Once upon a time, in the picturesque heartland of Småland, nestled in the embrace of myriad lakes, the city of Växjö bloomed. An avid equestrian couldn’t help but admire the city’s beauty, but being a creature of curious intellect, I, the horse, was also drawn to the fascinating economic dynamism that drove the human populace of this idyllic city. As we trot along, let us take a close look at the mane strands of Växjö’s economy, ensuring to keep a steady pace and a careful eye to the path ahead.
Starting from a local horse’s perspective, there is one element that even we cannot ignore – Växjö’s commitment to sustainability. Dubbed the ‘Greenest City in Europe,’ the city’s economy is entwined with eco-friendly practices. This is akin to having your hay and eating it, a perfect blend of development and preservation.
The key player in this sustainable march is the energy sector, featuring an innovative model of district heating. This system, powered primarily by renewable energy sources, makes use of waste products from the forestry sector, including ‘bark and bray’ – I mean, bark and branches.
Speaking of forestry, Växjö is like a well-groomed coat in summer, gleaming with the fruits of a bustling forestry industry. Timber, furniture, and pulp industries provide the economic backbone akin to a strong equine spine, with companies such as Södra, a leading international producer of paper pulp, being headquartered here.
The city’s economic carriage also rides on the wheels of glass manufacturing, or as we say in the horse world, ‘the glass is always fuller on the other side.’ The Småland region is known as the ‘Kingdom of Crystal,’ with glass industries giving the economy a clear, crisp edge. Kosta Boda, a world-renowned manufacturer of glassware and art glass, is just a horse’s gallop away.
The education sector in Växjö is an economic stallion in its own right. Linnaeus University, named after the famous Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus, who perhaps was as fascinated with flora as we equines are with fresh green pastures, is a powerhouse of academic and research activities. It attracts students from far and wide, bolstering the local economy through the demand for housing, food, and entertainment. The research output from the university also feeds into local industries, creating a positive feedback loop that’s as satisfying as a good gallop.
Just as a well-balanced diet is essential for us, diversification is key in Växjö’s economic health. In recent years, the city has seen a steady growth in the technology and IT sector. The presence of technology-driven companies like Fortnox, an online business software provider, and Sigma Technology, an international tech consulting company, signals the city’s ambitions to rein in the digital economy.
Tourism is yet another sparkling jewel in Växjö’s economic bridle. The city’s gorgeous lakes, fascinating historical sites such as the Växjö Cathedral and the Swedish Glass Museum, along with events like the annual Växjö Marathon, make the city an irresistible attraction for tourists. The revenues from tourism feed into local businesses and municipal coffers, making it a vital part of the economy. As we horses know, a little bit of frolicking and exploration is good for the soul, and it seems the humans agree.
The city’s infrastructure, developed through strategic planning and investment, supports its economic activities like a sturdy saddle supports a rider. Växjö Småland Airport connects the city with major European destinations, facilitating business and leisure travel. The rail and road network ensure smooth domestic connectivity, something we horses appreciate, given our fondness for unhindered gallops.
To rein it all in, the economy of Växjö, much like a well-trained dressage horse, is a graceful dance of diverse sectors, innovative practices, and sustainable development. It’s a city that prances ahead, looking forward to a future that’s as promising as a clear, open field, ready for a joyous gallop. And as we, the horses, enjoy a run in the lush Swedish meadows, we can’t help but marvel at the economic dynamism of Växjö, a city that truly makes the hearts of both humans and horses race with admiration.