One of my most recent experiences was when I took a Sweden based board of directors to Silicon Valley for an intensive AI deep dive. The goal was clear: move beyond the buzzwords and provide a hands-on understanding of how AI is transforming industries—and what that could mean for their business.

We started the journey at one of the leading AI research hubs in Palo Alto. Here, a team of engineers demonstrated real-world applications of machine learning, from predictive maintenance in manufacturing to personalized healthcare solutions. Seeing AI solve problems with such precision was an eye-opener for the group. I remember one board member turning to me and saying, “This isn’t about the future anymore—it’s happening right now.”

From there, we visited an autonomous vehicle company that shared insights into how AI drives decision-making in milliseconds. It wasn’t just the cars that fascinated the group, but the entire ecosystem: the data infrastructure, the simulation tools, and the collaborative partnerships that made it possible. For one director leading a supply chain-heavy business, this sparked immediate ideas on applying similar decision-making models to optimize logistics.

The turning point of the trip came during a fireside discussion with a prominent Silicon Valley venture capitalist. As he talked about AI’s exponential growth and where investment was flowing, the group realized the importance of staying ahead—not just adapting to AI, but leveraging it to innovate. By the end of the trip, several members had a list of actionable insights, from exploring partnerships with AI startups to reviewing their own internal data strategies.

This trip wasn’t just about exposure—it was about changing mindsets. What started as curiosity turned into conviction. The board returned with a deeper understanding of AI’s practical applications, ready to make decisions that could drive real growth and transformation. Silicon Valley delivered what it always does: a spark for what’s possible when you’re surrounded by innovation, bold thinking, and the right networks.

One of the more impactful journeys I’ve led was when I took a government official to the United States to deeply understand the ins and outs of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA)—legislation that has become a game changer for industrial policy, clean energy, and economic transformation.

The goal was to not only decipher the complexities of the IRA but also to see firsthand how it was reshaping American industry, driving innovation, and attracting massive investments into green technologies.

We started the trip in Washington, D.C., where meetings with policy experts and key stakeholders provided a clear framework for the IRA’s pillars: clean energy incentives, industrial transformation, and its powerful impact on re-shoring manufacturing. I recall a particularly illuminating session with a senior think tank economist who broke down how tax credits and subsidies were accelerating investments in renewables, AI, and battery production. The official began to connect the dots—understanding not just the policy, but the broader economic strategy at play.

From D.C., we flew to California to witness the real impact on the ground. Visiting a solar technology firm benefiting directly from IRA incentives showcased how businesses were pivoting quickly to take advantage of the new landscape. The CEO’s presentation made it real—explaining how they were scaling operations, creating jobs, and driving down the cost of solar energy for millions of Americans.

The trip culminated at a generative AI gigafactory project, where construction was underway. Walking through the site, surrounded by cranes and engineers working at full speed, the official was struck by the scale of ambition. The conversations shifted from theoretical policy debates to how Sweden could craft incentives to compete and attract similar investments. One comment stood out: “This is not just a climate policy; it’s a blueprint for economic growth and technological leadership all enabled by AI. This means there is no sustainable transition without sophisticated AI.”

By the end of the trip, the government official had transformed their understanding of the IRA—from a distant piece of legislation to a tangible, strategic shift in global competitiveness. It wasn’t just about energy—it was about the interconnected opportunities for infrastructure, innovation, and geopolitical positioning.

One of the most exciting moments of my work was when I connected a leading U.S.-based firm in software-defined vehicles with some of Sweden's most forward-thinking industrial companies. The American company, renowned for its cutting-edge software enabling intelligent, connected, and autonomous vehicles, was exploring opportunities to expand its reach into Europe. I immediately recognized the potential for collaboration with Sweden's industrial giants, who are already global leaders in automotive and manufacturing innovation.

The journey began in Silicon Valley, where I had several in-depth conversations with the U.S. firm's leadership team. They were driven by a clear mission: to scale their technology and establish partnerships that could integrate their software into the next generation of vehicles. However, they were missing the bridge into Europe and a partner ecosystem that could make their solutions a reality at scale.

Understanding Sweden’s strong industrial foundation—companies with world-class capabilities in automotive, heavy machinery, and green manufacturing—I proposed facilitating introductions to key players back home. A visit was quickly arranged.

Once in Sweden, I orchestrated meetings with executives at leading companies across the automotive and manufacturing sectors. A standout moment came during a session with an industrial powerhouse known for its work in electrification and sustainability. As we sat around the table, the U.S. firm presented its platform—software designed to transform how vehicles operate, communicate, and adapt. It wasn’t long before the room was alive with ideas. Discussions moved quickly from what could be to what’s next—how their software could integrate with Sweden’s innovative hardware and production systems.

We also visited an R&D center that showcased Sweden’s leadership in sustainable transportation. Seeing prototypes of electrified trucks and autonomous systems in action gave the U.S. team a tangible sense of the innovation Sweden had to offer. It was clear to everyone: the synergy was real. Sweden’s hardware and engineering excellence paired with the American firm’s advanced software could drive breakthroughs in software-defined vehicles for both European and global markets.

By the end of the trip, we weren’t just discussing opportunities—we were mapping out pilot projects, exploring joint development plans, and setting timelines for the next steps. Both sides walked away with a renewed sense of purpose: a U.S. firm ready to embed its technology in one of the world’s most competitive automotive regions and Swedish companies eager to stay at the forefront of the next industrial revolution.

This experience reminded me why I love connecting ecosystems. When the right technologies meet the right partners, innovation isn’t just possible—it’s inevitable.

A few years ago, I had the privilege of guiding a leading-edge Swedish tech company in securing capital from one of Silicon Valley's most reputable venture capital firms. The company, a pioneer in its niche, had built an impressive product with global potential, but it needed both financial fuel and the right strategic partner to scale internationally.

The journey began with careful preparation. I worked closely with the leadership team to sharpen their pitch—ensuring they communicated not just their technological edge, but also their vision, market opportunity, and growth strategy in a way that resonated with the high standards of Silicon Valley investors. This wasn’t about just numbers and slides; it was about telling a story that captured the essence of the innovation, the team’s grit, and their potential to disrupt a market.

Once ready, I leveraged my network to open doors to well-matched VC firms with proven track records in scaling companies. The introductions weren’t transactional; they were thoughtfully arranged, aligning values, vision, and growth ambitions. In one meeting, the chemistry was undeniable. The VC firm instantly grasped the company’s unique value proposition and, just as importantly, believed in the leadership team’s ability to execute.

What followed were in-depth discussions, due diligence, and negotiations—all of which required maintaining trust, clarity, and momentum. In the end, the Swedish company secured not only significant funding but also a strategic partner who brought expertise, connections, and a genuine commitment to their success.

Today, that company has grown exponentially, with a global presence and a clear leadership position in its sector. For me, this experience underscored the immense potential of bridging Sweden’s tech innovation with Silicon Valley’s capital and scaling expertise—a winning formula when the right partners come together.

When I was approached by a prominent politician seeking to better understand sovereign AI infrastructure, I knew the task at hand required not just an explanation but a true immersion into the ecosystem of thought leaders, technologists, and strategists shaping this critical domain. Sovereign AI infrastructure isn’t just about technology—it’s about autonomy, national security, and ensuring a competitive edge in an increasingly data-driven world.

To provide real, actionable insights, I orchestrated a series of introductions to key individuals who are not only deeply embedded in the world of AI but who also understand the intersection of policy, infrastructure, and governance. This included experts from Silicon Valley specializing in AI compute clusters, national security advisors who’ve seen the geopolitical stakes of dependency on foreign AI infrastructure, and global tech executives leading cutting-edge AI development.

The conversations were transformative. One session with a Silicon Valley entrepreneur illustrated how national AI clusters can act as "modern factories," turning data into intelligence while safeguarding sovereignty. Another dialogue with a policy strategist shed light on why nations like South Korea and Australia have made multi-billion-dollar investments in AI infrastructure—and the lessons Sweden could draw from their approach.

These exchanges reshaped the politician’s understanding of sovereign AI. They walked away not just with ideas, but with a vision: a path to ensure Sweden’s leadership in this domain, one that balances innovation with independence. It’s moments like these that affirm the importance of connecting decision-makers with the right voices—because the right ideas can ignite meaningful action

Recently I lead a group of government civil workers into the vibrant core of Silicon Valley, creating an environment of curiosity and discovery. With a deep understanding of innovation ecosystems, he orchestrates visits to leading tech companies, startup hubs, and venture capital firms, offering firsthand exposure to the Valley's unique culture of collaboration and risk-taking.

Through thought-provoking discussions and tailored insights, Jonas highlights how Sweden’s resources and expertise can complement Silicon Valley’s strengths, pinpointing areas like AI, sustainability, and entrepreneurship. His guidance bridges cultures, inspiring a shared vision for strategic investments that foster innovation, growth, and enduring partnerships.

Joining me on this exclusive face to face discussion journey was Swedens state secretary of trade as well as the statesman overseeing the research and innovation budgets.