Defense Innovation and Economic Resilience: Advancing U.S.-Swedish Collaboration
On Monday, March 30, members and friends of the American Chamber of Commerce in Sweden and the U.S. Embassy in Sweden convened for a high-level breakfast on Defense Innovation and Economic Resilience: Advancing U.S.-Swedish Collaboration. We were pleased to welcome U.S. Ambassador to Sweden Christine J. Toretti and U.S. Ambassador to the E.U. Andrew Puzder.
This interactive session featured a deep dive into the evolving defense landscape and dual-use investment models, addressing critical barriers to scaling innovation into fielded capabilities. Participants explored key opportunities to strengthen cooperation across industries and among allies, ensuring that the U.S.-Swedish partnership remains a cornerstone of regional stability.
The program included senior representatives from government and industry, reflecting a period of strong momentum in the U.S.-Swedish relationship. Discussions emphasized shared values, a mutual commitment to collective security, and the importance of continued transatlantic cooperation. Key priorities highlighted during the session included regulatory reform, energy security, increased defense investment, and securing access to rare earth minerals. Participants also underscored that leadership in AI will play a decisive role in shaping the global balance of power, reinforcing the need for a more integrated and open approach to technology and security across the Atlantic.
The session concluded with a panel moderated by Erik Svensson of Accenture, featuring Thomas Feldhausen of Northrop Grumman, Per-Henrik Lewander of Citi, Tobias Billström of Nordic Air Defence, and Fredrik Ekström of Nasdaq Stockholm. The panel brought together perspectives from industry, finance, and policy, with discussion spanning both strategic considerations and practical aspects of defense procurement.
Key themes included:
Scaling at Speed: How to turn innovative prototypes into fielded capabilities faster than potential adversaries
Dual-Use Investment: Leveraging commercial technology and private capital to bolster military readiness
Industrial Synergy: Strengthening cooperation among defense contractors, financial institutions, and allied nations
The consensus was clear: in a shifting global landscape, economic resilience is national security. The U.S.-Swedish alliance remains not just a diplomatic preference, but a strategic necessity.
Thank you to everyone who attended!