Key Insights & Event Summary
On 26 May 2026, Team Sweden in Australia — the Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) — welcomed members of the Swedish-Australian business community to the launch of the Business Climate Survey Australia 2026 at Business Sweden’s Sydney office.
The event brought together business leaders, government representatives and industry stakeholders to explore the latest insights from Swedish companies operating in Australia, while also discussing the broader economic outlook, regional trends across APAC and the opportunities emerging from the recently finalised EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement.
The evening commenced with a welcome and introduction by Camilla Jennings, General Manager of SACC, followed by an official welcome from H.E. Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia and New Zealand. Ambassador Molin highlighted the importance of the Business Climate Survey as a valuable tool for both companies and policymakers in understanding market conditions, opportunities and challenges facing Swedish businesses in Australia. The Ambassador encouraged companies to actively participate in future surveys, noting the importance of increasing participation from the Australian market to strengthen the quality of insights, benchmarking and visibility of the Swedish business presence in Australia within the broader global survey framework. He also highlighted the strong and growing relationship between Sweden and Australia and the opportunities for further growth and collaboration through the recently signed EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Tommie Åkesson, Acting Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands at Business Sweden, introduced the survey and its role in providing valuable market intelligence and benchmarking insights for Swedish companies across global markets.
The survey presentation, delivered by Malin Bååt and Karin Ericsson from Business Sweden, provided a comprehensive overview of business sentiment, market performance and future expectations among Swedish companies in Australia.
See key survey takeaways below and view the presentation here: BCS 2026 Presentation
Panel Discussion & Industry Perspectives
The panel discussion was moderated by Penny George, Vice President SACC and Corporate Affairs Director, AstraZeneca, and featured:
- Julian Bechini, Country Holding Officer and Managing Director, ABB Australia
- Sandra Nordenhager, Senior Sales Manager APAC, Mentimeter
- Lauren Pulitano, Vice President Public Affairs, Volvo Group Australia
- Simon Clayton, Assistant Secretary, Agriculture and Non-Tariff Barrier Branch, DFAT
The discussion provided valuable perspectives from industry and government on the current business climate, future opportunities and key challenges for Swedish companies operating in Australia.
Main Discussion Points Included
- Australia’s continued attractiveness as a stable and strategically important market for Swedish companies
- Growing opportunities linked to sustainability, electrification, digitalisation and AI-driven innovation
- The increasing importance of sustainability as both a customer expectation and competitive advantage
- Challenges relating to skills shortages, workforce capability and attracting specialised talent
- The role of innovation, technology adoption and collaboration in driving long-term competitiveness
- The strength and reputation of Swedish brands in the Australian market
- Evolving customer expectations and changing market conditions across industries
- The importance of strong collaboration between business, government and academia
- Opportunities arising from the recently finalised EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement, including improved market access, reduced trade barriers and strengthened European-Australian business collaboration
The panel also highlighted the importance of maintaining long-term investment confidence, fostering innovation partnerships and continuing to strengthen bilateral ties between Sweden and Australia.
Key Survey Takeaways
Continued Confidence in Australia
The survey confirmed that Swedish companies continue to view Australia as an attractive and stable long-term market with strong growth potential. Many businesses reported positive performance and an optimistic outlook for the years ahead.
Sustainability as a Business Strength
Swedish companies continue to leverage sustainability as a key competitive advantage in Australia. Significant opportunities were identified within clean energy, electrification, sustainable infrastructure, circular economy initiatives and advanced manufacturing.
Innovation & Technology Opportunities
Respondents highlighted continued opportunities linked to digitalisation, AI, automation and smart technologies. Collaboration between business, academia and government was recognised as increasingly important for driving innovation and competitiveness.
Skills & Workforce Challenges
Access to skilled talent remains a key challenge for many companies. Businesses noted the ongoing importance of attracting international talent, developing future workforce capabilities and addressing skills shortages in technical and specialised fields.
Regional & APAC Perspectives
The presentation also included comparisons with selected APAC markets and previous survey results, providing valuable insights into how business sentiment and market conditions are evolving across the region.
EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement
The recently finalised EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement was signed post the survey and will be a major positive development for Swedish and European businesses operating in Australia. The agreement is expected to strengthen trade, investment and market access opportunities while supporting closer long-term collaboration between Europe and Australia.
The event concluded with audience Q&A and networking, providing valuable opportunities for continued discussion and connection.
A special thank you to H.E. Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, to Business Sweden for hosting the event, to the panel moderator, speakers and presenters for sharing valuable insights and perspectives, and to all participants who contributed to an engaging and insightful evening.
SACC Afterwork Networking During Vivid Sydney 3 June
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce and our Young Professionals Network welcomed members and guests to a fantastic evening of networking during Vivid Sydney on 3 June.
Held at Cruise Bar overlooking Sydney Harbour, attendees enjoyed spectacular views of the Vivid light displays while connecting with fellow professionals in a relaxed and vibrant setting.
Thank you to everyone who joined us for a memorable evening. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming networking events!
The SACC Sydney and YP Team
🇸🇪 SACC YP Midsummer Celebration 20 June at Coogee Beach ☀️
🇸🇪 SACC YP Midsummer Celebration at Coogee Beach ☀️
Join us on Saturday, 20 June, from 12:00 PM as we celebrate Midsummer with the Swedish-Australian community at Coogee Beach.
Midsummer is one of the most cherished traditions in Sweden, bringing people together to enjoy good company, great conversations, and the outdoors. This year, we’re keeping things relaxed and welcoming with a BYO picnic-style gathering by the beach.
Expect a day of socialising, networking, KUBB & other games, and enjoying the beautiful Sydney winter sunshine with fellow Swedes, Australians, friends, and family.
Whether you’ve been part of the community for years or are joining us for the first time, everyone is welcome.
Feel free to bring a +1 such as your partner, family members, friends or neighbours.
To keep the event accessible and encourage as many people as possible to join, attendance is completely free, and we encourage BYO.
BYO (own food, drinks, and anything else you’d like for the afternoon)
📅 Date: Friday, 20 June
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM onwards
📍 Location: Coogee Beach – We will gather at the grass area called Goldstein Reserve.
This is a FREE event, but please register so we have an idea of numbers.
Vi ses där! 🇸🇪✨
MVH
SACC YP Sydney Committee
NEW (Returning) SMALL BUSINESS MEMBER: Bisso & Sons Pty Ltd
Welcome Back: Bisso & Sons Pty Ltd
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome Bisso & Sons Pty Ltd back as a Small Business Member.
Led by Nahir Bisso, Bisso & Sons Pty Ltd is the Australian importer and wholesale distributor of Santa Maria products—one of Sweden’s best-known and most trusted food brands. Founded in Sweden in 1911 and now part of the Paulig Group, Santa Maria is renowned throughout the Nordic region for its premium range of herbs, spices, seasonings, Tex Mex products and international flavour concepts.
Through Bisso & Sons, Australian retailers, wholesalers, restaurants and food service businesses have access to Santa Maria’s extensive product range, including the iconic Grillkrydda (Grill Seasoning), a favourite among Swedes for generations. The company is passionate about bringing authentic Scandinavian flavours to Australia while maintaining Santa Maria’s strong reputation for quality, innovation and sustainability.
As a returning member of SACC, Bisso & Sons strengthens the Chamber’s growing network of businesses representing Swedish brands in Australia. We are pleased to welcome Nahir and the team back to the Chamber and look forward to supporting their continued growth while fostering new connections across the Swedish-Australian business community.
Contact
Nahir Bisso, Director
Bisso & Sons Pty Ltd
Email: info@bisso.com.au
Phone: 0407 314 076
Website: www.bisso.com.au
⛳ Swedish and Swiss Sydney Corporate Golf Day – The Lakes Golf Club | 9 July
⛳ Sydney Corporate Golf Day – The Lakes Golf Club | 9 July
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce and SwissCham Australia are pleased to invite you to the Sydney Corporate Golf Day at the world-class The Lakes Golf Club in Mascot.
Following the success of previous golf events and the Nordic Open Golf Day earlier this year, we are delighted to offer another bonus golf day in Sydney for 2026 — bringing together the Swedish, Swiss and Australian business communities for a fantastic day of networking, collaboration and friendly competition.
Recognised as one of Australia’s premier championship golf courses, The Lakes Golf Club offers an exceptional golfing experience together with first-class hospitality and facilities, providing the perfect setting for a memorable corporate event.
Join fellow business leaders, colleagues, clients and friends for a premium day on the course while enjoying valuable networking opportunities in a relaxed and enjoyable setting.
Event inclusions:
📅 Date: Thursday 9 July 2026
📍 Venue: The Lakes Golf Club, Corner King Street and Vernon Avenue Eastlakes, NSW, 2018 (map)
🕢 Registration: From 7.30 am
⛳ Tee Off: 8.30 am
Post Golf Lunch: 12.30 – 2.30 pm
💲 Cost: SACC Members $375 per person, Non Members: $425 per person. Ambrose format, you can register as a single player or a team of 2, 3 or 4. You may register multiple teams!
Please contac us for further information: sacc@swedishchamber.com.au
We encourage you to bring your business partners, employees and friends for a memorable day on the course.
Looking forward to seeing you on the green again!
How Polestar has reduced its GHG emissions per sold car by 31% since 2020
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce is pleased to showcase the sustainability initiatives driven by our member companies across Australia.
🌱 At Polestar we are proud to present our latest sustainability achievement:
We have decoupled growth from negative climate impact, cutting emissions per sold car by 31% over the last 5 years – part of a commitment to deliver measurable progress within a volatile and challenged global industry.
🔄 What We’re Doing
Polestar has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, showing how the company has reduced its GHG emissions per sold car by 31% since 2020. During the same period, Polestar has scaled its business and grown annual retail sales to over 60,000 cars, expanded across 28 markets, brought three new models to the road and established manufacturing in factories across three countries.
🌍 Why It Matters
As climate commitments slip across the car industry, policy signals waver and combustion engine investment continues, Polestar moves in the opposite direction: forward. Europe’s only pure EV company continues to deliver measurable progress instead of pledge when it comes to climate action. At a societal level, electrification offers a clear path to reducing lifecycle GHG emissions from passenger transport, as renewable energy and EV adoption scale together. As electricity becomes cleaner and more stable than petroleum-based fuels, the role of electric vehicles as a climate solution is becoming even more evident.
🔗 Read more: Polestar decouples growth from negative climate impact: emissions per sold car cut by 31% in five years
#DrivingSustainableChange #SustainabilityInnovation #SwedishAustralianImpact #Polestar #PolestarAustralia
Business Climate Survey Australia Launch Event I 26 May 2026
Key Insights & Event Summary
On 26 May 2026, Team Sweden in Australia — the Embassy of Sweden, Business Sweden and the Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC) — welcomed members of the Swedish-Australian business community to the launch of the Business Climate Survey Australia 2026 at Business Sweden’s Sydney office.
The event brought together business leaders, government representatives and industry stakeholders to explore the latest insights from Swedish companies operating in Australia, while also discussing the broader economic outlook, regional trends across APAC and the opportunities emerging from the recently finalised EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement.
The evening commenced with a welcome and introduction by Camilla Jennings, General Manager of SACC, followed by an official welcome from H.E. Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia and New Zealand. Ambassador Molin highlighted the importance of the Business Climate Survey as a valuable tool for both companies and policymakers in understanding market conditions, opportunities and challenges facing Swedish businesses in Australia. The Ambassador encouraged companies to actively participate in future surveys, noting the importance of increasing participation from the Australian market to strengthen the quality of insights, benchmarking and visibility of the Swedish business presence in Australia within the broader global survey framework. He also highlighted the strong and growing relationship between Sweden and Australia and the opportunities for further growth and collaboration through the recently signed EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Tommie Åkesson, Acting Country Manager for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands at Business Sweden, introduced the survey and its role in providing valuable market intelligence and benchmarking insights for Swedish companies across global markets.
The survey presentation, delivered by Malin Bååt and Karin Ericsson from Business Sweden, provided a comprehensive overview of business sentiment, market performance and future expectations among Swedish companies in Australia.
See key survey takeaways below and view the presentation here: BCS 2026 Presentation
Panel Discussion & Industry Perspectives
The panel discussion was moderated by Penny George, Vice President SACC and Corporate Affairs Director, AstraZeneca, and featured:
The discussion provided valuable perspectives from industry and government on the current business climate, future opportunities and key challenges for Swedish companies operating in Australia.
Main Discussion Points Included
The panel also highlighted the importance of maintaining long-term investment confidence, fostering innovation partnerships and continuing to strengthen bilateral ties between Sweden and Australia.
Key Survey Takeaways
Continued Confidence in Australia
The survey confirmed that Swedish companies continue to view Australia as an attractive and stable long-term market with strong growth potential. Many businesses reported positive performance and an optimistic outlook for the years ahead.
Sustainability as a Business Strength
Swedish companies continue to leverage sustainability as a key competitive advantage in Australia. Significant opportunities were identified within clean energy, electrification, sustainable infrastructure, circular economy initiatives and advanced manufacturing.
Innovation & Technology Opportunities
Respondents highlighted continued opportunities linked to digitalisation, AI, automation and smart technologies. Collaboration between business, academia and government was recognised as increasingly important for driving innovation and competitiveness.
Skills & Workforce Challenges
Access to skilled talent remains a key challenge for many companies. Businesses noted the ongoing importance of attracting international talent, developing future workforce capabilities and addressing skills shortages in technical and specialised fields.
Regional & APAC Perspectives
The presentation also included comparisons with selected APAC markets and previous survey results, providing valuable insights into how business sentiment and market conditions are evolving across the region.
EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement
The recently finalised EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement was signed post the survey and will be a major positive development for Swedish and European businesses operating in Australia. The agreement is expected to strengthen trade, investment and market access opportunities while supporting closer long-term collaboration between Europe and Australia.
View the full survey here: BCS Report Australia 2026
The event concluded with audience Q&A and networking, providing valuable opportunities for continued discussion and connection.
A special thank you to H.E. Klas Molin, Ambassador of Sweden to Australia, to Business Sweden for hosting the event, to the panel moderator, speakers and presenters for sharing valuable insights and perspectives, and to all participants who contributed to an engaging and insightful evening.
Event Summary | Why 80%+ of AI Projects Fail – and What Organisations Need to Do Differently
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce recently hosted an insightful online event exploring one of the most pressing challenges facing organisations today: Why do so many AI projects fail despite rapid technological advancement and growing investment?
The session featured AI and analytics expert Evan Shellshear, who shared insights from extensive research conducted together with co-author Doug Gray for their recent book examining the success and failure of AI initiatives across industries.
Drawing on more than 1,000 peer-reviewed articles, industry interviews, and real-world case studies, the presentation highlighted a sobering reality: over 80% of AI, analytics, and data science projects fail — and organisations are not significantly improving over time.
A central theme throughout the discussion was that AI failure is rarely caused by the technology itself. Instead, the biggest barriers are often organisational and human factors, including poor strategic alignment, lack of leadership buy-in, weak data quality, unrealistic expectations, and resistance to organisational change.
Key Takeaways from the Session
The session highlighted that culture, leadership, governance, and organisational readiness are far more important than the AI tools themselves.
Organisations with clear AI strategies, leadership support, strong data culture, and the right processes significantly outperform less mature organisations.
Successful organisations focus on AI initiatives that solve real business problems and directly support strategic priorities — rather than launching AI projects simply because of market hype.
Poor-quality or inaccessible data continues to be one of the most common reasons AI initiatives fail across industries.
Implementing AI successfully often requires organisations to rethink workflows, operating models, and decision-making processes — not simply introduce new tools.
Organisations were encouraged to begin with achievable AI projects that demonstrate measurable value and support longer-term transformation.
Executive and board-level support is critical to ensure AI projects receive the necessary funding, strategic alignment, and organisational backing.
The discussion also explored the growing impact of “Agentic AI” in areas such as finance, administration, HR, and back-office operations, where organisations are already seeing significant productivity gains.
The session concluded with a strong reminder that while AI technologies continue to evolve rapidly, long-term success will depend on organisations’ ability to combine technology with strong leadership, culture, governance, and people capability.
Thank you to Evan Shellshear for sharing his expertise and research, to moderator Aldo Gutierrez for leading the discussion, and to everyone who joined the session and contributed to the conversation.
About the speakers:
Dr Evan Shellshear is currently a Principal at BCG X (Boston Consulting Group’s AI and Data Science division). He has a BA and BSc from the University of Queensland, a Masters and PhD from the Nobel Prize winning Institute of Mathematical Economics at the University of Bielefeld in Germany and over fifteen years of experience in building global AI and statistical algorithms for industries from manufacturing to retail, HR to supply chain, oil and gas to energy. He has published or co-published four books on topics ranging from the Amazon Best Seller Innovation Tools to AI in Medicine as well as the Wiley best seller Why Data Science Projects Fail: The Harsh Realities of Analytics and AI, without the Hype. He is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology, having taught topics from business analytics to AI strategy.
He guides organisations to become AI and analytics-driven enterprises through tailored strategies, governance and transformation programs. Author of the upcoming Move or Be Moved: Institutional Redesign in the Age of Acceleration, he outlines the organisational requirements to succeed at AI. He also serves as independent advisor and non-executive board member on AI governance and ethical AI practices, and is a sought-after keynote speaker at international conferences.
Summary SACC Melbourne Event 21 May | Exclusive Digital Lab Tour at the University of Melbourne
Exploring the Future of Digital Innovation at Melbourne Connect
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce recently partnered with Ericsson and the University of Melbourne to host an exclusive visit to the Digital Lab at Melbourne Connect, bringing together members and guests for an engaging exploration of the latest developments in digital technologies.
Attendees were introduced to cutting-edge developments in the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced connectivity and data-driven solutions. Through demonstrations and discussions, the speakers highlighted how these technologies are enabling smarter infrastructure, improving operational efficiency and creating new opportunities for businesses across a wide range of sectors.
A key takeaway from the session was the rapid pace of technological change. As digital innovation continues to accelerate, organisations must continually adapt, embrace new technologies and develop the capabilities needed to remain competitive in an increasingly connected world.
The Chamber extends its sincere thanks to Ericsson, the University of Melbourne, Melbourne Connect, and our expert hosts for sharing their knowledge and showcasing the impressive work taking place at the Digital Lab. We also thank everyone who joined us for an inspiring afternoon of learning, collaboration and networking.
We look forward to welcoming members to our upcoming events as we continue to explore innovation, technology and the opportunities strengthening collaboration between Sweden and Australia.
SACC Perth Afterwork 20 May
EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement – Business consultation on impacts and priorities
Online Event | Tuesday 9 June 2026 | 4:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST)
The Swedish Australian Chamber of Commerce (SACC), in collaboration with the French Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry (FACCI) and the European Australian Business Council (EABC), is pleased to invite members to an important online discussion exploring the practical business implications of the EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
This webinar is being shaped directly by the European business community. FACCI and EABC are currently gathering input through a short survey to ensure the session addresses the questions and priorities most relevant to business operations and future planning. We encourage members to have their say before 29 May.
Based on the survey responses, speakers and moderators will provide practical and targeted insights into how businesses can navigate and leverage the Agreement as it moves into its ratification and implementation phase.
Whether you are seeking to better understand how the FTA may impact your current operations or identify new opportunities arising from the Agreement, this session will provide valuable clarity and strategic insights.
What you will gain:
Webinar Details
📅 Date: Tuesday 9 June 2026
⏰ Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm (AEST)
💻 Format: Online webinar
Register here: EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement – Business consultation on impacts and priorities | French-Australian Chamber of Commerce & Industry on Glue Up
Registrants will receive the webinar access link by email approximately 30 minutes prior to the event.
We encourage SACC members to take part in this timely discussion on one of the most significant trade developments for European businesses operating in Australia.
A Critical Moment for European Businesses
The EU–Australia Free Trade Agreement represents a landmark development in trade relations between Europe and Australia. Following the conclusion of negotiations, announced during European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen’s visit to Australia, the process is now entering its critical ratification and implementation phase. For European businesses operating in Australia, this Agreement carries significant practical implications from market access and regulatory alignment to customs, workforce mobility, and broader operational conditions. Understanding how to navigate and leverage the FTA effectively will be essential to capturing its commercial benefits.
Shape the Webinar — Tell Us What Matters to You
Before we finalise the programme, we want to hear from you. The content of this webinar will be directly informed by the priorities, questions, and challenges raised by industry ahead of the event. We invite you to complete a short survey before 29 May to share the operational and regulatory questions you would like addressed, the sector-specific issues most relevant to your business, and any areas where you need greater clarity on how the FTA may help. Your input will ensure the session is practical, targeted, and genuinely useful.
Link to survey: https://forms.facci.com.au/fta-webinar