Historically, Sweden has launched many well-renowned companies that have established business across the world. But this is a historic success that is now difficult to replicate. Today, few companies are established in Sweden and we are not as successful at conquering the international market as we should be which is not good for future development.
Our small and medium-sized businesses remain small, no new Ericsson or Volvo are established.
We have many fine and well-known companies in Sweden, but there are no new companies.
This list provides a number of well-known Swedish companies that have become international, and when they were established.
Sandvik, 1862
Atlas Copco, 1873
Ericsson, 1876
Assa, 1881
Skanska, 1887
Asea, 1890
Scania, 1900
SKF, 1907
Astra, 1913
Electrolux, 1919
Volvo Cars, 1926
SCA, 1929
SAAB, 1937
IKEA, 1943
H&M, 1947
Most of our Swedish companies have celebrated their 100th anniversary.
After the 1940s, there are few Swedish international firms.
It is difficult to know if it is because the Social Democrats were in charge in Sweden in the late 1930s, but probably there is a connection. Then, a completely different approach and attitude emerged in Sweden in terms of that it will be worthwhile to work.
In the late 60s and early 70s, the Swedish tax levy increased significantly and the attitude that it will be worthwhile to work deteriorated even more as a left-wing wave emerged.
Could this be the reason that we now experience that fewer Swedish companies become international?
I do not know, but surely work attitudes play a role. But we are also exposed to increased competition from the world around us which should be a contributing factor.
Many countries are focusing on developing and strengthening their company´s competitiveness and expansion opportunities and this is done through different tax structures which means that firms with greater ability will cope with the globalization.
Last out of countries that have announced tax reductions is Germany with 225 billion SEK in 2010 in order to strengthen its global competitiveness.
Cecilia Helland