From one side to the other

At the beginning of March, I started my new position as a telecom industry policy expert here at IT&Telekomföretagen. After several years at the government's Broadband Forum, and before that PTS, it has meant for me to change sides; from the state to the private sector.

Last week I was in Luleå at the Swedish City Network Association's annual conference together with about 400 other people in the industry. It was the first major gathering where I could present myself as an IT&Telecom company representative. And for me, the difference between representing one side and the other is striking.

In my previous role, I often had to defend the government's position and explain what the state was doing (and not doing) in various areas. I also felt that I was to some extent provided with tailored and relatively sparse information about the activities of different companies. In Luleå, I was invited to participate in informal discussions to a much greater extent and received information in a completely new way. And I felt welcome to say the least!

In a way, it is of course natural that in my new role, with the task of creating the best possible conditions for industry members to operate in Sweden, I receive information to do my job. But I was not prepared for the difference to be so marked.

With the knowledge and experience I have of how people work and think in the world of government, I now have new ideas about how we, government and business, can work together to achieve our common goals. Because of course that telecom CEO is right. We are working, both my former employer (PTS and the government) and my current employer (the industry and the industry association), for a common cause. Namely, that Sweden should have competitive companies and be the best in the world at using the opportunities of digitalization.

A mission I intend to contribute to and manage in the best way!