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Deep dive into the topic of Swedish and Dutch culture in the December issue of Swedish Chamber Insights!

With Swedish Chamber Insights, we will bring you deep-dive Exclusive Interviews, highlight our members sustainability strategies in the Sustainability Insight features, and present opportunities to connect with our members and relations within our business community through the Get to Know-series. We are happy to offer our community an unparalleled glimpse into the activities within and around the Swedish Chamber of Commerce’s network. We hope you will take this chance to interact, connect, unveil business opportunities, learn from each other, share new ideas – and, as the title indicates – gain insights. This month, we have chosen to focus on exploring the topic of Swedish and Dutch culture through angles related to gender equality, business relations, and sustainabilty. We wish you a pleasant reading!

   
     
   
     
   
   

New Research: "Only highly educated and privileged women can afford to work full-time in the Netherlands”

With an ongoing press tour, a new podcast, and several big projects for Swedish news media, the journalist Charlotte Boström took the time to meet Swedish Chamber Insights to discuss her debut book Waarom Zweedse vrouwen niet gratis werken (Why Swedish women don’t work for free). In the book, she pins down why Dutch women are world-famous for working part-time, and how to bring about more gender equality in the Netherlands.

The day Swedish Chamber Insights met with Charlotte is an ‘oma day’, meaning that Charlotte’s mother-in-law travels hours to care for her two grandchildren. On the remaining weekdays, the children spend two days in daycare and one day each at home with one parent. Charlotte and her partner Thomas try to manage working from home and answering emails while attending to the needs of their newborn and three-year-old in Amsterdam. This type of arrangement is common in the everyday life of young families in the Netherlands, and it echoes a system where Dutch families struggle to practically and financially piece together their work-life balance.


Having spent the last eight years working as a journalist in the Netherlands, Charlotte often came across Dutch politicians referring to the Swedish welfare state and social security network as something desired – and costly. To learn more and add nuance to the debates on childcare, she dove into the effects of the different countries’ policies: “I wanted to explore what investments are worth doing with public funding, if the goal is to create both gender equality in the labour market and valuable and well-functioning institutions for our children.”

   
   
   

“Take your time and stay patient when investing in business relationships with Swedes” 

- Media entrepreneur Sander Schimmelpenninck

Sander Schimmelpenninck is a key figure in the Netherlands, with thought-provoking weekly columns in de Volkskrant and 200,000 people following him on X. As an influential opinion maker and media entrepreneur, Sander provides a fresh lens on Dutch culture. Currently, Sander lives in Gothenburg and has formed a personal perspective on Swedish culture. In a conversation with Swedish Chamber Insights, Sander shares three personal reflections on the contrasts between Sweden and the Netherlands.

   
   
   
   
   

Sustainably Shaping the Future of Green Spaces:

A Conversation with Anton de Jong, General Manager of Husqvarna

Anton de Jong, General Manager of Husqvarna in the Netherlands, discusses Husqvarna Nederland BV’s commitment to sustainability in this month’s Sustainability Insight with Swedish Chamber Insights. From addressing local sector challenges to embracing innovative technologies and promoting user education, Husqvarna Nederland BV actively contributes to a greener and more sustainable future in the Netherlands.


At the core of Husqvarna’s strategy is Sustainovate, their approach to deeper integration of sustainability into the company and the value chain. With Sustainovate, they combine their leading innovation capacity with a commitment to sustainability. Through Sustainovate, they reconsider how products can be used more efficiently, produce them with materials that wisely manage resources, and provide alternatives to non-fossil fuels. Husqvarna is a pioneer in solutions that help customers make more sustainable daily choices. They enhance their positive impact by influencing and inspiring others beyond their operations.

   
   
   

Get to Know: Validata

   

Harm Voogt, CEO and Co-Founder of the new Swedish Chamber member Validata, tells us about the employment screening sector, main strategies in sustainability and corporate social responsibility, and vision for their new membership. In addition, Harm's shares his personal experiences of working cross-culturally and handling the differences in business culture between Sweden and the Netherlands.  

Harm Voogt
CEO & Co-Founder
   
   
   

Meet the Swedish Chamber Committees Chairpersons!

As 2023 comes to an end, Swedish Chamber Insights connected with our visionary Chairpersons of the

Swedish Chamber Committees to uncover their plans for the year ahead.

Jan Terlouw, Chairperson of the

Sustainability Committee:

"Driving the green transition together is one of the cornerstones the Swedish Chamber of Commerce wants to contribute to in the Netherlands."

Jan Sundelin, Chairperson of the Innovation & Tech Committee:
"In the Tech Tables 2024, we aim to bring together tech experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and VCs to discuss trends ranging from AI to deep tech in the rapidly developing digitalization and tech landscape."
   

Carola Hoekstra, Chairperson of the Diversity & Inclusion Committee:

"It becomes increasingly important for companies to set up goals and strategies related to D&I. In 2024, the Swedish Chamber's D&I Committee will, therefore, continue to contribute knowledge on this topic and create awareness through the activities of the Chamber."
   

Lawrence Masle, Chairperson of the Branding & Marketing Committee:
"Looking ahead to 2024, the committee is excited about continuing its service to the Chamber and its Members, providing insightful information to maintain a positive image of Brand Sweden for the benefit of strengthened trade relations."
   

Joachim Rittfeldt Hofvenschiöld, Chairperson of the Young Professionals Committee:

"For 2024, the Young Professionals Committee will continue to organise events, workshops, and mentorship programs that can aid to the professional and personal growth of its members."
   
   
   

Want to be featured in upcoming Swedish Chamber Insights?

As always, we are happy to receive your feedback and ideas. Welcome to reach out to communication@swedishchamber.nl with your input, questions and thoughts about our upcoming Swedish Chamber Insights, and information on how you can present your company in the upcoming issues in 2024!