What will Sweden look like in 2030?

Siemens' future study has the answers

We live in complex times — and many challenges lie ahead where we need to drastically reduce carbon emissions and development must be accelerated. The need for transformation has never been greater and we need to act now. We are convinced that a global transition can only be rapid and successful if we do it with joint efforts. That is why Siemens has carried out a project in Sweden to develop a comprehensive vision for the future.

The study is based on the specific situation in Sweden. But the method can also be a model for other countries around the world. “I am convinced that we need a comprehensive vision of how we can become better if we work together,” says Mikael Leksell, CEO of Siemens in Sweden and the Nordics.

The study compiles a range of research findings and the knowledge and experience of more than 100 internal and external experts from business, society and academia. They describe how Sweden can achieve a more sustainable and digital future, and how people can have a good life in 2030 and what that could look like. We get a holistic picture that shows how important parts of Swedish society — mobility, energy, industry, society, infrastructure, economy, digital technology and security — are likely to develop. Given that markets and political landscapes are constantly changing, it is important for us to ensure that the study remains relevant and up-to-date. We have therefore carried out an extensive initial review and update of the study in close collaboration with internal and external experts.

Download the study here

Sweden 2030: A vision

Experts expect major digital and sustainable changes that will affect all parts of Swedish society and how our cities will look. The sections below illustrate Sweden 2030 and changes within eight important parts of society.

Energy

On the way to a negative climate footprint. Sweden is changing rapidly and becoming a role model in renewable energy:

• The demand for electricity will increase sharply and will likely double by 2045.
• Focusing on climate-neutral energy supply with a balance between different types of energy ensures that Sweden continues to be a leader in renewable energy.
• Many scattered suppliers: A large part of the buildings also generate electricity — for example with solar cells and also function as energy storage.
• The electricity grids are much more efficient and provide a stable energy supply despite many scattered suppliers.

Mobility

Goodbye to petrol and diesel. People and goods can be transported more easily in a climate-neutral way:

• 50% of cars and light electric trucks (95% of new registrations) are powered by electric motors. This is leading to a large-scale expansion of fixed infrastructure for charging electric vehicles throughout the country.
• “Mobility as a service” is becoming the standard for a new system that combines services from different providers — such as rail, bus, rental car, electric scooters and bicycles.
• We are starting to see commercial applications for electric air traffic, such as air taxis or drones for urgent deliveries in emergencies.

Read more about mobility solutions

Industry

Climate protection through digitalization. Carbon-neutral industry supported by artificial intelligence and new business models:

• Digitalization technologies — such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and digital twins — are crucial for climate neutrality.
• Transition to a circular economy — industrial waste becomes a raw material.
• The industry's electricity supply comes from renewable resources, such as wind power, and the transition to carbon neutrality will be felt throughout the entire life cycle.
• Increased demand for minerals and critical raw materials positions Sweden as an important player in the EU's effort to become more self-sufficient.

Infrastructure

Smart and human-friendly. Everything is connected, taking infrastructure to a whole new level of intelligence and resilience:

• Large cities in particular are being transformed into places where people are at the center. This leads to less individual car traffic and thus fewer roads and parking spaces. More bicycle and pedestrian paths.
• Buildings and cities will become smart, making them more energy efficient and comfortable. Artificial intelligence and simulation (digital twins) are used to develop optimal solutions for people-friendly cities and make them as sustainable as possible.
• Cities are evolving to become more resilient to climate change, for example by integrating more green spaces. These areas play a crucial role in urban environments by managing increased precipitation during winter and helping to lower temperatures during summer.

Economy

The Nordic region, a place for the future. Sweden is a very attractive country for companies and their facilities:

• New business models and ecosystems are emerging.
• The government will increasingly support the relocation of steps in the value chain to reduce dependence on other countries and increase domestic influence where possible. This “glocalization” is a new balance between global trade and local production.
• Sweden is an innovation leader and will still be the country with the most start-ups in Europe in 2030.

Society

Connected and open. A changed attitude leads to a new way of life:

• It becomes less important where a person is located. It is possible to collaborate even over long distances. Virtual meetings are held using augmented or virtual reality.
• Society continues to be tolerant and open to diversity (LGBTQ+).
• The labor market is changing — some jobs are disappearing and being replaced by new ones.

Security

Increased threat from cyberattacks. Adaptation of legislation and new standards provides a more secure way to handle data and personal information:

• Only those who have customers' trust in offering secure solutions will remain competitive.
• Surveillance cameras supported by artificial intelligence will facilitate the work of police and emergency services.
• Tougher IT security: strict verification of any person or device attempting to access a private network.

Digital technology

The driving force behind a total transformation. Technology supports, shapes and simplifies every aspect of our lives and the lives of our digital twins:

• Digital twins of every person, system and process will connect the digital and physical worlds.
• Data will be processed directly and in real time, leading to a higher degree of connectivity and data security.
• Self-adaptive and reliable user experience systems will be the prerequisite for a future “Metaverse.” Augmented or virtual reality visualization is becoming increasingly important.
• Sustainability is becoming a necessity for companies to integrate into their products and services, while driving digital and technological innovation. AI will foster innovation, optimize processes, maximize resource utilization and minimize waste.

Siemens Xcelerator — accelerate your digital transformation

A better future is not only possible — it is likely

A study of this kind provides a probable picture of the future, but of course cannot be taken as an absolute truth. Particularly unexpected and unpredictable events, such as a pandemic or war, but also new technology can completely change the predictions.

Nevertheless, studies like this can help to assess what needs to be achieved in the coming years to support a sustainable digital transformation. A comprehensive vision, which shows that a better future is not only possible but also likely, also helps to create the social cohesion and stability necessary to accelerate the transformation. Siemens will in any case continue its work to bring stakeholders together and contribute to a broad and positive dialogue. Similar studies for other countries are already planned.