It's flattering, but unfortunately not true. The sad truth is that the Swedish companies lost market shares in 2008.
However, we still believe that Swedish companies are world leaders in environmental technology. Forget it!
The choice is between continuing to believe that we are driving the development, or to wake up, roll up our sleeves and face the truth.
Swedish companies are still the world leader in the sense that our companies have valuable products designed for environmental sustainability. But to state that we are world leaders is not enough. Now we have to prove it.
New basis: WE CAN NO LONGER DEPEND ON OLD MERITS. WE HAVR TO SHOW THE WORLD WHAT WE ARE ABLE TO IMPROVE THE ENVIRONMENT. SWEDEN HAS TO ACT NOW.
In 1870, Sweden was the poorest country in Europe. 100 years later, Sweden was Europe's fourth most populous nation.
The road to success was fantastic and was marked by an innovative spirit with a focus on development. When some of the worlds industries were not great, Sweden stood strong and this continued until the mid 70s. Then something happened.
Now, several countries have caught up and in some cases even passed us. We were spoiled by the knowledge and innovation that were present. We lost the spirit and the development slowed down.
Now it is different and a tougher competition. We have to start profiling and market our products. The new market environment requires more active sales.
Within the areas of sustainability and environmental technology, we were successful at an early stage, but it will not last much longer. It is now time for a reality check and a situation analysis in Sweden.
- Is Sweden what it used to be?
- In 2050, will Sweden only be a production country where we accurately and thoroughly perform good work? (with the development, research and motivation elsewhere)?
NO THANKS! Sweden needs to face the future We have a lot of knowledge and a hard to beat experience of environmental technology and sustainable solutions. Unique expertise exist in private companies, municipalities and public organizations. We have great systems solutions, products and services!
Sweden may be the best again, and our environmental technology companies may quickly get market shares. All that is required is that we make up our minds about what we want.
Climate threat is a fact. Sustainability and a better environment remains at the top of the agenda here and throughout the world.
Why not take this opportunity to secure employment and prosperity?
Why not take back the world leader position Sweden once had?
Why not help the rest of the world in developing environmentally friendly solutions to climate change and environmental threats.
Sweden needs to face the challenges now!