Almedalen 2018 – an introduction

Once again in Sweden it is time for the annual political jamboree at Almedalen on Gotland. From 1st July, politicians, the media, and representatives of business and trade unions, interest groups and cultural organisations crowd onto this Baltic Sea island, into the ancient city of Visby, to debate, discuss, learn and network.

The annual tradition goes back to 1968, but the event has ballooned during the last 10 years or so. This year, according to Almedalsveckan.info, 1923 unique organisations are running 4217 events during the week. Of these events the two subjects most in focus – roughly on an equal footing – are healthcare and sustainability.

This year is an election year in Sweden. Voting will take place in September, so this gives an extra edge to Almedalen 2018.

Ulf Kristersson leader of the Moderate Party addresses an audience, Almedalen 2018

Almedalen 2018 + Medtechdagen

Of course Medtech4Health is present. We will be particularly active in co-operation with Medtech Sweden during Medtechdagen (Medtech day) 4^th July. This will take place in Hälsodalen (the Valley of Health). Among a wide range of inspirational, provocative and challenging speakers will be the winner and one of the finalists of this year’s Medtech4Health Innovation Award. (On social media look out for the hastag #medtechdagen.)

As last year, Medtech4Health Communicator Kristina Svensson will be blogging daily (in Swedish). We will also attempt to give you a brief English summary of the events she picks out. We have a presence on Instagram, Facebook and Linkedin and Kristina, together with project leader Lena Strömberg will be tweeting on Twitter – @KristinaMT4H & @LenaStrmberg.

If you happen to be in Almedalen, do make yourself known to Kristina, Lena or any of our representatives. Or look us up in Hälsodalen!

(You can read our report from last year’s Almedalen week here.)