Key findings from Almedalen Week

As another Medicon Village participation at Almedalsveckan has come to an end, we offer the following reflections:

• Almedalsveckan’s main organisers are the local political parties represented in the Swedish Parliament, with Region Gotland acting as host. This democratic forum is unique in its informal format, where political parties, NGOs, companies, and others organise during an intense week 2,453 events aimed at politicians, public officials, businesspeople, and more. Prominent figures – usually party leaders – deliver speeches on the main stage twice daily from Tuesday to Friday.
• According to Almedalsveckan, 35,000 people attended in 2024, with 5,340 participants visiting 2,105 events hosted by 1,329 organisers. With a 17% increase in the number of events this year, the widespread impression that more participants and organisers were present in 2025 is likely correct (official statistics will be published by the organisers next week).
• As next year is a parliamentary election year, participation will likely be even higher – as it typically is every fourth year. Therefore, the claim that Almedalsveckan is in decline is probably inaccurate.
• In addition to the 2,453 official events – panel discussions, talks, and more – a significant number of informal meetings take place, including roundtable discussions and one-to-one conversations. For many, these are the true highlights of the week, as they provide a rare and efficient opportunity to engage directly with key individuals who are otherwise difficult to reach – on issues relevant to both the few and the many.
• Regarding life science, 17 events focused on diabetes, another 17 on precision medicine, and around 70 in total addressed broader life science topics, many featuring participation from Big Pharma. On top of these were events hosted by municipalities, academic institutions, NGOs (such as patient organisations), and others on healthcare challenges and opportunities. A general conclusion, after attending several of these sessions, is that there is a shared commitment across the life science ecosystem to work together to strengthen Sweden’s position as a leading life science nation. The “why” is widely agreed upon – and focus is now shifting to the “how.”
• We counted 14 Big Pharma companies listed in the official programme, although it’s likely that more participated in informal gatherings. According to a representative from one company, they had 30 employees present – both to contribute to the official programme as speakers and to attend events to gather insights on key issues.
• Our delegation – Petter Hartman and Mikael Lagerwall – participated in both official and informal activities throughout the week. Petter moderated a panel on the growing challenges in eye care and explored how new technologies and working methods can improve efficiency and access to timely treatment (hosted by AbbVie). He also contributed to Lund municipality’s business brunch on life science and Lund’s strengths as a destination for investment and company establishment, featuring Anders Almgren (Chair of the Municipal Executive Committee), Andrea Nordheim (Business Unit Director & COO, AstraZeneca), and Matthew Iles (General Manager, AbbVie Scandinavia).

We return to our home base a little exhausted, but also energised and confident in our belief that our life science park is well-positioned to address challenges of real significance – in a way that is attracting growing interest. Our tagline “Your Next Location” and the platform behind it are gaining visibility in ways that will benefit Medicon Village, our members, and the wider innovation district we are part of.

If you’re interested in taking part in Almedalsveckan next year, you’re more than welcome to reach out to Petter (petter.hartman@mediconvillage.se) or Mikael (mikael.lagerwall@mediconvillage.se). Together, they bring nearly 20 years of experience with this unique forum.