At this year’s Almedalen Week, Beyondo participated in a panel discussion on one of Sweden’s most urgent challenges: how to attract and include international talent in a meaningful and sustainable way.
Learn more about this year’s Almedalen panel discussion, including the agenda and all participating speakers, via this link:
Sweden’s Talent Hunt – Are Our Efforts Enough to Win the Global Battle for Competence?
During the conversation, I shared reflections on the importance of collaboration between authorities, companies, and individuals. One idea that resonated strongly was the need for a more unified approach — a kind of “one-stop shop” — where international professionals don’t have to navigate ten different agencies to get started in Sweden. Instead, we should simplify and streamline the process, making it easier to feel welcome and included from day one.
"But inclusion is not just about systems. It’s about mindset."
We heard stories — including from the audience — about people who love Sweden, who want to contribute, but who face closed doors. One participant shared how they had moved to southern Italy and imagined a model where people could live abroad and still support Swedish companies remotely. It was a reminder that talent is global, and flexibility is key.
Another important point raised was that when international professionals move to Sweden, they often come with partners or families — a hidden talent pool that is frequently overlooked. These individuals are eager to contribute, yet they often find themselves excluded from the labor market simply because they didn’t arrive with a job offer in hand.
At Beyondo, we believe that inclusion must go beyond recruitment. It’s about creating a culture where people feel they belong — where their skills, perspectives, and ambitions are not only welcomed but needed.
We need to move from protectionism to participation. From bureaucracy to belonging.
Almedalen reminded us that the conversation is ongoing — and that real change requires listening, learning, and acting together.
Let’s keep the doors open.
Watch the Panel Clip
Below is a short video excerpt (in Swedish) from the panel discussion at Almedalen, where I shared thoughts on inclusion and international talent.
Behind the Scenes
This conversation was initiated by Future Place Leadership, who brought together voices from across sectors to discuss how Sweden can strengthen its position in the global talent landscape. In the photo from the panel, you’ll see Future Place Leadership’s senior consultant, Jessica Skantze alongside Karin Björkman Tendijck from Beyondo, who shared the stage with James Savage, publisher and co-founder of The Local Sweden.
The session was also part of the Swedish Talent Attraction Forum (STAF) — a growing platform for dialogue and collaboration around international talent attraction and inclusion in Sweden.
A huge thank you to Greater Örebro Area and Business Arena for facilitating the panel and creating space for this important dialogue.
Let’s Work Together
If you're a Swedish employer, public sector leader, or organisation looking to strengthen your international talent strategy, we’d love to support you.
Visit beyondo.se or reach out directly at karin@beyondo.se — let’s build a more inclusive and competitive future together.
Want to go deeper?
In a follow-up blog, I explore how Sweden can move from employer branding to real inclusion — and what we can learn from countries like the Netherlands.
Welcome to read this blog: From Employer Branding to Real Inclusion
