Swedish construction firms are set to convene on 8 October at the Bygget Fest & Konferens in Stockholm for Stora Byggdagen, a gathering aimed at confronting a slump that has cut housing output and strained the labor pipeline.
The sector has seen a sharp drop in new builds, while the shortage of skilled workers grows, leaving developers and municipalities scrambling to meet lingering demand.
Organisers describe the day as a forum for analysis and solution‑finding, hoping that a shared view of the problems will spark practical steps toward a new building boom.
Participants will include contractors, property owners, municipal planners, elected officials and consulting firms, all of whom have felt the impact of the recent downturn.
According to the brief, the goal is simple: bring the community together, exchange what has worked, and identify obstacles that block future projects.
How much does Sweden really need to build?
One of the central presentations will be delivered by Ludvig Uggla, an analyst at the Prognoscentret, who will map the nation’s construction backlog and outline the housing gap.
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His talk, titled “How much will we need to build?”, will examine the number of dwellings required, the geographic spread of building starts, and the impact of recent public stimulus measures.
Even with a slowdown in activity, the need for homes, transport links and public facilities remains sizable, according to the data he plans to share.
Program highlights and discussion format
The agenda opens with a macro‑level review, followed by a sector health check that looks at order books and investment trends.
Later, an exclusive interview with Magnus Persson, chief executive of Skanska Sverige, will explore what the next chapter might look like for large contractors.
Other items on the schedule cover workforce supply, the rise of labor‑related crime and pressing infrastructure gaps. A session called “Ordet är fritt!” will let attendees break into small groups to voice their top concerns.
Networking is built into the day, with a breakfast mingle, coffee breaks, a lunch gathering and an evening reception designed to support new partnerships.
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The meeting feels a bit like a construction site of ideas, where plans are sketched out in real time.
Given the breadth of topics, the event could serve as a catalyst for joint ventures that might otherwise never materialise.
It is reasonable to expect that if participants leave with a clearer picture of the housing deficit and a list of actionable steps, the sector could see a modest uptick in permits within the next year. However, any rebound will likely depend on how quickly the skills gap is addressed and whether public funding continues to support large‑scale projects.
Why the gathering matters now
Industry insiders argue that reports and policy papers rarely translate into concrete collaboration, making face‑to‑face dialogue essential.
By positioning the day as more than a lecture series, organisers hope to create a space where ideas can be tested and partnerships formed on the spot.
Registration remains open, and interested parties are encouraged to secure a seat as the event approaches.
