About

The objective of the Green Transition Initiative (GTI) is to position Sweden as a key partner to U.S. cities and states in their urban transformation, connect Swedish and U.S. stakeholders, and leverage opportunities in sectors such as mobility, energy, and buildings. The initiative aims to strengthen innovation collaboration, trade, and investments between Sweden and the United States.

What is GTI?

A "one-stop-shop" for Swedish-American collaboration to accelerate the green transformation.

  • Team with 100% focus on the green transition
  • Point of contact for U.S. and Swedish partners
  • Focus spans from innovation to adoption and commericialization

Who we are

The initiative is led by a core team located in Washington DC and Silicon Valley. The team is supported and governed by the founding organizations the Embassy of Sweden in Washington DC, Business Sweden, the Swedish Energy Agency and Sweden’s innovation agency Vinnova.

The founding organizations have been active in the U.S. for a long time, effectively laying the groundwork for a collaborative initiative. The initiative draws on previous expertise and leverages the extended network of the founding organisations to create new partnerships and pioneer new solutions.

What we want to achieve

Vision: Contribute to reduced global emissions and increased bilateral trade and investments between Sweden and the US. Key values include collaboration, innovation, and sustainability.

Mission: Support and increase the adoption of sustainable technologies and innovation in the U.S energy and industrial transformation by positioning Sweden as a key provider of sustainable solutions and to increase investments to Sweden from the US within green technologies. The mission is also to increase the promotion of Swedish companies towards US stakeholders in these fields.

How we work

The initiative maintains eight work streams for implementation. These work streams intend to strengthen and coordinate the work of the founding organizations and their extended network.

  1. Conducting market research and analytics
  2. Centralizing communication and marketing efforts
  3. Establishing a Team Sweden system demonstrator
  4. Accelerate green-tech innovation and research collaboration
  5. Attracting and coordinating green investments to Sweden
  6. Expanding network and organizing events and delegations
  7. Positioning Swedish solutions in specific HPOs
  8. Establishing SME support structures and accelerator program

Founders

The Embassy of Sweden in Washington DC The Embassy of Sweden in Washington DC is Sweden's mission to the U.S and part of Sweden's foreign representation. We manage diplomatic relations with the United States.

Business Sweden Business Sweden is Sweden's trade and invest council. We are business developers with a unique mandate and mission to help Swedish companies grow global sales and international companies invest and expand in Sweden.

The Swedish Energy Agency The Swedish Energy Agency is leading Sweden's transition to a sustainable energy system. We work to promote knowledge and analysis of supply and usage of energy in society, as well as to secure energy supply. The organization is regulated by the Government through the instruction and annual appropriations directives.

Vinnova Vinnova is the Swedish governmental agency for innovation. We help to build Sweden's innovation capacity and open the way for innovation that makes a difference and contributes to sustainable growth.

Green Transition Initiative’s Advisory Board

The Advisory Board brings together members with deep expertise and strategic roles in technology and innovation, with a focus on mobility, energy, and buildings. The board will strengthen knowledge sharing and expand stakeholder engagement across both Sweden and the U.S. around new technologies.

Leila Yim Surratt, Director of Strategic Partnerships, World Resources Institute (WRI) Ross Center for Sustainable Cities Leila is an international development and environmental policy expert specializing in sustainable cities and low-carbon strategies. At WRI Ross Center, she leads global collaborations to help cities address climate change, improve public health, and promote green growth.

Eric Vettel, Ph.D., President, American Energy Society With 25+ years of experience in high-level management and operations, Eric is dedicated to solving global challenges. He is a skilled at building collaborative relationships across diverse sectors, including entrepreneurs, elected officials, academics, corporate executives, students, and media.

Angela Churie Kallhauge, Executive Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund Angela brings more than 25 years of experience in climate change, energy, and development policies. She has held key roles at the World Bank, the Swedish Energy Agency, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

Leila Yim Surratt

Leila Yim Surratt

Director of Strategic Partnerships, World Resources Institute (WRI) Ross Center for Sustainable Cities

Eric Vettel

Eric Vettel

Ph.D., President, American Energy Society

Angela Churie Kallhauge

Angela Churie Kallhauge

Executive Vice President, Environmental Defense Fund