Competitiveness in the Age of Electricity - Balancing Technological Sovereignty & Global Integration

IVA Seminar with Fatih Birol, Executive Director International Energy Agency (IEA), and others, in the presence of H.M. the King Carl XVI Gustaf. On 14 January 2026, the Academy brought together leading experts to discuss how Europe can remain competitive and how Sweden can continue to be a frontrunner in the energy transition. In an era where electrification and the green transition are reshaping industrial paradigms, Sweden and Europe face a critical challenge: How can technological sovereignty be maintained while remaining active and competitive within global value chains? Sweden already holds a strong position as an energy nation, with low electricity prices, minimal dependence on fossil fuels, and a dynamic entrepreneurial landscape. Yet, the shift toward renewable energy and digitalization—including AI—demands new approaches to electricity generation, consumption, and the infrastructure that connects them. The anticipated electrification of European industry and transport places significant demands on the power system, creating an urgent need to integrate and manage more distributed generation from wind and solar. Europe is grappling with the phase-out of aging infrastructure, while global actors such as China are rapidly building new systems. This reality calls for robust strategies to secure energy supply and ensure competitive conditions for the future. Learn more about the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA) Facebook:   / kungl.iva   Instagram:   / kungl.iva   Linkedin:   / iva   Web: https://www.iva.se/