Interview with Fredrik Wallner, CEO of Sweco
Sweco has recently become a partner of Bünsow Business Growth Forum. What made you decide to get involved?
Bünsow Business Growth Forum is an important platform for organisations and individuals who want to contribute to the region’s continued development. For Sweco, it is a natural arena to be part of. Many of the issues that shape business growth are closely linked to community development, energy, infrastructure, industrial transformation, sustainable cities, and resilient societies. We want to contribute our expertise, gain a deeper understanding of local needs, and help develop solutions that improve everyday life while strengthening society in the long term.
The built environment sector is undergoing significant transformation, particularly in areas such as electrification, climate adaptation, and digitalisation. What changes are most evident right now?
The most noticeable shift is that the transition has moved from vision to execution. Today, the focus is on making decisions and investing here and now in power grids, industry, infrastructure, and climate adaptation measures. At the same time, digitalisation and new technologies are creating entirely new opportunities to plan more effectively and make better-informed decisions. Sweco’s role is to help clients and public stakeholders turn complex challenges into practical solutions that deliver real-world results.
How have your clients’ needs and expectations evolved in recent years?
Our clients are facing increasingly complex decisions. They need to balance sustainability, financial considerations, regulatory requirements, security, project timelines, and societal value. As a result, there is growing demand for advisors who can combine a broad strategic perspective with deep specialist expertise. For us, it is about developing solutions that create meaningful value for businesses, for people in their daily lives, and for society as a whole.
Where do you see the greatest potential for growth in the region going forward?
I see great potential in the combination of a strong business culture, industrial expertise, and the green transition. The region has many of the strengths needed to contribute to Sweden’s future development. However, sustainable growth requires the right conditions: access to reliable energy, efficient transport systems, resilient infrastructure, attractive living environments, and long-term urban and community planning. This is where Sweco can contribute with both specialist expertise and a holistic perspective.
Finally, what kind of dialogue and connections are you hoping to create through your involvement?
We look forward to engaging in meaningful and forward-looking discussions with organisations that are committed to developing the region. Many stakeholders are facing similar challenges: how to secure energy supply, build more sustainably, strengthen infrastructure, and accelerate investments. We want to share our experience while also learning more about local needs and priorities. The best solutions are often created through collaboration.