell
    Helena Carell
    Helena Carell
    Micael Säll Lindahl
    Micael Säll Lindahl
    Åke Norling
    Åke Norling
  • 09:00 Short talk: Safer together: Towards a digital future

    In the modern world, digital infrastructure is as important as physical infrastructure. With today’s growing cyber threats, the development of a robust digital infrastructure is crucial to protect both society and industry. Telia’s investments in 5G play a central role in Sweden’s digital security, where solutions such as Rakel for emergency responders are crucial for critical societal functions. The North Star innovation platform is at the center of driving new technological solutions, with a focus on creating more secure networks and services, which is crucial in northern Sweden’s industrial transition. Staffan Åkesson, CTO of Telia Sweden, describes how Telia is working to protect critical functions and promote a sustainable digital transformation in a time of increased security threats.

    Staffan Åkesson, CTO Telia Sweden

    Läs mer om talarna

    Staffan Åkesson
    Staffan Åkesson
  • 09:15 Keynote: Aiming for the stars: Northern Sweden at the forefront of space innovation

    In a time of global challenges and new security threats, confidence and innovation are more important than ever. Linda Lyckman gives us a unique perspective from space, based on northern Sweden’s strategic proximity to Esrange – Europe’s spaceport. Here, cutting-edge space technology is combined with sustainable solutions, placing the region at the forefront of technological and security developments. Join us on a journey towards new horizons where innovation in space is shaping a safer and more inspiring world.

    Linda Lyckman, Senior Vice President Swedish Space Corporation

    Läs mer om talarna

    Linda Lyckman
    Linda Lyckman
  • 09:40 Mingle break with coffee and snacks

  • 10:15 Keynote: From Battle to Stage - Become a force to be reckoned with

    In a world characterized by ever-changing threats and challenges – the ability to not just react, but be prepared, is crucial. With examples from some of the most extreme situations imaginable, you will gain insights into how to lead both yourself and others by identifying strengths, mastering uncertainties, and managing to focus on what really matters. By building psychological confidence, effective time management, and the ability to avoid administrative pitfalls, you will become someone to be reckoned with, whether in everyday life or in extreme conditions.

    Robert Karjel, Lieutenant Colonel, fighter pilot author

    Läs mer om talarna

    Robert Karjel
    Robert Karjel
  • 10:45 Block: What role does economic stability play in maintaining peace and security?

    Economic stability is not only a matter of growth and prosperity, it has also become an important cornerstone of peace and security. Economic stability is a crucial factor in maintaining social fabric and protecting national interests. Every economic decision, from infrastructure investment to trade policy, contributes to a robust safety net that protects both nations and individuals. In this block, we explore how the chess game of great powers, and Sweden’s ability to compete on the global stage, affects our economic future and our security. How can we navigate through a time of uncertainty while ensuring we maintain a leading position?

  • 10:50 Keynote: Great powers' chess game creates new rules for economic outlook

    We are in a time of widespread geopolitical transformation, where ‘eight forces of fragmentation’ are shaping a new global order. From the bipolar world of the Cold War to today’s multipolar clusters of spheres of interest, we see how global crises such as the pandemic and protectionism are reshaping power structures. These forces are driving changes in global supply chains and forcing countries to reshape their industrial strategies to meet the threats. But this political steering of industry has not yielded the expected results – on the contrary, it threatens to create new trade wars. Pontus gives us an overview of the rapid developments and the uncertain future, where companies and banks have to adapt to dynamics that are changing faster than ever before.

    Pontus Sellberg, Senior Analyst Danske Bank

    Läs mer om talarna

    Pontus Sellberg
    Pontus Sellberg
  • 11:10 Short talk: How should companies in the defence sector finance growth?

    In today’s rapidly changing security landscape, collaboration between business, banking, and government is required to meet new challenges and opportunities. In this short talk, participants discuss how the defense and security industry can scale up and meet the growing demand, especially in light of Sweden’s membership in NATO. The focus is on the role of financing, how smaller companies in the defense sector can grow with the support of state guarantees, and how the growth of the industry creates new conditions and requirements.

    Madelene Rydén, Area Manager Military Defence SOFF

    Stefan Granlund, Head of Growth Danske Bank

    Anna Långström, Regional Manager Central Northern Sweden EKN

    Läs mer om talarna

    Anna Långström
    Anna Långström
    Madelene Rydén
    Madelene Rydén
    Stefan Granlund
    Stefan Granlund
  • 11:30 Keynote: From interest rate cuts to green growth: the way forward for the Swedish economy

    When inflation falls, it opens up the possibility for the Riksbank to cut interest rates and for fiscal policy to take a more expansionary direction. Although the economy is still weak, forward-looking indicators show signs of recovery. Next year will be crucial in determining how much the interest rate can be lowered and what consequences this in turn will have for the long-term development of the economy. In the longer term, the focus will be on how Sweden’s population growth affects the labour market and productivity. How will the labour market respond to increased demand for skills from green industrial initiatives in northern Sweden? With a growing green sector, Sweden faces opportunities and challenges – and how we navigate these could determine our economic future.

    Christina Nyman, Chief Economist Handelsbanken

    Läs mer om talarna

    Christina Nyman
    Christina Nyman
  • 12:00 Lunch

    Lunch is served one floor down

  • 13:00 Welcome back!

  • 13.05 Keynote: Back to success

    Once upon a time, Sweden was the best in all tests, but we are no longer. Over the past 50 years, we have slowly but surely lost ground in various rankings. This does not mean that we have become poorer; some other countries have done better. In a company, you would quickly copy all the recipes for success that exist in the world. Politicians could do the same here at home. Henrik knows who has gone from ‘good to great’ and what it takes. Join us on an exciting journey from Texas to New Zealand, with a stop at a mountain top in Switzerland.

    Henrik Mitelman, Economic Analyst Columnist EFN

    Läs mer om talarna

    Henrik Mitelman
    Henrik Mitelman
  • 13:35 Deep dive discussion: Heroes of the planet - The role of banks in reconciling sustainability and profitability

    In a world crying out for change, creating a sustainable future requires not only good intentions but also concrete actions. We hear from two of Sweden’s sustainability experts on how banks can be instrumental in leading the transition and how their regulated role and financial power can be a powerful engine for change. Can sustainability and financial returns be reconciled – rather than seen as opposing forces?

    Anette Andersson, Senior Specialist Sustainable Investments SEBAnja Hannerz, Head of Sustainability Nordea

    Läs mer om talarna

    Anja Hannerz
    Anja Hannerz
    Anette Andersson
    Anette Andersson
  • 14:00 Keynote: Lower inflation, lower interest rates, and higher growth - but what could threaten these developments and what are financial markets saying?

    Most signs point to good growth in Sweden in 2025 and 2026 – perhaps even the highest growth in the whole of the EU. But what are the threats that could potentially overturn a positive macro picture and what are the financial markets saying about the future? Geopolitics is unusually turbulent and the US presidential election is creating further uncertainty. At the same time, China is struggling with subdued growth and increased industrial production, which is putting pressure on producers in both Europe and the US and could lead to new trade barriers. Olof Manner builds on the day’s earlier discussions and dives into topical areas of geopolitics, macro, and finance.

    Olof Manner, Senior Advisor Swedbank

    Läs mer om talarna

    Olof Manner
    Olof Manner
  • 14:20 Block: Frontlines of the future: the power of innovation to shape tomorrow

    In a rapidly changing world where technological advances and sustainability goals are accelerating development, industry faces major challenges and opportunities. In northern Sweden, a revolution is underway that is utilizing natural resources, innovating solutions, and paving the way for the industry of the future. Global initiatives such as Fit for 55 are creating new rules of the game, and technologies such as AI and automation are redefining how we look at industrial production. In this deep dive, we explore what will shape industry up to 2030, with a particular focus on the interplay between sustainability, governance and the future of industry.

  • 14:25 Deep dive discussion: Global drivers and trends - how will they affect industry in 2030?

    In a rapidly changing world where technological advances and sustainability goals are accelerating development, industry faces major challenges and opportunities. In northern Sweden, a revolution is underway, harnessing the region’s natural resources and innovative solutions to pave the way for the industry of the future. Global initiatives such as Fit for 55 are creating new rules of the game, and technologies such as AI and automation are redefining how we look at industrial production. In this deep dive, we explore what will shape industry until 2030, with a particular focus on the interplay between sustainability, governance, and the future of industry.

    Alf Isaksson, Research Fellow, ABB

    Pär Lärkeryd, CEO Norra Skog

    Kristina Alvendal, Government Industry Coordinator

    Läs mer om talarna

    Pär Lärkeryd
    Pär Lärkeryd
    Kristina Alvendal
    Kristina Alvendal
    Alf Isaksson
    Alf Isaksson
  • 14:55 Mingle break with coffee refreshments

  • 15:25 Keynote: Super innovation and radical transparency - Everyone who does the right thing will benefit

    We are currently on the cusp of a new era of technological development, spearheaded by AI, quantum computing, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. Technology has left our computers and is now moving into the physical and biological worlds, transforming traditional industries at a rapid pace. What does this shift mean for us? What lessons can we learn from the rules of the game? And what awaits us around the corner where technology and sustainability meet? These are questions we need to start answering now, because the future is closer than we think.

    Judith Wolst, Entrepreneur, Digital Advisor Author

    Läs mer om talarna

    Judith Wolst
    Judith Wolst
  • 15:45 Zoom in discussion: AI and digital transformation in practice: the smart society of the future

    Building on the presentation on super innovation and radical transparency, we take a deeper dive into the practical applications of AI and digital transformation. Judith Wolst will be joined on stage by Marcus Matteby, who will highlight how both small and large municipalities can work together to meet today’s technological challenges. Through concrete examples, they will show how co-creation between municipalities, companies, and authorities can tear down old structures and pave the way for innovative solutions that shape the digital society of the future – a society where technology and collaboration are key to success.

    Judith Wolst, Entrepreneur, Digital Advisor Author

    Marcus Matteby, CIO Sundsvall Ånge Municipality, Member AI Commission

    Läs mer om talarna

    Judith Wolst
    Judith Wolst
    Marcus Matteby
    Marcus Matteby
  • 16:00 Short talk: Northern Sweden as a leading player in space

    We travel back into the future to a world of space technology and Northern innovation. Fredrik, the pioneer behind commercial company Arctic Space Technologies, gives us an insight into how they have revolutionized the way space data is handled. In just a few years, it has gone from idea to established service provider to some of the world’s most prominent satellite communications companies, all from the Öjebyn industrial estate in Piteå.

    Fredrik Schäder, Co-founder co-owner Arctic Space Technologies

    Läs mer om talarna

    Fredrik Schäder
    Fredrik Schäder
  • 16:15 Short talk: Hydrogen + fish = Big Akwa

    We look into the future of sustainable food production with Big Akwa. A pioneering project in Alby, Ånge, where the company is focusing on establishing land-based fish farming using hydrogen and optimized resource use. Efficiency and sustainability are at the center of the company’s contribution to the green transition in our part of the country.

    Elena Petukhovskaya, CEO co-founder Big Akwa

    Läs mer om talarna

    Elena Petukhovskaya
    Elena Petukhovskaya
  • 16:30 Keynote: From brutal attack to survivor - Carl the bodyguard's journey

    Through setbacks and triumphs, Carl, a former elite athlete, became an internationally recognized bodyguard before a violent attack changed his life forever. From protecting high-ranking dignitaries around the world to surviving a brutal attack, Carl has turned life’s trials into motivation to move forward. Now he shares his unique journey and inspires people to find strength in adversity. Join us for a gripping story of survival, courage, and turning life’s challenges into opportunities. Carl concludes with the approach that northern Sweden needs to continue to be a driving force to be reckoned with.

    Carl the bodyguard

    Läs mer om talarna

    Carl the bodyguard
    Carl the bodyguard
  • 17.15 Closure

  • 18.30 Mingle

  • 19.00 Festive dinner in the Hall of Mirrors

    Welcome to an unforgettable banquet in the magnificent Spegelsalen! The evening offers a perfect mix of curious conversations, world-class entertainment and fantastic atmosphere. As the evening’s host, Thelma Ericsson, singer and entertainer with an impressive CV in showbiz, guides us through the evening with energy and charm.

    We also have the great honor of welcoming Maxida Märak as the evening’s artist. With her unique combination of joik and hip hop, Maxida creates musical performances that leave strong impressions and make the evening unforgettable.

    This will be a dinner filled with magic, music and memorable moments!

    Läs mer om talarna

    Maxida Märak
    Maxida Märak
    Thelma Ericsson
    Thelma Ericsson
  • 22.30 After-party

    After dinner, the party continues downstairs in the City Hall terrace.

    The program is updated regularly and the dates are preliminary.

Founders

Principal partners

Follow us on social media!

Integritetspolicy  |  Cookiepolicy