The International Council of Swedish Industry
The International Council of Swedish Industry (Näringslivets Internationella Råd, NIR) is an independent associate of the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, Sweden’s major business organisation, representing some 60,000 member companies. In addition, NIR works closely with large, globally active, Swedish corporations that have the strategic interest and possibility to maintain a long-term perspective in their operations.
NIR is commissioned to support and broaden the scope of operations of Swedish business in markets characterised by political, economic or social complexities. By working in close cooperation with public and private sector actors, in Sweden and around the world, NIR conducts its mission to create more conducive business environments based on the unique context of each market. A long-term approach is the common denominator for all of NIR’s activities.
NIR was originally established in 1960 by Dr. Marcus Wallenberg Jr as Swedish Industry’s Council for Foreign Affairs (Industrins Råd för Utrikesfrågor, IRU). Initially the aim was to function as a business forum for deliberations concerning Sweden’s relations with the EEC, the predecessor of the European Union, and its perceived consequences for Swedish business interests. However, when need for increased cooperation between companies presented itself in the late 1970s the organisation took its present name and began a new era as a more active representative of the Swedish business community, foremost in emerging markets.
As the world has changed, so has NIR and since 2006 focus is on complex markets with untapped potential for Swedish business. Nevertheless, the operations still carry the same ideals and values as first defined in 1960.
NIR’s head office is located in Stockholm, Sweden, with local presence in Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.