Vision Zero by Sweden - Swedish Road Safety Technology Symposium in Washington DC (22 May 2024)

Purpose and goal:

The symposium was carried out in close collaboration with John Hopkins University in Washington D.C., and showcased and positioned Swedish traffic safety technologies and systems related to Vision Zero, incl. Driving impairment solutions, to US politicians, decision makers/COLs, academia and interest and industry organizations (traffic safety). In total, the symposium gathered around 100 Swedish and American key actors in the field, including four Swedish companies, and promoted Swedish-American cooperation in the field of traffic safety.

Expected results and effects:

The symposium linked up four Swedish innovative companies with key American stakeholders, incl. decision makers and financiers, from the road safety industry. The fact that the event was held in connection with Trafikverket´s "Vision Zero Academy" enabled strengthened Swedish positioning and wider involvement of American stakeholders. The event contributed to a strengthened network and new contacts for Swedish companies, which will contribute positively to creating new business opportunities. The American partner would like us to arrange a similar event again next year.

Approach and implementation:

The event was carried out in close collaboration with John Hopkins-universitetet, who contributed with content and involvement of American stakeholders in the field of road safety. Business Sweden and John Hopkins jointly invited actors to the symposium. Business Sweden coordinated the participation of Swedish companies.

Originally around thirty companies showed interest in joining, but as the symposium coincided with major conferences in both the USA and Europe, only four companies could participate. This aspect should be considered for future events.