Company Research Report: Svenska Institutet (The Swedish Institute)

1. Company Overview

• Name: Svenska Institutet (The Swedish Institute)

• Mission: The Swedish Institute is tasked with promoting interest and trust in Sweden internationally, working on Swedish promotion, cooperation in the Baltic Sea region, and global development.

• Founded: 1945

• Founder: Initially established as a joint initiative by the state and business interests, in collaboration with cultural sectors, universities, the business community, and popular movements.

• Key People:

• Director General: Madeleine Sjöstedt

• Additional Leadership:

• Anna Rudels, Head of Swedish Communication and Promotion

• Kurt Bratteby, Head of International Relations

• Monika Wirkkala, Head of Operational Support

• Sara Arrhenius, Director of the Swedish Institute Paris (Institut suédois)

• Headquartered: Virkesvägen 2, 120 30 Stockholm, Sweden

• Number of Employees: Approximately 140

• Revenue: No information is available

• What is the company known for: Known for fostering cooperation, enhancing the image of Sweden overseas, supporting cultural exchange, and providing scholarships and leadership programs to international talents.

2. Products and Services

Scholarships and Leadership Programs

• Description: Various programs are designed to enable master's studies for international students and to nurture global leadership skills.

Promotion and Communication of Sweden

• Description: Responsibility for crafting and communicating Sweden's image abroad, enhancing perceptions in areas like innovation, culture, and policy.

International Relations and Developmental Cooperation

• Description: Engages in multiple international collaborative projects aimed at capacity building and sustainable development.

3. Recent Developments

• Recent Activities and Strategic Moves:

• Sveriges Nya Varumärkesstrategi (Sweden's New Brand Strategy):

• In April 2024, tasked with developing a coordinated strategy to enhance Sweden's brand globally, involving Team Sweden, which includes IKEA, Volvo Group, and Business Sweden.

• The strategy emphasizes counteracting misinformation and fostering Sweden's image as an open, innovative, and reliable nation.

• Stockholm Furniture Fair (February 2025):

• Partnered with Stockholmsmässan to promote Swedish design by inviting 100 international architects and buyers to bolster Swedish exports in design.

• Support to Ukrainian Projects (2024):

• Launched an extensive bilateral cooperation program with Ukraine, known as the SI Ukraine Cooperation Programme, funding 49 projects focused on sustainable development and democracy.

• EU Baltic Sea Region Forum (October 2024):

• Organized an annual forum to discuss sustainable regional development, attended by over 580 participants. A significant focus was on strengthening collaborations, particularly involving Ukraine in regional strategies.

• New Initiatives:

• New Partnerships and Programs:

• Initiatives like the SI Baltic Sea Neighbourhood Programme, SI Creative Partnerships Programme, and SI Academy for Young Professionals aimed at fostering cross-border cooperation.

• Preparations for International Expo Events:

• Plans for participation in Expo 2025, Designart Tokyo, and Paris Design Week to increase Swedish cultural influence and business presence globally.

With a strategic focus on countering disinformation and bolstering Sweden's image abroad, the Swedish Institute continues to leverage its extensive networks and programs to create meaningful international partnerships and promote cultural diplomacy.