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Sweden releases crisis preparedness guide for businesses
In today’s geopolitical landscape, preparing businesses for potential threats is essential. Sweden, recognized for its progressive strategies, has taken a notable step by releasing a crisis preparedness guide specifically designed for businesses.
This initiative follows the success of an earlier campaign aimed at households, highlighting the country’s dedication to protecting both its citizens and companies.
Seven years ago, Sweden made headlines with its informative leaflet titled “In Case of Crisis or War”.
This initiative involved mailing a comprehensive guide to every household, aiming to equip citizens with crucial information about potential threats. These threats included cyberattacks that could compromise online access during emergencies. Now, the Swedish Civil Contingencies Agency (MSB) is refocusing its efforts on companies, highlighting the importance of being prepared for a range of crises.
The evolution of crisis preparedness in Sweden
The initial leaflet, a contemporary adaptation of the Cold War’s “In Case of War”, aimed to equip citizens with crucial guidance on how to prepare for and respond to various emergencies. It included a notable reassurance: “If Sweden is attacked, we will never surrender.
Any suggestion to the contrary is false.” While some critics labeled this as alarmist, many acknowledged the importance of promoting a culture of preparedness.
Learning from global examples
Preparedness strategies extend beyond Sweden. For example, in San Francisco, there was a significant emphasis on earthquake awareness.
Residents received ongoing education about the importance of readiness, with resources available on public transport and online platforms. This education covered essentials like water, blankets, canned food, and flashlights—items that are crucial in any crisis, whether it is an earthquake, a cyberattack, or military aggression.
Regions vulnerable to natural disasters have implemented similar strategies. Poland, for instance, issued a preparedness guide shortly before facing incursions from hostile drones. This highlighted the urgent need for proactive measures amid escalating threats.
Business preparedness in the age of geopolitical tensions
As many countries prioritize preparedness for citizens and households, businesses often find themselves creating their own strategies to combat various threats. These include risks from hostile state actors and extreme weather events. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in incidents affecting businesses. For instance, mysterious damage to undersea cables, arson attacks on commercial properties, and even assassination plots against corporate leaders highlight the private sector’s vulnerabilities.
According to the 2025 Political Risk Survey by global insurance broker Willis Towers Watson, political risks for multinationals have reached unprecedented levels. Companies are increasingly concerned about state-sponsored cyberattacks and potential retaliatory measures affecting their operations. Although larger firms have access to governmental alerts and crisis management training, a unified national guide for business preparedness has been lacking—until now.
MSB’s groundbreaking initiative for businesses
Sweden has recently released a preparedness leaflet aimed specifically at businesses, marking a notable step forward in its crisis management strategy. This guide parallels the straightforward advice of the original household leaflet, catering to both small family-owned businesses and large multinational corporations. It is designed to help companies sustain their operations during crises, thereby reinforcing national security.
By targeting the private sector, this guide recognizes that hostile entities can destabilize a nation by disrupting its business operations. Effective collaboration between governmental bodies and businesses is essential to mitigate these risks.
The importance of continued preparedness measures
The leaflet acts as a valuable starting point, but ongoing efforts are essential. Governments must conduct tabletop exercises with businesses to simulate potential scenarios and develop effective responses. Sweden and the Czech Republic have taken steps in this direction, highlighting the importance of preparedness training.
The launch of this leaflet reflects Sweden’s proactive approach and communicates a strong message to potential aggressors: targeting Swedish businesses may not achieve the intended results. Its distinct blue color, a shift from the yellow of the civilian guide, visually reinforces the nation’s commitment to resilience.
As Europe encounters rising threats, Sweden’s innovative approach to business preparedness serves as a vital model for other nations. By cultivating a culture of readiness and collaboration, countries can enhance their defenses against the intricate challenges of the modern world.
