Stina Berglund

Expertise area

Sustainable cities, policies for a designed living environment, green transition and export promotion work.

Contact details

stina.berglund@ri.se
+46 72-225 76 72, 010-516 68 87

Experiences

• Projektledare Krenova incubators and innovation environments Region Västerbotten and Region Norrbotten
• Projektledare Arctic Design of Sweden, New York, Tokyo, Copenhagen, Stockholm
• Senior Project Manager Green Transition Initiative, Washington DC, USA
• Gruppchef Träteknisk Forskning, Division Samhällsbyggnad RISE

What experiences did you take with you from Silicon Valley?

I had the great pleasure of working closely with the local political government in Palo Alto and was invited to a number of political forums which provided positive insights into how the political systems actually work at the local level in the US. The local government has power and influence and Palo Alto in particular was very focused on green transition in terms of properties, electrification and not least "public transportation" which is actually reflected directly in people's everyday lives.

I am also incredibly grateful to have experienced the “Pay it forward” culture at Silicon Valley. The generous willingness to share networks and open doors to others is something I carry with me now in business back home in Sweden.

Just as previous fellows mentioned, I take with me that time is money and that pace is important. But if you can. deliver, anything is truly possible in the world's fourth largest economy. I was attracted by the American self-confidence in entrepreneurship.

But I also take with me how ambitious Sweden's foreign office works. Before I came to Silicon Valley, I had worked for many years at Team Sweden at home. Being able to continue participating in the work at an international level made me both impressed and proud of Swedish export cooperation. We really show a proud blue and yellow banner in our international work. I really hope that I get the chance to work at a Swedish foreign office somewhere in the world once again.

Based on your experiences, what would you like to contribute to the Swedish innovation system?

I want to continue to showcase the brand for Sweden and Swedish exports, innovation and all aspects related to sustainable development. My employer RISE government assignment is to be internationally competitive and work for sustainable growth in Sweden and internationally. Research and innovation for the future, curiosity and benefit I think sums it up very well. I am also very happy and grateful to be part of the Wallenbergs Alumni network since my time at Palo Alto. A very valuable business network from all parts of the business community that I want to help keep vital and alive.