What happens when politics, business, the media and civil society come together in one place? Almedalen Week on Gotland, often referred to as the ‘Davos of the North’, provides the answer: open dialogue, diverse perspectives and practical ideas for addressing key future issues.
As the most important platform for political and societal exchange in the Nordic countries, Almedalen Week brings together stakeholders from politics, business, academia, the media and civil society in Visby every year. This format serves as a model far beyond Sweden. Bernd Buschhausen, Managing Director at H/Advisors Deekeling Arndt, shares his key takeaways for public affairs work.
- Relevance emerges where perspectives meet
The most impactful debates arise at the intersection of different interests. When politics, business and the media move beyond their own spheres, new narratives and viable solutions emerge. For companies, this means being present where this exchange occurs.
- Trust is built through personal interaction
Despite the digital age, one thing remains constant: trust is built through direct conversation. Personal encounters are often more effective than orchestrated campaigns, especially in complex political and regulatory contexts.
- Politics and business must meet on equal footing
In times of great uncertainty, this exchange helps to define shared spaces for action and fosters mutual understanding. A key indicator of emerging trends and strategies is the diversity of perspectives.
- Local debates have global significance
Many issues, whether relating to economic resilience, demographic change or security policy, appear local but are closely tied to global developments. Therefore, strategic public affairs requires an understanding of national debates within an international context.
- Technology connects industries and ecosystems
The speed at which innovations, especially those involving artificial intelligence, are implemented is becoming an increasingly important factor in determining competitiveness and future prosperity. Today, technology has permeated all sectors, creating new forms of collaboration.
- Substance beats volume
With more than 3,000 events taking place during the week, visibility is not driven by noise or scale, but by substance. Clear positioning, credible messaging, and tangible solutions stand out. This applies equally to successful communication strategies.
What we take away from Almedalen
The discussions showed that, although Germany is perceived as a strong actor, it is not fully leveraging its potential. What matters are greater speed, closer cross-sector collaboration and a proactive stance on innovation.
Almedalen Week emphasises the importance of dialogue, clear positions, and the courage to bring different perspectives together. This precisely aligns with our understanding of public affairs and corporate positioning in societal policy debates. We bring the right stakeholders together, structure complex issues, and support our clients in taking a clear and effective position. This approach, which was so evident at Almedalen, represents a significant opportunity for Germany to strengthen its competitiveness and capacity for innovation deliberately.
Bernd Buschhausen
Managing Director
[email protected]