‘We want to be the first choice for understanding the Nordic countries’
2021-09-02
Three quick questions to Maria Eklöf, Associate Partner and new Nordic Coordinator at New Republic, about why the company is now scaling up its Nordic services.
What does your Nordic venture entail?
– Together with our partners, New Republic already provides expert advice and operational support in the fields of corporate communications and public affairs in Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Finland. Our new venture deepens the work; our clients will see even more Nordic and European perspectives in our competitive intelligence and advice, and we will increase our involvement in relevant Nordic arenas, such as the Norwegian–Swedish Chamber of Commerce. My role entails being in charge of the work from my new base in Oslo.
Why is New Republic launching its Nordic venture right now?
– The Nordic countries are important export markets for each other. Here changes in opinion and policy can be business-critical, even if they take place in a neighbouring country. Our neighbourly feelings for each other have come under strain during the pandemic, but, above all, it has become clear how important we are to each other, both culturally and economically. We want to be the first choice for all those wanting to understand and influence Nordic societal development. This also goes for international actors, irrespective of whether they want to navigate a Nordic landscape or understand the policies of the individual countries.
In what areas are the Nordic countries attracting the most international attention?
– There is a lot going on in many areas, but the climate and sustainability are common factors that stand out. Norway is going to the polls on 13 September, and one of the major questions is what will happen when the oil runs out. Battery technology, wind power and hydrogen gas are very hot topics, and Swedish actors operating in these areas are setting up in Norway. Sweden’s investments in carbon-free steel are also attracting international attention, especially after the IPCC’s latest alarming report. The Nordic economy and Nordic policies are often seen as pioneering in sustainability, which is why ideas and products are often tested here before they are launched internationally.
Maria Eklöf was interviewed by Jean-Daniel Maurin, International Director and Partner at New Republic. ‘Three Quick Questions…’ is a series of interviews conducted by New Republic.