Competitiveness through transition. Strong mobilisation for the transition to climate neutrality may provide the conditions for enterprises in Sweden to develop new business strategies and entirely new markets, which in turn will provide competitiveness by driving a transition to a climate neutral, sustainable society. This is crucial for Sweden’s ambition to be the world’s first fossil-free welfare state and our climate policy framework. Enterprises play a key role in the climate transition; as major emitters of greenhouse gases, but also as providers of solutions for climate transition and climate change adaptation. In 2024, Viable Cities is joining forces with the Climate Competitiveness initiative to explore – together with a range of other stakeholders – what systemic changes can accelerate collaboration between municipalities and the business sector in order to achieve the Climate Neutral Cities 2030 mission with a good life for all within the boundaries of our planet Collaboration with the agencies signing the Climate City Contract is a key aspect of this work so that policy change can be driven. The initiative is targeted primarily at the 23 cities signing Climate City Contracts for 2030, with the objective of creating knowledge that can be used in all Swedish municipalities. The aim is to focus jointly on key areas of activity linked to the cities’ transition journeys, where enterprises are mobilised and systematically engaged. One important element in this work is to reinforce one another in handling the opportunities and challenges presented by the EU’s “Fit for 55” programme. Examples of areas of activity include procurement, skills supply, business development and establishment. The work includes reviewing the chances of using municipal policy documents such as procurement policy, business programmes and ownership directives for municipal companies in order to drive development. In its work, Viable Cities also engages with business-oriented organisations and initiatives at international, national and regional level where fair and inclusive transition is a key aspect.
