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. 

“Sweden is a digitally mature market with a collaborative culture that unites government, industry and academia. It’s the ideal environment to scale transformative technologies in a responsible way.”  Caroline Attelius, COO of Sales Enablement and Operations at Microsoft Sweden

“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. 

 

Challenge

Microsoft aimed to expand its cloud and AI capabilities in a digitally advanced, sustainability-driven market – one that could also serve as a testbed for global innovation.

Solution

Sweden’s innovation ecosystem, skilled workforce, and collaborative public-private culture made it the ideal choice for long-term investment.

Result

Microsoft launched a 100% carbon-free data centre, accelerated AI skills training nationwide, and deepened engagement in key sectors, including healthcare, finance, and manufacturing.

Value impact

Sweden is now a great example of Microsoft’s global sustainability and AI ambitions – supporting responsible digital transformation at scale while contributing to national talent and innovation goals.

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.