VisionHUB 2026 gathered leaders to navigate change

VisionHUB took its starting point precisely in the uncertainty many leaders experience today – and in the need not to try to navigate it alone.

– When so much is changing at the same time, it becomes crucial that we dare to lift our gaze and share perspectives. VisionHUB is not an event that claims to have all the answers, but a meeting place for questions that lack simple solutions, said Peter Hellgren, CEO of Consid, during his opening address.

In his speech, Hellgren emphasised the importance of understanding the bigger picture in order to make sound decisions in the details – and that long-term progress requires both technological innovation and human collaboration.

Geopolitics, economics and technology on a new playing field

The day’s agenda reflected the complex reality in which many organisations operate today. Through presentations and discussions, the programme moved from global macro issues to concrete strategic choices for leaders.

Ann Linde, former Minister for Foreign Affairs, highlighted the security-related and economic dependencies that characterise the relationship between Europe and the United States. She pointed to the need both to safeguard the relationship and at the same time reduce vulnerability.

– Sweden and Europe are today highly dependent on the United States, both in terms of security and economically. At the same time, we can no longer build our relationships on personal dependencies or short-term political conditions; instead, we must strengthen our networks and collaborations at a broader level, Linde stressed.

She underlined the importance of European companies and organisations actively using their international networks to build more sustainable relationships – while reducing dependence on individual actors.

Economic realities and AI as a competitive factor

Anders Borg, former Minister of Finance, provided a broader perspective on the global economy and the forces currently driving development. He noted that the United States remains the strongest engine of the world economy, but that China is developing faster and more powerfully than many had previously anticipated, particularly in commercialisation and production. At the same time, Borg warned about Europe’s position.

– Europe risks being sidelined if we fail to renew ourselves. We are strong in legacy industries, but we are falling behind in the global innovation race, he argued.

A central part of Borg’s reasoning focused on AI as a profitable and practical tool, rather than an abstract promise of the future. He encouraged organisations to start internally, experiment and dare to learn from others.

– Copy with pride. Look at what others are doing well and copy it. With the right management, AI can deliver productivity gains of 30–40 per cent, and a great deal of overhead will disappear, said Borg, while emphasising the importance of strong profitability, clear calculations and continuous learning.

An arena for dialogue – not ready-made answers

Throughout VisionHUB, one common thread ran through the day: the need for a holistic perspective in a fragmented everyday reality. Breaks and networking were characterised by conversations about how geopolitics, economics and technology are interconnected – and how leadership needs to adapt accordingly.

– It is only when we share experiences and learn from one another that we can build solutions that last over time. The level of engagement throughout the day clearly shows that the need for this type of forum is greater than ever, says Peter Hellgren.

VisionHUB 2026 marks the beginning of a long-term initiative in which Consid and Optimizely aim to continue creating meeting places for strategic thinking, knowledge exchange and future-oriented dialogue for leaders who want to understand the world in order to influence it.