In a conversation with Swedish Chamber Insights, Karin Degerfeldt, Head of Community Development in Skellefteå, shares her insights into the city’s approach to sustainable living. As the world continues to tackle the environmental challenges of our time, Skellefteå in northern Sweden stands out as a prime example of how innovation, cooperation, and community involvement can drive lasting change.
At the same time, the city is currently navigating a period of transformation. Known for its leadership in green technology investment, Skellefteå now faces new challenges following the bankruptcy of one of its largest industrial players, Northvolt, in March 2025. This development has created uncertainty around job security and the future of the green transition. Yet, the city’s response highlights its resilient spirit and long-standing commitment to sustainability.
Building the Foundation for a Sustainable Society
As urban areas expand and the need for sustainable practices grows, Skellefteå offers an inspiring example for the future. Karin believes that the key to achieving sustainability lies in unity and cooperation. Sustainability, she argues, is not just about environmental practices; it’s also about innovation, diversity, and creating a collective mindset that prioritises change.
”The key here”, Karin explains, “is believing that you can make change, start dreaming and continue dreaming about a sustainable future and never give up on that.” This mindset, she believes, empowers the community to act out of genuine motivation, not obligation. It creates an environment where individuals feel inspired to contribute to building a better world.
Adapting to Change: Flexibility in Infrastructure and Leadership
As Skellefteå sets its sights on becoming climate neutral by 2030, Karin underscores the importance of flexibility, not just in infrastructure, but also in leadership. While one of the city’s most significant opportunities lies in transforming its transportation system, it also comes with the challenge of engaging the community in this shift. As a leader, her advice is: “Don’t be afraid of discussing your future vision and don’t only focus on the negative pictures of the future. Instead, be part of creating it. What does that future look like?”. For Karin, the shift from focusing on problems to discussing solutions is essential. “Many people fear change, like losing the ability to travel without a car. But we need to change that mindset and show that there are other ways to do it.”
She also reflects on how modern society’s reliance on social safety networks can discourage personal initiative. “We’ve created a society where someone else is expected to do everything. We have all these fine social systems that are meant to take care of us. But I also think that can sometimes become a curse—that could make you feel like you’re not contributing,” she notes. In a society where external solutions are often the norm, the question arises: Are we losing the drive to create change ourselves?
Fostering Inclusivity: The Power of Asking Questions
At the heart of Skellefteå’s sustainability journey lies inclusivity. Karin emphasises that building a truly sustainable society starts with involving everyone in the conversation. “If you have a future vision and share it, then it’s okay if that vision looks different for everyone.” By bringing the community into the process, Skellefteå fosters a sense of collective ownership and purpose. Her approach to inclusivity is grounded in two main principles: firstly, it’s crucial to ask questions across all areas of the city, actively seeking input from citizens about their needs and desires. Secondly, creating spaces where people can come together, and integrating these spaces into urban planning.
For Karin, sustainability isn’t something that is simply given—it’s something we actively create. Her approach is rooted in decoupling economic growth from environmental harm. “We need to change into a more circular economy way of thinking,” she says. Karin also believes that population growth doesn’t necessarily lead to environmental damage. In fact, as younger residents and international newcomers move to Skellefteå, they bring fresh perspectives and a renewed energy for change. These voices are crucial to achieving lasting sustainability, she explains, while also pointing out that polarisation remains a significant barrier to progress.
“The fact that I can now be a part of a democratic society isn’t accidental—it’s the result of people who fought for change,” she states, underscoring the power of community action and collective responsibility in shaping a sustainable future.
AI and sustainability
Skellefteå is also embracing technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) in its urban planning efforts. AI’s potential to improve efficiency and resource management is immense, yet Karin and her team remain mindful of the risks. One of the challenges with AI, as Karin points out, is that it’s typically trained on past data. Planning for the future requires more forward-thinking approaches, something that current AI technology is still working to address. While cautious of the risks, Karin is focused on ensuring that AI’s integration into urban planning supports both the people and the planet.
Navigating Industrial Shifts
Skellefteå’s green industrial transformation has been significantly shaped by investments in green technology. Northvolt, the major battery company based in the region, has played a crucial role in this shift. “Our strategy was to be a future position for green industry, and Northvolt has been, of course, the crown in this” Karin declares. However, in March 2025, Northvolt filed for bankruptcy, presenting a challenge for the community. Despite this setback, Karin remains optimistic about the long-term prospects for sustainable development. She emphasises that “it is the people and the knowledge that form our society, not actually the company itself”. This makes the immediate focus on supporting those who have lost their jobs, assisting them in transitioning to new roles with other companies that can leverage their expertise. Equally important is dedicating time to social gatherings that foster connection and support among those affected, as well as facilitating open discussions in day-care centres and schools to address the emotional needs of children impacted by these changes.
While acknowledging the complexity of the process, Karin underscores that Skellefteå’s commitment to sustainability remains steadfast. She points out that the city continues to be home to other large industrial players, ensuring that the green transformation remains ongoing, even if it will take time to fully unfold. Skellefteå is also continuing its investment in renewable energy, hydrogen power, and other green technologies, ensuring its place as a leader in the global transition toward a sustainable future.
Looking into the future
Karin’s vision for the future has remained consistent since Skellefteå began its sustainability journey in 2015. Her goal is clear: “it is about creating a better daily life, but not on the expense of the nature.” In 2050, social inclusion will continue to be a cornerstone of this vision.
Skellefteå’s journey is a compelling example of how innovation, cooperation, and inclusion can unite to create a sustainable society. Karin Degerfeldt’s leadership and vision offer valuable lessons for other cities striving to build a better tomorrow. Looking ahead, it’s evident that sustainable communities aren’t born—they’re shaped through collaboration, innovation, and the belief that change is possible. The question now is: will we have the courage to take part?
By Julia Gottliebsson for Swedish Chamber Insights
Photo Credits: Patrik Degerman
