Past events

March 31, 2026, Diversity & Inclusion Breakfast

Date: March 31, 2026
Time: 8.30 – 10.30
Venue: Vattenfall, Hoekenrode 8, 1102 BR Amsterdam

Optimising International Teamwork: Cultural Diversity as an Asset

Such an insightful and inspiring morning! Together with Vattenfall CEO Cindy Kroon, Stephanie Hinton-James, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Vattenfall and Wanne Wiersinga, intercultural management specialist and partner at Itim International, we took a deep dive into what happens in mergers & acquisitions when different business cultures meet.

The primary objective of the presentation was to demonstrate how cultural diversity can be leveraged as a strength in international teams and to emphasise the role of structured decision-making in achieving business outcomes through cultural understanding and inclusion.

The presentation explored the importance of understanding cultural diversity in international teamwork. Wanne Wiersinga discussed how cultural values shape behaviours and communication styles, using examples from Dutch, Swedish, and other cultures. The talk highlighted the risks of misinterpreting behaviours due to cultural differences and emphasised the need to balance cultural insights with individual personality. Key dimensions of cultural differences, such as attitudes toward power, individualism vs. collectivism, and approaches to conflict and uncertainty, were analysed.

Stephanie Hinton-James, Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, shared practical insights on the decision routines Vattenfall has implemented to assure decision consistency and decision quality. These tools directly impact business outcomes, particularly in mergers and acquisitions and diversity initiatives.

Key take aways Wanne Wiersinga:

Cultural values significantly influence behaviours and communication styles in professional settings.

Misinterpreting cultural behaviours can lead to conflicts, such as perceiving Dutch directness as rudeness or Swedish silence as passive-aggressiveness.

Culture is a learned behaviour that provides orientation but should not override individual personality.

Diverse teams outperform monocultural teams when there is safety, communication, and creativity.

Key cultural dimensions include attitudes toward power (hierarchy), individualism vs. collectivism, and approaches to conflict and uncertainty.

The Netherlands and Sweden share similarities in flat hierarchies and task-oriented approaches but differ in communication styles (e.g., Dutch directness vs. Swedish harmony).

The Law of Jante in Scandinavian cultures emphasizes humility and discourages standing out.

Key take aways Stephanie Hinton-James:

Decision quality and consistency are critical for business outcomes, particularly in mergers and acquisitions and diversity initiatives.

Vattenfall focuses on decision-making processes to drive diversity and inclusion, with 70% of efforts directed toward governance and decision quality.

Cultural due diligence is essential in mergers and acquisitions to avoid fragmentation and ensure successful integration.

Then Cindy Kroon, CEO of Vattenfall, entered the stage. She immediately got the laughers on her hand, as she shared the challenges and successes of cultural integration within Vattenfall, particularly focusing on the merger between the Dutch energy company Nuon and the Swedish company Vattenfall. With personal anecdotes and observations about cultural differences, such as communication styles, workplace norms, and social behaviours, she openly shared how she for instance held a whole presentation about the “klant” (the Dutch word for “customer”) which was totally misunderstood in Swedish, where klant actually means “a foolish person” in Swedish. You can imagine the eyes of the Swedish management team that thought she was making fun of all the customers…

Despite initial misunderstandings and ongoing challenges, the company has fostered unity through a shared commitment to sustainability goals, specifically the ambition of achieving fossil-free living within one generation. The presentation highlighted the importance of structure, mutual respect, and a common purpose in bridging cultural gaps.

Key take-aways Cindy Kroon:

Initial perceptions of cultural similarity between the Dutch and Swedes were challenged after the merger, revealing significant differences in communication and workplace behaviour.

Differences in workplace norms, such as attitudes toward contradicting management, socializing (e.g., saunas, after-work gatherings), and personal boundaries, created friction but also opportunities for learning.

Despite challenges, cultural integration was strengthened through shared goals, particularly the ambition of achieving fossil-free living within one generation, which united employees across nationalities.

The company’s commitment to sustainability and diversity and inclusion (D&I) initiatives remains steadfast, even in the face of global backlash against such efforts.

Humour and social activities, such as dancing after work events – ABBA! – played a key role in fostering camaraderie and mutual respect among employees from different cultural backgrounds.

Vattenfall’s leadership in renewable energy, customer engagement, and nuclear discussions across multiple countries serves as a source of pride and motivation for its diverse workforce.

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17 Mar

March 17, 2026, Global Macro Outlook powered by Handelsbanken

Date: March 17, 2026
Time: 11.00 – 12.00
Venue: Digital event

A dear tradition returned as Handelsbanken’s Head of Research and Chief Economist Christina Nyman shared their recent Global Macro Outlook with some 300 interested members and customers of Handelsbanken Netherlands.

Hosted by Roland van Pooij, CEO of Handelsbanken Netherlands, and moderated by Etienne te Brake, CMO/CCO, this event sketched the bank’s economic forecasts and strategic insights for 2026. Key topics included global macroeconomic trends, regional economic developments (U.S., China, Euro area, and emerging markets), the impact of geopolitical risks such as the Middle East conflict and tariffs, and financial market expectations. The discussion also covered sector-specific impacts, central bank policies, and long-term economic risks like public debt and AI adoption.

Key take aways:

The global macro outlook for 2026 suggests improving sentiment but significant uncertainties due to geopolitical risks, including developments in the Middle East.
Global growth has averaged 3.3% since 1980, with post-pandemic growth aligning with historical averages after an initial strong rebound.

“From Resilience to more Stability – and then the tariffs came”

The U.S. economy shows resilience with strong consumption and a robust labor market, though growth is slowing from high levels due to inflation and tariffs.
China’s economy faces challenges from the property market crisis and household confidence issues, remaining export and investment-led.
The Euro area’s growth is constrained by slow trend growth, low productivity, and public debt concerns, particularly in France.
Emerging markets are impacted by Middle East developments, with some Asian economies suffering from energy shortages and shifting trade patterns.
Tariffs and trade wars have altered global trade dynamics, with recent U.S. tariff increases posing risks to economic resilience.

“AI is not the driver of global growth, but the AI-boom masked the trade war blow”

Two scenarios for the Middle East conflict: a mild scenario with normalised oil prices and a severe scenario with sustained high oil prices and increasing recession risks.
Rising oil prices increase the risk for global recession. Very important the Straight of Hormuz will open soon.
Financial markets expect the ECB to hike interest rates, with nearly two hikes anticipated by year-end, though scepticism exists given current economic conditions.

What you can do according to Christina Nyman:

Monitor Global Economic Indicators
- Continue tracking global economic indicators such as consumer confidence, PMI composite, and the global economic condition indicator to assess economic stability and volatility.
Assess Impact of Tariffs and Trade Policies
- Evaluate the impact of recent U.S. tariff increases and evolving trade patterns on global trade and economic resilience.
Prepare for ECB Interest Rate Decisions
- Analyse financial market expectations for ECB interest rate hikes and prepare for potential scenarios, including a severe oil price shock.
Analyse Sector-Specific Impacts of Oil Prices
- Assess the impact of elevated oil prices on oil-dependent sectors such as the chemical industry and manufacturing, and monitor gas supply and demand to prevent an energy crisis.
Forecast Federal Reserve and ECB Policies
- Forecast Federal Reserve rate cuts (expected in September and once more next year) and ECB policy decisions, considering high global public debt and rising government bond yields.
Evaluate AI Adoption and Productivity Gains
- Study the potential productivity gains from AI adoption and address obstacles such as skills shortages, ethical issues, and legal challenges to widespread implementation.

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11 Mar

March 11, 2026, Swedish Chamber Tech Tables: Innovation for Strategic Autonomy

Date: March 11, 2026
Time: 16.00 – 19.00
Venue: Edge Olympic, Fred. Roeskestraat 115, 1076 EE Amsterdam

On 11 March 2026, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce hosted a fully booked Tech Table: Innovation for Strategic Autonomy, bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to explore how Europe can strengthen its security and sovereignty through innovation. As geopolitical tensions rise and global dependencies become increasingly visible, the discussion focused on how the defence sector can evolve from traditional, closed systems toward more collaborative innovation ecosystems.

The session opened with Pieter Paul van Oerle, who introduced the theme of ecosystem thinking in innovation. Drawing on examples from airport innovation ecosystems, he emphasised that effective innovation rarely happens in isolation. Instead, it requires deliberate orchestration between governments, companies, suppliers, and knowledge institutions.

Hessel van Oorschot, working across several European governments, provided a broader strategic perspective in his talk “Orchestrating the System – What’s Beyond the Triple Helix.” He highlighted that while Europe does not lack innovation, it often lacks the structures and coordination needed to scale it. Strategic autonomy, he argued, ultimately means the ability to act independently when it matters most. This requires not only ideas but also the capacity to build, deploy, and scale technologies domestically. Public procurement and long-term collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions therefore play a critical role in transforming innovation into operational capability.

Mirjam Ros, drawing on more than two decades of experience in high-tech industries, addressed the question of how innovation can be accelerated within the defence ecosystem. She described how rapid technological development and the rise of start-ups are disrupting traditional defence supply chains. To respond effectively, organisations must rethink roles within the ecosystem and adopt innovation-driven procurement approaches. Ros emphasised the importance of early alignment between innovators, integrators, and end-users, particularly around intellectual property and long-term roadmaps. She also highlighted the need for organisations to continuously learn, unlearn, and relearn in order to keep pace with technological change.

Robin Hughes of Saab focused on “Readiness and Ecosystem Integration.” Reflecting on Sweden’s long tradition of defence innovation, he described how collaboration between government, academia, and industry has historically enabled the country to maintain strong sovereign capabilities. Today, Saab actively works to connect start-ups, research institutes, and science parks to accelerate innovation. Hughes stressed that trust and operational readiness are central to this process: strong industrial relationships must be built before crises occur. He also pointed to the rapid pace of innovation seen in Ukraine as an example of how urgency can accelerate development and deployment.

During the panel discussion, which also included Mireille van der Meij, the conversation broadened to the role of sustainability and resilience within innovation ecosystems. Sustainability was framed not only as an environmental objective but also as a driver of resilience – particularly in areas such as energy systems and supply chain security.

The discussion also addressed the evolving nature of warfare and defence technology. Speakers noted the growing importance of hybrid and asymmetric threats, the rise of drones and emerging technologies, and the need for defence organisations to balance high-end capabilities with scalable and adaptable solutions.

Key Takeaways

Functional Specifications Over Technical Ones

Mirjam Ros emphasised the importance of defining innovation challenges with functional specifications rather than technical ones. This approach fosters creativity and allows innovators to propose solutions that may not have been considered otherwise. For example, instead of prescribing a helicopter with specific technical features, the MOD could define a mobility solution with performance-based requirements (e.g., speed, payload, emissions).

The Role of Procurement in Driving Innovation

Public procurement emerged as a critical lever for driving innovation and sovereignty. Hessel argued that procurement is not just an administrative function but a strategic tool that determines what gets built, deployed, and scaled. Robin Hughes and Mirjam Ros both highlighted the need for faster, more flexible procurement processes to accelerate innovation, particularly in defense.

Curiosity, Risk-Taking, and Fast Failure

Mirjam Ros encouraged attendees to embrace curiosity, take risks, and fail fast. She emphasised the importance of asking ecosystem partners, “What do you need, and how can I support you?” to foster stronger collaborations. This mindset is essential for navigating the dynamic, interconnected nature of ecosystems, where roles and responsibilities are less rigid than in traditional supply chains.

Aligning Collective and Individual Interests

Ecosystems require a balance between collective and individual interests. Unlike supply chains, where roles are clearly defined, ecosystems involve diverse stakeholders with varying goals. Mirjam Ros and Pieter Paul van Oerle both stressed the importance of aligning these interests to achieve shared outcomes, such as innovation and resilience.

Sovereignty Requires Build, Deploy, and Decide

Hessel’s framework for sovereignty—build, deploy, and decide—provides a roadmap for societies to achieve independence and resilience. Building production capacity, deploying technology at scale, and making strategic decisions are essential for addressing dependencies and vulnerabilities.

Long-Term Collaboration and Trust

Pieter Paul van Oerle and Hessel both emphasised the importance of long-term collaboration and trust in ecosystem development. Ecosystems do not emerge organically; they must be deliberately shaped, mapped, and orchestrated over time. Trust-based partnerships between government, industry, and knowledge institutions are critical for building production capacity and supply chains.

The event concluded with a clear message: Europe’s strategic autonomy will depend on its ability to connect innovation, industry, and government more effectively. Building resilient ecosystems, enabling faster procurement and experimentation, and strengthening trusted partnerships will be essential to ensure that innovation can move quickly from concept to operational capability.

The session closed with networking drinks and Swedish snacks, offering participants the opportunity to continue the conversation and explore new collaborations within the European defence innovation ecosystem.

Looking ahead, the Swedish Chamber will continue this conversation on May 13, 2026, Building Ecosystems for Impact. This action-oriented session will move beyond buzzwords and theory to explore how organisations across sectors and borders are building coalitions to address complex challenges. Through practical cases and open dialogue, participants will examine how ecosystem collaboration can translate ambition into tangible impact. Read more and sign up HERE.

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5 Mar

March 5, 2026, Women’s Day Lunch organised by the French Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands

Date: March 5, 2026
Time: 11.30 – 14.30
Venue: Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam
Oudezijds Voorburgwal 197, 1012 EX Amsterdam

The Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands was delighted to take part in this special event organised by the French Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands, which kindly welcomed members of the Swedish Chamber to join this inspiring gathering.

For this 19th edition, the keynote address was delivered by Jolanda Stevens, Director Future of Travel & Innovation Transformation at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. In her engaging presentation, she shared valuable perspectives on innovation, sustainability and diversity, and how these forces are shaping the future of the aviation industry.

With more than 25 years of experience as a pilot at KLM, Jolanda has built an impressive career both in the cockpit and in several strategic ground-based roles focused on safety culture and training. She later served as Director of Crisis Management before taking on her current position, where she leads KLM’s Future of Travel Team.

During her keynote, Jolanda also reflected on her personal journey in a traditionally male-dominated sector, sharing the challenges she encountered as one of the few female pilots and how determination and leadership helped her establish herself as a respected figure within the organisation. Today, she continues to contribute to shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future for aviation.

We extend our sincere thanks to the French Chamber of Commerce in the Netherlands for the kind invitation and for organising such a meaningful and well-curated event. Our appreciation also goes to Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, its Managing Director Stefan Melcherts, and the entire team for their warm hospitality and the wonderful setting provided for this memorable occasion.

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This event was organised by

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22 Jan

January 22, 2026, New Year’s Reception

On January 22, 2026, the Swedish Chamber of Commerce for the Netherlands was very pleased to welcome our members and relations to the traditional New Year’s reception hosted by H.E. Ambassador of Sweden Mr Julius Liljeström and Mrs Madeleine Hägg Liljeström at the Ambassador’s residence in The Hague.

The New Year’s Reception is one of the Chambers’ wonderful traditions, offering a fantastic start to the upcoming Chamber year and the opportunity to meet great fellow members and relations in a fantastic ambience. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who attended the New Year’s Reception and for making it a warm event, fostering friendship and fellowship.

A special thank you to The Embassy of Sweden in the Netherlands, Lawrence Masle and of course to H.E. Ambassador of Sweden Mr Julius Liljeström and Mrs Madeleine Hägg Liljeström for hosting the New Year’s reception and for your warm hospitality and support.

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4 Dec

December 4, 2025, Sustainability & Innovation Summit

Thank you for joining the Swedish Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Sustainability & Innovation Summit 2025, held on December 4 at the Barbizon Palace in Amsterdam.

We were delighted to welcome such an engaged and forward-thinking group of members and guests to this high-level forum. Bringing together executives, policymakers, academics, and innovators from Sweden and the Netherlands, the Summit offered rich perspectives on how we can collectively tackle today’s sustainability challenges while shaping tomorrow’s innovative solutions.

With distinguished speakers from Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI), Vattenfall, SSAB, SAAB, the Netherlands Innovation Center Sweden, RISE Research Institute of Sweden, Ericsson Netherlands, Vattenfall, , the sessions explored Sweden’s global leadership in fossil-free innovation as well as the evolving landscape of AI and tech autonomy.
“Tackling today’s challenges, shaping tomorrow’s solutions.”

Your participation and contributions helped make the Summit a success, and we hope the discussions inspired new ideas for driving sustainable transformation within your organisation.

A special thank you to our speakers for sharing their expertise, to our moderators Britta Wyss Bisang and Alexander Ljungström, and to our Honorary Guest, H.E. Mr Liljeström, Ambassador of Sweden to the Netherlands, for their valued presence and insights.

Following the Summit, many of you joined us for the Annual Exclusive Lucia Dinner 2025 at the historic St. Olof’s Chapel. This magical evening filled with tradition, music, celebration, and Swedish hospitality marked a festive end to the Chamber’s 65th anniversary year. We are grateful to everyone who helped make the night unforgettable, from the Swedish Julbord and Business Award Ceremony to the Lucia procession, entertainment, and charity raffle.

We warmly thank all participants for contributing to a truly memorable day of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and celebration.

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT PHOTOS, by Hanne Hansen Photography

Summit program:

The first session themed “Sweden as a Global Leader in Fossil-Free Innovation and Sustainable Industry” moderated by Britta Wyss Bisang, VP Sustainability & Strategic Marketing Communications Schoeller Allibert

Speakers

Annika Markovic, Engagement and Impact Director Stockholm Environment Institute (SEI)
Annika Ramsköld, Chief Sustainability Officer Vattenfall
Frans van Hesteren, International Sales Manager GreenCoat SSAB
Eva Axelsson, Chief Sustainability Officer and Head of Group Sustainability SAAB

The second session themed “Sweden–Netherlands AI & Tech Autonomy” moderated by Alexander Ljungström, Einar & Partners and Chairperson Swedish Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals

Speakers

H.E. Mr Liljeström, Ambassador of Sweden to the Netherlands
John Dekker, Sr Innovation Advisor, Netherlands Innovation Center Sweden
Thor Wikfeldt, Director of Mimer AI Factory, RISE Research Institute of Sweden
Fatih Noyan, Country Manager, Ericsson Netherlands

Corporate Sponsors:

In collaboration with:

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4 Dec

December 4, 2025, Exclusive Annual Lucia Dinner

Thank you for joining the Swedish Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Sustainability & Innovation Summit 2025, held on December 4 at the Barbizon Palace in Amsterdam.

Your participation and contributions helped make the Summit a success, and we hope the discussions inspired new ideas for driving sustainable transformation within your organisation.

We warmly thank all participants for contributing to a truly memorable day of knowledge sharing, collaboration, and celebration.

We look forward to welcoming you to future events hosted by the Swedish Chamber of Commerce.

CLICK HERE FOR EVENT PHOTOS, by Hanne Hansen Photography

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25 Nov

November 25, 2025, Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability Forum hosted by AllChiefs

Date: November 25, 2025
Time: 09.30 – 12.00
Venue: AllChiefs
Stationsplein 45, Unit A3.202, 3013 AK Rotterdam Stationsplein 45, Unit A3.202, 3013 AK Rotterdam Stationsplein 45, Unit A3.202, 3013 AK Rotterdam Stationsplein 45
Unit A3.202
3013 AK Rotterdam

Join an exclusive gathering of visionary business leaders, policy-makers, and logistics professionals at the Swedish Chamber Supply Chain Resilience and Sustainability Forum.

This pivotal event will explore how innovative thinking, knowledge-sharing, and actionable strategies drive impactful and sustainable change. Participants will explore real-world case studies, share expert insights, and address the supply chain challenges shaped by today’s business, economic, and climate landscape. The forum will demonstrate how collaboration, meaningful discussions, and a shared commitment to sustainability can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the decarbonisation of logistics.

Hosted in partnership with AllChiefs, this forum provides an opportunity for you to engage with thought leaders, exchange ideas, and contribute to building a more resilient, future-ready, and climate-conscious global supply chain

Speakers: