OCTOBER 2025

Dear friends,

Time continues to move swiftly, and October was no exception. This past month, we successfully hosted our annual golf tournament, the SACC Open. I’d like to extend my sincere thanks to our sponsors – Nammo, Haypp Group, Axis Communications, Forbes Tate Partners, Volvo Group – our partner Don Beyer Volvo Cars Dulles, and all participating golfers for making the event a great success.

Our network continues to grow, and I’m pleased to welcome Sandberg Development Inc. as our newest member. A brief introduction is included in this newsletter, with a more in-depth feature to follow next month.

We’re honored to feature insights from Peter Borsos, Head of Communications at Ericsson, who shares his perspectives on communication, geopolitics, and more. His contribution is greatly appreciated.

Exciting developments are taking place across the DMV area. AstraZeneca will invest $4.5 billion in new facilities in Albemarle County, Virginia, and Teledyne FLIR has opened a new office in Arlington. Speaking of interesting news, recently a letter of intent was signed between Ukraine and Sweden regarding air capabilities, potentially leading to the export of up to 150 JAS Gripen fighter jets - an opportunity surely welcomed by SAAB. More details on these stories are included in this issue.

As previously announced, the SACC Summit will be held in November and we are looking forward to seeing a few of our members there. On November 23, we’ll also co-host a celebration of the Swedish tradition of fika with the Alexandria Sister Cities Committee.

Finally, I plan to reach out to all corporate and business members in November to better understand your priorities and expectations of SACC-DC. When you receive this outreach, I kindly ask you to take a moment to share your thoughts - your input is essential to ensuring we serve you effectively.

Warm regards, 

Robert Andersson

Executive Director

Welcome Our New Business Member, Sandberg Development!

We’re delighted to welcome Sandberg Development as the newest business member of SACC DC!

Founded in Malmö, Sandberg Development is a family-owned investment company that actively develops and supports innovative businesses with a focus on long-term growth, sustainability, and entrepreneurship.



We look forward to collaborating with Sandberg Development and seeing how their forward-thinking approach and innovative mindset will enrich our network. Welcome to the community!

Ericsson operates all over the world, what are the main communication challenges that come with being such a large and global company?

“There might be larger telecom companies out there,” Borsos begins, “but none match Ericsson’s complexity and scale.” With nearly 100,000 employees and operations in almost every country in the world, the company’s communication challenges are as global as its technology.

Operating in so many markets also means facing scrutiny for choices that are interpreted differently around the world. For instance, corporate donations or partnerships that seem natural in the U.S. might draw criticism in Europe. “We’re present in markets with very different values,” Borsos says, “but we see access to communication as a human need. Our role is to provide connectivity, not to adopt the politics of every country we operate in.” The United States is Ericsson’s single most important market, one it cannot afford to fail in. Bridging the communication gap between the U.S. and Europe, Borsos explains, requires an understanding of both cultures: “We need people who can connect those worlds and navigate the different ways business and communication work.”

How has the role of geopolitics changed for companies like Ericsson in recent years?

“In today’s world, geopolitics is no longer a background concern, it defines nearly every strategic decision. A few years ago, geopolitics was barely discussed. Now it’s everything. It’s about security, infrastructure, and trust.” Borsos says. Ericsson’s goal, he explains, is to be a trusted vendor globally, not just in the West, despite political tensions across the world. “We’ve existed for 150 years, 120 of those in the U.S. We think long-term, far beyond political cycles. We’ve seen more presidents come and go than most American companies.”

Still, political instability and polarization make things harder. “Most companies want predictable rules, not constant changes in taxes, tariffs, or regulations. Give us stable conditions and we’ll adapt. It’s hard to plan when the rules shift every day.” However, despite global uncertainty, Borsos is optimistic about the relationship between Sweden and the United States. “It’s a fantastic relationship,” he says. “Swedes sometimes forget how small we are, yet we’ve done incredibly well. We’re overrepresented globally for our size, but we’re not the center of the world, we need to be able to adapt to global changes” Ericsson’s long history in the U.S. is a reflection of the countries’ enduring bond. “Our relationship has ups and downs, but it’s long-term and healthy,” Borsos says. “There’s a constant rotation of Swedes and Americans within the company, a true exchange of knowledge and culture that strengthens both sides. Today, Ericsson is responsible for more than 6,000 jobs across the United States, and that partnership continues to grow.”

Connectivity and competitiveness in Europe

Borsos is outspoken about Europe’s struggle to keep pace with digital and telecom innovation. “If you land in New Delhi, you can have a flawless video call all the way from the airport to your hotel,” he says. “Try that in a European capital, almost none can match that level of connectivity.” He argues that Europe has become too cautious and slow-moving. “Europe wants to regulate before innovation happens. The rest of the world regulates afterwards. Somewhere along the line, we lost the speed that drives progress.”

With multiple small markets, fragmented regulation, and political processes that vary across 27 countries, the EU struggles to act at scale. “Infrastructure is expensive,” he explains. “Half a billion people should make Europe a strong internal market, but when every country insists on its own rules, we lose our edge. Sweden has four telecom vendors, Denmark three, and France four. All trying to keep prices low, but at the cost of development. Meanwhile, the U.S., with 350 million people, has three major vendors, and India and China, with over a billion people, has just three as well. Europe’s fragmentation makes it impossible to compete at that scale.” He stresses that Ericsson wants to help Europe catch up. “We’re one of the few major tech companies left in Europe. We want Europe to rise again. Connectivity isn’t just a technical issue, it’s about economic strength and competitiveness.”

What advice would you give to young professionals starting their careers today?

Every generation believes it’s harder to succeed than before, Borsos reflects, “but there are also more opportunities than ever.” The key, he says, is to listen. “You’re no longer competing just with the people around you, but with the whole world. Don’t think you know everything. Listen. Try to understand deeply.” He admits he learned that lesson early. “When I first joined an executive team, I thought I could fix everything, that I had all the answers. A month later, I realized how complex things really were. Leadership is about respect, listening, and constant learning.”

Teledyne FLIR Defense Opens New Office in Arlington, Virginia

Teledyne FLIR Defense, part of Teledyne Technologies, has officially opened its new Crystal City Experience Center in Arlington, Virginia, just minutes from the Pentagon. The new facility is designed to strengthen the company’s engagement with U.S. defense and government partners, featuring hands-on demonstrations of advanced unmanned platforms, detection systems, and imaging sensors.

Ulf Kapborg, Sr. Director of Business Development, comment:

“We are honored to be part of the Swedish-American business community and appreciate SACC-DC's continued support. This new office marks an important milestone for Teledyne FLIR and supports the deep and enduring partnership between Sweden and the United States.

Our longstanding alliance has grown even stronger with Sweden’s recent accession to NATO, further enhancing our shared commitment to defense innovation. These efforts not only strengthen the transatlantic bond but also create opportunities for sustainable growth and technological advancement and we look forward to continued collaboration and hosting customers at our new office in Arlington.”

AstraZeneca Announces $4.5 Billion Investment in Virginia

Governor Glenn Youngkin has announced that AstraZeneca will invest $4.5 billion to establish two new manufacturing facilities in Albemarle County, Virginia, the company’s largest single investment to date. The facilities will focus on chronic disease treatments and oncology-related antibody-drug conjugates, creating 600 high-skilled jobs and an estimated 3,000 additional indirect jobs.

The project is part of AstraZeneca’s $50 billion U.S. investment plan by 2030 and reinforces Virginia’s growing position in life sciences and advanced manufacturing. Governor Youngkin highlighted the state’s “Virginia speed” approach, noting the project came together in just 33 days. AstraZeneca CEO Pascal Soriot called the investment a major step toward strengthening U.S. health security and innovation, while local leaders praised the project for advancing economic growth and biotech development in the region.

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership and Albemarle County collaborated to secure the project, with support from the Virginia Business Ready Sites Program and the Virginia Talent Accelerator Program, which will help train the future workforce. Upon completion, the facilities will contribute to AstraZeneca’s expanding U.S. footprint, currently 19 sites and 18,000 employees nationwide. This will help solidify the Commonwealth’s reputation as a hub for pharmaceutical innovation and talent.

SEMINAR INVITATION:

Defense Spending Increases – What to Expect?

Join Magnusson Law and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP for a dynamic seminar examining how rising defense budgets and changing trade policies in the U.S. and Europe are reshaping investment, regulation, and cross-border collaboration. The session will include:

• Max Villman, former Swedish Air Force pilot and defense strategist, providing strategic insights on how NATO membership and modernization initiatives are transforming European procurement and transatlantic partnerships.
• Tom McSorley, General Counsel at NATO DIANA, exploring NATO’s evolving approach to dual-use innovation, highlighting emerging technologies, funding mechanisms, and collaboration opportunities for investors and startups.
• Pillsbury experts offering a U.S. market entry 101 background targeted at key trends in U.S. defense spending and other topics including how U.S. trade and investment policies, including tariffs, inform strategy and supply chain for emerging defense technology companies; navigating U.S. export controls (including those governing international arms transfers and other controlled technologies); government contracting and intellectual property rights; and corporate legal issues for startups, including related to funding strategies.
• A panel bringing together thought leaders from industry, law, and investment to compare the defense dynamics of Europe and the U.S., followed by an open Q&A session and closing remarks.

Thursday, November 13, 2025

Strandvägen 7A, Stockholm | Virtual access link to be provided

Registration & refreshments: 14:30 CET | Seminar: 15:00 CET

On October 22, 2025, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed a Letter of Intent in Linköping to strengthen cooperation in air capabilities. This is a first step toward a potential major export deal involving 100–150 JAS Gripen fighter jets.

The agreement focuses on sharing knowledge and experience in air combat, defence, and advanced technologies. Ministers Ebba Busch, Maria Malmer Stenergard, Pål Jonson, and Simona Mohamsson attended the signing.

Kristersson emphasized that the partnership will bolster Ukraine’s future air force while reinforcing Sweden’s and Europe’s collective security, highlighting mutual benefits from Sweden’s technical expertise and Ukraine’s combat experience.

SWEA CHRISTMAS MARKET

Welcome to SWEA DC’s annual Christmas Market, organized in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden – House of Sweden, on Saturday, December 6 from 10 AM to 5 PM. The day concludes with a Lucia celebration on the lawn outside. All proceeds support scholarships and donations that promote Swedish culture and language.

The Christmas Market is one of DC’s most beloved events, drawing large crowds every year. Volunteers receive free admission and can enjoy everything the market has to offer!