Mathias Knutsson

When I decided to become a vegetarian more than forty-five years ago, I was still a young boy — curious, idealistic, and perhaps a bit stubborn. My choice was not driven by trends or ideology, but by a simple conviction: that living, thinking, and feeling beings should not have to suffer or die for me to eat. Over the years, that conviction has deepened. I have seen the reality of industrial animal farming, the massive use of antibiotics that threatens human health, and the immense environmental burden created by meat production. What once felt like a personal moral decision has become one of the defining global issues of our time. Recent research — including the latest findings from  EAT-Lancet  — only reinforces what many of us have long known: that a diverse, balanced, and largely plant-based diet is healthier for people and more sustainable for the planet. We now stand at a crossroads where food systems, climate policy, and public health intersect — and where every meal ca...

Det var en inspirerande förmiddag i Köping under gårdagens  Rådslag 2025 – Nu går vi från ord till handling! För tredje året i rad samlades företagare, politiker och tjänstepersoner för att tillsammans forma framtiden för kommunens näringsliv. Denna gång med ett särskilt fokus på  hur Köpings nya Näringslivsprogram ska omsättas i praktisk handling . Det är ett program som präglas av tydlig riktning, gemensamt ansvar och en vilja att skapa ett starkare, mer dynamiskt näringsliv – något som i högsta grad ligger i linje med de mål vi driver inom  InVästmanland . Rådslaget har blivit en självklar mötesplats för dialog, samverkan och framtidstro. Presentationerna från  Svenskt Näringsliv  gav viktiga insikter kring hur företagsklimatet utvecklats i Köping – både framsteg och utmaningar – och workshoppen “Från ord till handling” bjöd på konkreta förslag kring  kompetensförsörjning, tillståndsprocesser och kommunikation mellan företag och kommun . Att detta sker s...

The news that  ABB Robotics will be acquired by the Japanese group SoftBank Group  has sparked interest across the business community. At first glance, it may look like just another global corporate restructuring. But for those of us in  Västmanland , it holds a deeper meaning — a reminder of our region’s enduring role in the evolution of global industry. Västmanland, and particularly Västerås, has a unique industrial legacy. This is where  ASEA  was born — the company that shaped much of Sweden’s technological identity during the 20th century. When ASEA merged with Brown Boveri to form  ABB , and later spun off parts of its operations, it did not mark the end of an era — it marked the  beginning of several new ones . Today, global companies such as  Alstom, Westinghouse,  Hitachi Energy  and Bombardier are key players in Västmanland’s industrial landscape. All of them trace their roots back to ASEA and ABB — a powerful reminder of how...

Det är något alldeles särskilt med Surahammar. Kanske är det närheten mellan människor. Eller den genuina stoltheten över det som byggts upp genom generationer. Eller så är det helt enkelt känslan av att befinna sig på en plats som står på tröskeln till något nytt – där tradition möter framtid. I går hade jag och min kollega Elias Chabe förmånen att besöka kommunen och träffa en rad  engagerade företagare, kommunala tjänstepersoner och politiker . Det blev en dag fylld av samtal om möjligheter, samarbete och modet att tänka nytt. Det som slog oss mest var det tydliga  drivet framåt . Surahammar är en kommun som inte väntar på att förändringen ska komma – man  skapar den själv . Det handlar om att ta vara på styrkorna, men också våga ompröva och utveckla. Om att hitta balansen mellan industriellt arv och framtidsinriktad innovation. Kommunens arbete med  kompetensförsörjning, markberedskap och ett allt starkare företagsklimat  visar just detta. Det är målmedvetet...

Yesterday I had the privilege of visiting Skinnskatteberg – a small municipality with a big heart and a strong will to look forward. The visit reminded me once again of the power of local engagement and the determination to build confidence in the future together. We spoke about the strengths that define Skinnskatteberg: its unique nature and cultural heritage, its industrial tradition and ongoing enterprises, and its potential to be an active part of a larger regional narrative in Västmanland. It became clear that  collaboration is the key . Connecting education, business, municipal development, and regional initiatives can create new opportunities for Skinnskatteberg to grow and attract residents, companies, and visitors. In a time of rapid global shifts – from turbulence to AI and technological transformation – we must find ways to link local strengths with global innovation capacity. Skinnskatteberg demonstrated clearly that the will to do so is alive and strong. I leave the vi...

What an inspiring day at this year’s  RUS Conference ! We gathered in Västerås to discuss how to strengthen Västmanland’s long-term development. It was a day filled with insights, energy, and forward-looking dialogue – a clear reminder that we are strongest when we work together across boundaries. Robert Bergqvist, Senior Economist at SEB, opened the day with a sharp and thought-provoking analysis:  “Trump, Turbulence, and Growth – What Lies Ahead?” . He outlined the global forces shaping our economy and the implications for Sweden and Västmanland in a time of geopolitical uncertainty and economic transformation. Later, Professor Bo Dahlbom from the University of Gothenburg gave us a fascinating glimpse into the future with his keynote  “Soon We Will Do Everything with AI – But How Do We Get There?” . His talk highlighted not only the immense opportunities of AI but also the responsibilities and choices we face in shaping its role in society. For me, the day was also...

107 Days  Is more than a Memoir — It is a Reminder of What is at Stake When a former Vice President writes a memoir about the most turbulent 107 days of her political life, the words carry weight. Kamala Harris’ new book, 107 Days, is not only a personal reflection on her sprint for the presidency. It is also a mirror held up to our time: a period when democratic institutions are tested, political discourse is frayed, and trust in leadership is at risk. Harris recounts the chaos of a truncated campaign, the relentless attacks on her identity, and the difficult balance between loyalty and leadership. She offers candid insights into her strained relationship with President Biden and her refusal to be baited by Donald Trump’s insults. She writes with both conviction and vulnerability — admitting missteps, but also reminding us of the stakes when character collides with ambition and power. Yet  107 Days  is not simply about the past. It forces us to confront questions ab...

Democracy does not begin in parliaments or council chambers. It begins in the way we speak to one another. It begins in our ability to listen, to reason together, and to find common ground even when we disagree. Lately, I have seen how easily our debates and conversations can become harder, sharper, more personal. When this happens, we risk losing sight of what matters most: not who is right or wrong in the heat of the moment, but how we, together, can build a future that is better for all. At the heart of democracy lies a simple but powerful truth:   every voice matters.   Citizens ask questions because they care. Entrepreneurs raise concerns because they see opportunities. Civil society contributes ideas because it believes in community. To answer those voices with silence, or with attacks on character rather than arguments, weakens not only the debate but the very trust on which our democracy depends. We need something better. We need a culture of debate built on three endu...

 Yesterday, the  InVästmanland  project gathered municipal representatives and regional stakeholders for a seminar on  “Successful municipal and regional investment promotion.” The seminar opened with  Francisca Herodes , consultant with extensive international experience from Business Sweden, Ramböll and Mid Sweden’s Brussels office. Her presentation  “Business Establishment and Investment Promotion”  provided an inspiring overview of global trends and their implications for local efforts. Next,  Xavier Malmros Petirfrere,  from the City of Västerås shared key success factors behind Västerås’ strong position as one of Sweden’s most attractive locations for establishment and investment. His insights sparked great interest and highlighted lessons relevant for the entire Västmanland region. The seminar concluded with  group discussions , where participants identified opportunities and challenges to further strengthen our collaborative effo...

August 24 marks Ukraine’s Independence Day – a date that should be filled with pride, joy, and celebration. Yet for the third year in a row, it comes under the shadow of war, destruction, and unimaginable loss. What should be a national holiday has become a reminder of how fragile freedom truly is. In the face of Russia’s aggression, the Ukrainian people have shown extraordinary courage and resilience. Their struggle is not just about defending their borders – it is about protecting the values that bind us together as Europeans and as part of the democratic world: the right to self-determination, human dignity, and peace. For us, Ukraine’s fight must never feel distant. Their struggle is ours. On this day, let us remind ourselves that freedom comes at a cost – and that solidarity is more than words. It is political, military, economic, and humanitarian support. It is standing firm when it matters most. Ukraine’s Independence Day is not only their celebration. It is a call to all of us ...

Every now and then, a book comes along that doesn’t just entertain but quietly settles into your heart, refusing to leave. Fresh Water for Flowers by Valérie Perrin is one of those rare novels. By the sea, flowers bloom, a story that whispers soft— love, loss, and healing. 🌸🌊📖 At its center is Violette Toussaint, a cemetery keeper in a small French village. On the surface, her days are marked by routine and silence. But behind her calm presence lies a life shaped by both profound loss and unexpected love. Perrin masterfully weaves past and present together, slowly unveiling Violette’s story and revealing a tale of heartbreak, resilience, and renewal. What makes this book extraordinary is not only the story itself but also the language. Perrin’s prose is luminous – poetic, vivid, and filled with imagery that elevates everyday details into something almost sacred. A cup of coffee, a flower, a fleeting glance – all become symbols of life’s fragility and its quiet beauty. Reading Fresh ...

The past week has been both rewarding and inspiring for us in the InVästmanland project. Together with my colleague Julia, I had the privilege of visiting several of our participating municipalities – Västerås, Surahammar, Hallstahammar, Norberg, and Kungsör. In each municipality, we engaged in meaningful discussions about key future issues, ranging from strategic business development to strengthening the overall attractiveness of the region. We are convinced that it is in close dialogue with the municipalities that we can find the most impactful solutions to strengthen Västmanland’s long-term competitiveness. Another highlight this week was welcoming our new colleague, Elias Chabe, who joined us on Monday. Elias will work with strategic establishment issues, further enhancing our capacity to attract and facilitate new business investments in the region. This week also marked the beginning of our major autumn initiative, featuring a wide range of activities and efforts to strengthen gr...

 I have followed the situation in Sudan with growing concern for years. As a father, a citizen, and someone who believes deeply in justice and human dignity, it is impossible for me to ignore the escalating violence, the suffering of civilians, and the enormous humanitarian needs. Today, SvD highlights the urgency of the crisis once again. The people of Sudan deserve more than headlines—they deserve decisive action from the international community. Standing with Sudan means combining diplomacy, humanitarian support, and accountability to protect lives, support those displaced, and pave the way for lasting peace. Diplomatic Pressure and Engagement We must strengthen the efforts of the UN Special Envoy for Sudan to protect civilians and secure humanitarian access. Governments that arm warring parties or ignore human rights violations need to be held accountable. At the same time, diplomatic engagement with actors who can influence the conflict is crucial to promoting peaceful soluti...