While many countries are turning inwards, Sweden is choosing a different path.
Not because we are naïve, but because we have seen – time and again – that openness is a winning strategy: for innovation, for growth, and for long-term resilience.
Can a country of 10 million people become one of the world’s most innovative economies by closing its doors? Of course not. Our most famous breakthroughs – from Bluetooth and the pacemaker to the three-point seatbelt, Spotify and today’s most dynamic tech companies – were not created behind walls. They were born in a culture where ideas cross borders, where collaboration is valued, and where the world is seen as a partner, not a threat.
And this is already happening in our partnerships with Türkiye.
Sweden and Swedish companies have been part of Türkiye’s story for generations. Since 1738, Swedish enterprises have invested, innovated and built alongside Türkiye. For example, Ericsson made its first investment in the Turkish market in 1890 by installing a telephone line in the Dolmabahce Palace, which is still operating today. Over the years, the company has expanded its activities in Türkiye and the wider region, and today Ericsson Türkiye’s R&D team—based in Istanbul, İzmir and Ankara—plays a key role in developing cutting edge 5G and 6G technologies and solutions. Their work supports Türkiye’s transition into the commercial 5G era, enabling more advanced, reliable, and future ready digital services.
This is not new. This is trust built over decades.
Today, that partnership is accelerating:
• Swedish companies currently employ more than 60.000 people in Türkiye, in sectors including automotive, textile, industrial production and electronics.
• Swedish and Turkish companies are collaborating on green transition, energy efficiency, engineering, procurement and sustainable construction, combining Swedish R&D capability with Türkiye’s market scale and talent.
• As an example, Swedish and Turkish researchers collaborate at Istanbul University and KTH Royal Institute of Technology on sustainable innovative bio-based materials. Last year, this partnership generated number of publications and attracted funding from the European Union and ERA-NET.
• The trade volume between Türkiye and Sweden is increasing year by year, reaching approximately 4 billion USD in 2025. With an investment of EUR 15 million in its new factory in Dilovası, Kocaeli, Systemair opened Türkiye’s first factory which holds a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold Certificate. When Systemair invested in Türkiye, they did not just bring technology. They also increased the share capital to finance the tremendous growth of Systemair Türkiye throughout the years.
• Swedish music, games, design and film are reaching Turkish audiences. Spotify and other Swedish platforms showcase Turkish artists to global audiences. But this goes both ways. Türkiye’s music, film and creative talent are also finding audiences in Sweden – sometimes through Swedish partnerships and co-productions. For example, Storytel, Minecraft, Candy Crush (King Games) are among these platforms. This cultural exchange strengthens both nations and creates opportunities for creators on both sides.
These initiatives are not a one-way street. They are mutual gains, built on shared ambition and shared benefit. This is why Sweden doesn’t say ‘Made in.’ We say, ‘Made with.’ Because real value – whether it’s an innovation, a job, a film or a research breakthrough – is created when we build together. The partnerships between Sweden and Türkiye prove this every day.
Made with Sweden is a commitment to reciprocity, to respecting what each partner brings, and to building something neither could create alone.
We want to attract investment to Sweden – and for Swedish companies to invest abroad.
We want to support the world’s brightest talents to develop – at the same time, we want them to partner up with the Swedish researchers and other best institutions.
Because a world where everyone tries to go it alone is a world that becomes poorer, slower and less safe.
A world that collaborates – that builds with rather than against – is a world that moves forward.
Because real progress rarely happens in isolation. The greatest achievements are co-created.
Which is why the next chapter should be:
Made with Sweden & Türkiye.
Let’s write it together.
Team Sweden is ready.
Malena Mård is the Ambassador of Sweden in Ankara and Karin Hernmarck is the Consul General of Sweden in Istanbul
