Mathias Knutsson

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...

Budgets are more than numbers on a page. They are a reflection of our values, a roadmap of our priorities, and, ultimately, a statement about the kind of society we want to build together. Today’s budget announcement is significant. With SEK 80 billion in reforms, it represents both a recognition of the challenges people face in their everyday lives and a commitment to strengthen Sweden in a time of global uncertainty. Lower taxes for workers and pensioners, reduced VAT on food, and support for small businesses are measures that can offer real relief. Increased defence spending signals resolve in a world that is less stable and more demanding of our resilience. Its focus is clear: Putting more money in people’s pockets  – tax cuts for work and pensions, reduced VAT on food, lower energy taxes, and higher housing benefits for families. Strengthening the work-first principle  – welfare reforms, activity requirements, and clearer pathways from benefits to work. Investments in w...

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...