Summary Remarks

The Covid-19 pandemic continues to rage, exacting enormous personal and financial toll across the globe -even now as we finalize Study Phase II and insights on this unprecedented disruption. On the bright side, the very recent approval and early rollout of vaccines, now offers a glimmer of hope.

In summary, this crisis has caused untold disruption, economic hardship and loss, while simultaneously leading to new and innovative practices and products – many resulting in unprecedented commercial success and growth. ’No good crisis should go wasted’ and ’Disruption is the mother of innovation’ have indeed both proven apt and highly accurate predictions for silver linings in the midst of hardship and unprecedented challenges.

As demonstrated in this Phase II Study, the pandemic has permanently altered how, where, with who, we now work, conduct business and trade, as well as create value and growth. Certain sectors have borne the brunt of the downturn and loss, whereas yet others, have either been newly created or able to capitalize on the situation. Lessons learned are many, perhaps foremost the importance of nimble, agile and rapid response. As we now better understand the enormous and pending challenges around climate change, population disruption, as well as seemingly unavoidable future public health issues, comes also the undeniable recognition that complacency or disengagement is not an option.

Beyond the obvious global importance of this growing awareness, is also the opportunity for Swedish Companies, uniquely positioned to now capitalize, given their track record of measurable sustainability initiatives. As illustrated in this report, Sweden and Swedish industry has improved its reputation and position as focus on sustainability and climate change mitigation mounts, and is increasingly recognized as a tool for higher returns and ability to attract top talent.

On the flip side, Sweden’s approach to containing and addressing the pandemic elicited more criticism than support, and tainted the view of Swedish leadership and its public/social sector. Similarly, Swedes perceive the U.S. as having botched its response to the pandemic. Coupled with a messy U.S. political climate, protectionist policies and rhetoric, has turned the Swedish opinion of the U.S. more negative.

More recently, though, and in the aftermath of the national election and pending change in administration, Swedish industry appears more optimistic about a better U.S. business climate, while also looking to position itself in ways to best capitalize on heightened demand for innovation and technology.

Thank you yet again to all who gave of their time and invaluable insights. We hope to keep in touch and our hand on your pulses!

Publishers:

The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York & Applied Value Group

Responsible Publisher:

Anna Throne-Holst, President Editor & Data Analyst, SACCNY:

Ebba Berbres, Business Services

Editor, SACCNY:

Alva Jonevret, Business Services

Editors, Applied Value Group:

Chief Editor & Project Leader:

Emma Fredwall, Chief Operating Officer Specialist, Business Services Insights & Marketing Analytics Lambert Rutaganda, Senior Consultant Clara Lorenius Andrén, Consultant

Survey and interviews conducted in September, October & November 2020 Date of publication: December 2020 Copyright: The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York 2020

About SACCNY:

The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York is a non-governmental organization. Our mission is to promote, advance and protect commercial and professional relations between Sweden and the United States, while acting as an important support agent for Swedish businesses internationalizing on the U.S. market.

Website: www.saccny.org About Applied Value Group:

Applied Value Group is a premier boutique management consulting, investment, and social impact firm with a global presence. We focus heavily on ROI and tangible bottomline results for our clients. We service both global conglomerates as well as small and medium size companies on improving their cost and capital efficiency from our offices in Helsinki, New York, Stockholm, and Shanghai.

Website: www.appliedvaluegroup.com

“I’d say the biggest change since the first phase is an acceptance that this is the new normal”

--- Vice President/General Manager, Swedish-U.S. Company

The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, New York 900 Third Avenue, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10022 Tel: +1 212 838 5530 info@saccny.org www.saccny.org