Several international players are turning their attention to the Swedish water and wastewater market ahead of Sweden Water Expo – with opportunities in both technological development and cross-border collaboration.
Sweden’s water and wastewater sector is attracting growing international interest. Ahead of Sweden Water Expo in September, attention is being directed towards Sweden from both neighbouring and more distant markets, where companies see opportunities ranging from innovation and new solutions to partnerships and business development.
“What works in Denmark will usually work in Sweden,” says Klaus Kubstrup Kattenhøj, who is coordinating a Danish pavilion at the exhibition with several companies from Denmark’s strong water sector. He points to both similarities and differences in the conditions facing the two countries.
“Sweden has many large lakes and has historically had water in abundance, whereas in Denmark it has been a scarce resource. We are entirely dependent on groundwater and therefore need to work more efficiently with both drinking water and wastewater treatment.”
Klaus Kubstrup Kattenhøj particularly highlights Sweden’s structure and its approach to environmental issues. The close relationship between the two countries makes Sweden a natural market for Danish companies. Their joint participation at Sweden Water Expo is intended to strengthen their presence in the Swedish market.
“There are short distances between Sweden and Denmark, both geographically and between people. Taking part in a new exhibition in Stockholm fits perfectly with our ambitions in Sweden.”
He also emphasises the increasing cooperation between the countries in a more uncertain global environment.
“Today, we are in many ways ‘brothers in arms’ when it comes to defence and preparedness. Sweden is ahead of us in some respects, but we can contribute expertise in water and wastewater infrastructure and new technologies.”
Interest is also growing beyond the Nordic region. This year, Taiwan is bringing together several companies in a joint initiative targeting the Swedish market – choosing to do so specifically at Sweden Water Expo.
“Sweden is at the forefront when it comes to upgrading water and wastewater infrastructure to meet stricter environmental requirements and climate-related challenges,” says Jenny Liao from Taiwan’s Water Resources Agency, who is coordinating the initiative and representing companies specialising in areas such as pumps, water treatment and digital solutions.
She describes the sector as technologically mature, yet still open to new technologies. At the same time, the Swedish market requires adaptation, with municipalities playing a key role in procurement processes and with both national frameworks and local conditions needing to be understood. Sweden is also seen as a gateway to the wider Nordic market.
Against this backdrop, the international participants are seeking more than simply selling products – they are also looking for the right partnerships.
“The Nordic countries have made significant progress in water governance and circular solutions, while Taiwanese companies have strengths in manufacturing, cost-efficient technology and smart systems. This creates strong opportunities for synergies,” says Jenny Liao.
The Swedish water and wastewater sector is described as well organised, providing a stable foundation for both domestic and international companies. Although Sweden is not the largest market in terms of volume, it is highly attractive in terms of quality and level of development. For many companies, the country serves as a test market for new technologies – and as a platform for further expansion. As Sweden Water Expo establishes itself in Stockholm, it is becoming a new meeting place for international exchange around the sector’s shared challenges.
Öppenheten för hållbara och högpresterande lösningar gör Sverige till en attraktiv partner, där landets styrkor inom resurseffektivitet och cirkulära lösningar kan kombineras med taiwanesisk teknik. Vi ser Sverige som en mycket lovande marknad, säger Jenny Liao.
Facts:
Klaus Kattenhøj
Title: Head of Water Tech, Danish Export Association
Role: Leads the Water Tech network within the Danish Export Association
Current: Heading the Danish initiative at Sweden Water Expo together with several water and wastewater companies.
Facts:
Jenny Liao
Title: Representative, Taiwan Water Resources Agency
Works with: International initiatives within the water and wastewater sector
Current: Coordinating Taiwan’s joint initiative at Sweden Water Expo together with companies specialising in areas including water treatment, pumps and digital solutions.