Sweden’s digital edge drives expansion
Sweden was one of the first countries outside the US to welcome a Microsoft office. Today, it remains a key hub – combining high digital adoption, a dynamic innovation ecosystem with partners, and bold sustainability goals.
“Sweden is a digitally mature market with a collaborative culture that unites government, industry and academia,” says Caroline Attelius, COO of Sales Enablement and Operations at Microsoft Sweden. “It’s the ideal environment to scale transformative technologies in a responsible way.”
Sustainable infrastructure at the core
An integral part of Microsoft’s Swedish strategy is its data centre region, powered entirely by carbon-free energy. Being part of an expanding European network, it strengthens local cloud capacity and resilience while helping customers meet stringent data and climate standards.
“Our datacentre investment supports innovation while aligning with our environmental commitments,” Caroline Attelius notes. “Microsoft has made local sustainability investments in Sweden to support carbon reduction, water conservation, waste minimisation, and ecosystem protection.”
To further its environmental ambitions, Microsoft partnered with Swedish energy company Vattenfall to build and deliver a large-scale, 24/7 renewable energy matching solution — a first-of-its-kind system that ensures the electricity powering the data centres is matched with renewable energy every hour of the day, not just on a monthly or annual basis.
Preparing Sweden for the AI era
To address the need for competence development and upskilling across society, including both the public and private sectors, Microsoft launched AI-lyftet, a national training initiative aiming at upskilling 250,000 Swedes in AI over three years. More than 120,000 people have already enrolled.
“Sweden has the right foundation – but staying ahead means continued investment in talent and skills,” Caroline Attelius emphasises.
Global models from local success
Microsoft’s work in Sweden extends far beyond its borders. The establishment of the Data Centre Region in Sweden represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure and nationwide AI skilling in collaboration with academia and both the private and public sectors. Through the Responsible AI Centre, Microsoft Sweden is also advancing innovation in collaboration with partners to ensure the responsible development of AI with a global reach.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is a global technology leader that empowers people and organisations worldwide through AI, cloud, and productivity solutions. Present in Sweden since 1985, the company continues to invest in digital infrastructure and local talent.