Meet Marcus - our new head of FDI

In his role as head of FDI, he will lead our work with attracting and assisting investment within smart transportation, life science, digital technology and sustainable cities. He is also responsible for International House Gothenburg, an important resource for the region’s companies and international talents.   

Welcome to Business Region Göteborg Marcus. What was it that attracted you to the job?

“Thanks, it’s great to be here. I have had a close connection to the Gothenburg region for well over 20 years now. My wife comes from here and my children were born in Gothenburg. Even though we haven’t lived here all that time, it has become a place we call home. Since moving back permanently four years ago, it has been impossible not to get excited by all the development and growth happening in Gothenburg. Naturally, I wanted to find a way to be part of that and make a positive contribution to the city and the region. I was introduced to Business Region Göteborg in my previous role and quickly became interested in its activities.” 

What were you working with before you started here?

“I’ve worked in trade and investment promotion for a good part of my career now. I spent over a decade working for the New Zealand trade and investment promotion agency, New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, in both Europe and New Zealand, before returning to Sweden in 2018. Over the last couple of years, I have been working for the Dutch Embassy network in the Nordics as a Business Developer. In between I was doing some consulting work for the International Trade Center, a UN body which works to connect SMEs in developing countries to international markets. Throughout my career I have worked closely with companies that are looking to grow internationally. I am looking forward to the opportunity to focus on encouraging these types of companies to choose Gothenburg as a place to grow their business.” 

What do you think are Gothenburg’s strengths when it comes to international trade and investment?

“Gothenburg has a long history of trade with the outside world. In fact, it was founded in 1621 primarily for that reason. Over the centuries it has nurtured its origins to become Scandinavia’s premier logistics centre as well as an important trading hub and centre of innovation. Gothenburg companies spend more on R&D than companies in any region in Sweden, and account for a massive 34% of Sweden’s business R&D expenditure. The region has important research institutes, universities, and science parks, as well as a thriving international business environment. On top of that Gothenburg prides itself in its ability to working seamlessly across industry, academia, and the public sector. This makes for quicker decisions and a genuine desire to do what is good for the city and its citizens.” 

What trends do you think we will see in 2023 in terms of foreign investment in Gothenburg? 

“In 2023 we are working across four broad areas from a FDI point of view. Smart transportation, which includes mobility and automotive, life science, digital technology and sustainable city, including urban developments. In addition to this we will invest more into reconnecting with existing investors to see how we might help them grow further, and finally investigate what we can do to encourage more investments in the green transition. We will be attending several events both in Sweden and internationally to promote Gothenburg, together with our partners in the city. Examples of these include technology exhibitions such as Websummit and Slush, the ehealth fair Vitalis and electric vehicle symposium EVS. We are also keen to use the launch of a new direct flight operating to New York this spring to showcase Gothenburg to potential investors on the East Coast of the US.”

You are also responsible for International House Gothenburg. What can we expect during 2023? 

“On the talent attraction and retention side, we are continually evaluating and improving the services we offer at International House Gothenburg to our new arrivals to the Gothenburg region, that is people who have moved to the city to start a new life and have the right skills for our companies. The team works very closely with our sister organisation Move to Gothenburg and the public employment service to promote the benefits of living and working here. We will be participating at selected immigration fairs and networking events to spread the word.” 

Why is it important for Gothenburg to attract foreign investment and talents? 

“Gothenburg is a city and region in transition and has ambitious growth plans over the next 10 to 15 years, including to create 120,000 jobs [2016-2035]. To realise these plans the region will continue needing new investment and talent. Foreign investment and new residents bring new ideas and skills, create diversity and add to the fabric of a dynamic, growing city. They have and will continue to play an important role in the region’s development. For example, foreign-owned companies employ over 100,000 people in Gothenburg, or around a fifth of the total employment in the region.”    

It’s early days in the position, but what are you most looking forward to during 2023? 

“It may be early days, but we already have a packed schedule for the year. With over 15 international events and a similar number of incoming delegation visits, the team is going to be very busy. I’m looking forward to getting out and meeting our customers, old and new ones alike, and working with the team to ensure we continue to add value through the advisory work we provide. We contributed to over 15 investments in 2022 and we have high ambitions to exceed this result in 2023. However, if I am to pick one thing to really look forward to in 2023 it will be the celebrations planned to mark the 400th anniversary of Gothenburg at the beginning of June. I have a feeling that they will be very special!”

Is there anything you would like to add? 

“I’m still learning the ropes, but I have been so impressed by the positive attitude we have in BRG and across our partner ecosystem. I get the feeling that there really is a “no problem is too big” approach to the issues we tackle. Being part of a team that delivers solutions to issues, big and small, is a very gratifying experience and I look forward to contributing in any way I can.” 

Learn more

• How we can help you establish and expand in Gothenburg
• Gothenburg's key sectors
• International House Gothenburg