While visiting Stockholm, we met with many businesses and learned about their approach to international business. Einride was an electric, autonomous transport company that already had a presence in Los Angeles with the largest electric truck charging station in the USA. They currently only operate trucks in cargo transport within facilities or very short distances, but the goal would be to eliminate unnecessary movement within facilities and decrease costs, while also maximizing drivers’ potential for long-haul transports.
Another company, Imagimob, developed AI models for various products. They work to gather appropriate data and then build models for production. They have ready-made products currently available as well as take on new projects for development. One of the employee’s at Imagimob, their social media lead, was an American and had an interesting perspective on moving to Stockholm. We learned that most companies in Sweden have four weeks off during the month of July, which many families use to visit a vacation home – either in Sweden or another country. This work model is very different from America, but they still are able to be equally as productive.
Our next stop was northern Sweden. Immediately upon arrival in Piteå, we dressed for a hike at Storforsen Rapids. They were the most incredible rapids we’d ever seen! The glacial water proved to be swimmable, although very cold indeed. We joined students for a swim in the water following the hike up the rapids, and even jumped into the water! It was an unexpected yet unforgettable experience that we are very grateful to have had the opportunity to see.
We also visited the town of Skellefteå, located about an hour south of Piteå. We were greeted by members of the Skellefteå municipality who discussed their efforts to attract international business and grow their community. They have multiple projects underway to increase innovation and promote business growth, especially with the arrival of Northvolt – a sustainable battery manufacturer and energy company. A former Chapman student’s father is the CEO of Northvolt, and we had the chance to meet her at Einride in Stockholm. The company started operations in Reno, NV and has since expanded all over the world.
Some students had the opportunity to sit down and discuss their opinions on increasing growth within Skellefteå, as well as answer questions from local members. We were given some time to explore the city and visit the iconic wooden structure in the heart of the city. This is the 5th largest wooden structure in the world and was built as a house for the community and to serve as a hotel for visiting guests. The house contains a library, multiple theater rooms, workspaces, a ballroom, museum, dance/rehearsal rooms, and the hotel. The almost entirely wooden structure is a testament to Swedish design and construction and will serve the community of Skellefteå for many decades to come.
Our last business visit in Piteå was part of a group dinner where we met a local business woman, Lisa Hellmér, who bought an entire block of buildings in Piteå. An extraordinary entrepreneur with a strategy we’d never seen before, she was able to control all aspects of the business in her block. The historic buildings she’d purchased were full of character and reflected the dream she was so clearly passionate about. As women, it was truly inspiring to see another woman so successful in her dreams! It was absolutely our personal highlight of the trip thus far!
