Gothenburg is 'Sweden's nicest city'

The report is based on interviews of 3,700 people in Sweden, between 20 and 50 years of age, the group most likely move. The majority work in professions where labour shortages exist.

Behind the report is Future Place Leadership, a Stockholm-based consulting company specialising in helping places – cities, countries, regions and innovation environments – become more attractive to talents, companies and investors.

Gothenburg topped the first two editions of Talent City Index Sweden, but this year it was edged out by Stockholm as the most attractive city among today and tomorrow's qualified workforce. A total of 80 Swedish cities/municipalities were evaluated.

The country's two largest cities are in a class of their own, according to the report, with a gap to the next preferred cities Uppsala and Malmö.

Gothenburg's increasing importance for Sweden’s economy and growth is reflected in the fact that so many people want to live and work here. 

Says Patrik Andersson, CEO of Business Region Göteborg.

Sweden’s two largest cities differ in character. The Gothenburg region is the prominent hub for research and development, has a significantly higher proportion of employed people with a scientific and technical background and lower unemployment than the rest of the country. Advanced services dominate an increasingly large part of Gothenburg's labour market, which is more specialised than Stockholm's.

The report also shows that younger talents and qualified workers prefer Gothenburg when it comes to softer parameters. For example, Gothenburg topped the rankings for the nicest and the most family-friendly cities/municipalities.

“We combine great career opportunities with excellent possibilities to live a balanced and enjoyable life here in Gothenburg, which of course attracts people. We need all the talent we can get here,” says Anna-Lena Johansson, responsible for competence management at Business Region Göteborg.

Find out why you should stay in Gothenburg

Best potential to attract talent in the future

New for this year, the report also evaluated the cities’ future potential, in terms of economic growth and jobs, and the ability to attract talent and investments.

“Stockholm and Gothenburg are in a league of their own when it comes to future potential,” said Marcus Andersson from Future Place Leadership during a presentation of the report.

Sweden’s two largest cities dominated across the three parameters. Gothenburg took the top spot when it came to future talent attraction, but was just behind the Swedish capital in terms of future growth and investments.

“We are very pleased that talent across Sweden recognise Gothenburg’s potential. Here, attractive new neighbourhoods are emerging in central parts of the city. Commuting is getting easier; job growth has been robust for more than a decade; there’s an abundance of creative and innovative environments; and the R&D intensity of companies here is top tier. This is generating immense optimism for the future,” says Patrik Andersson.