STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN — In its inaugural Future Ready Business report, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting revealed that a majority of Swedish businesses are considering hybrid technology environments, AI investments, and outsourcing to address economic pressures.
SMEs across Europe are currently navigating a period of uncertainty marked by increased regulatory complexity, economic pressures, and technological change.
To get a glimpse of how companies are responding to these market trends and where opportunities for growth lie, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting drew insights from over 1,000 SMEs across eight European markets, including Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, Italy, Denmark, the UK, and Spain.
The report captured how pragmatic European companies, particularly the Swedish, are in their operations over technology, environment, and AI.
Outsourcing Remains Strategically Important
The report revealed that a majority (85%) of Swedish companies currently outsource at least one business function. Bookkeeping (58%), payroll (53%), and accounting (55%) are among the most commonly outsourced services.
Sweden has the highest recorded outsourcing rates in Europe, reflecting the country’s strategy of keeping internal teams lean while accessing specialized expertise when needed.
Hybrid Tech Environments and AI Integration
Most (71%) Swedish companies are also reportedly operating in hybrid technological environments. Full cloud migrations have remained limited, with only 15% of businesses operating in such environments.
While the lack of training and digital skills has been attributed to this limitation in technology adoption, more than half (54%) of Swedish businesses have successfully embedded AI in their daily operations. Yet, future investments remain cautious, as only 38% expect their AI spending to remain consistent over the next few years.
The Swedish operational approach reflects how businesses leverage external specialized talent and hybrid technologies to mitigate economic fluctuations. Companies are protecting their operations by combining outsourcing, AI investments, and robust technological developments.
Kristina Lagerstedt, Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting Sweden’s country manager, believed that Swedish companies are making evidence-led choices that leverage technology without compromising financial discipline or security. According to her, “Practical steps such as upskilling employees in AI, strengthening cyber hygiene, and working closely with trusted advisors can help companies extract real value from technology.”
