The mission began with a briefing in the form of a working dinner hosted by Radek Matula, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Sweden, attended by Deputy Ambassador Jaromír Vejrych and Michal Sontodinomo, Director of CzechTrade Scandinavia.

Inspiration from Swedish examples of smart development

The delegation visited several key locations that represent the cutting edge in smart and sustainable urban planning:

Vallastaden (Linköping) 

During a guided tour of this architecturally diverse neighborhood, participants learned about the infraculvert system—underground tunnels for managing utility networks—and innovative approaches to circularity, public space, and ecological integration. 

Ebbepark

This former industrial area has been transformed into a living laboratory for sustainable technologies. During the guided tour, the delegation learned how Ebbepark promotes resource sharing between residents and businesses and serves as a testing ground for solutions in the fields of energy, mobility, and urban life.

Full-day program at Mjärdevi Center

One of the key stops on the mission was at Mjärdevi Center, part of Science Park Linköping, where the delegation focused on regional innovation and research. The program included: 

• – Welcome from the Östergötland region and presentation by TIC Zlín
• – Presentation of the region's smart specialization strategy 
• – Case studies of VisiArc and NIRA Dynamics 
• – Presentation by Linköping University on digital infrastructure and its impact on everyday life 
• – Visit to the Swedish National Road and Transport Research Institute with a demonstration of the Ride the Future autonomous mobility project 
• – Discussion with Cleantech Östergötland on the region's path to climate neutrality 
• – Presentation by Tekniska Verken on the integrated energy system of the city of Linköping and its modernization

Stockholm Royal Seaport: Circular Economy Laboratory 

The final day of the mission focused on a visit to Stockholm Royal Seaport, a model district built as a sustainability laboratory. Among other things, the delegation learned about the Envac pneumatic waste collection system, which reduces the need for waste collection by 90%, and the ReFlow app, which motivates residents to monitor and improve waste sorting. 

Strengthening international cooperation 

The mission confirmed the importance of international cooperation, technological and urban experimentation at the municipal level, and the interconnection of the public, academic, and private sectors in shaping the cities of the future. The inspirational mission also contributed to establishing new contacts and sharing best practices between Czech and Swedish partners.

Special thanks for their cooperation in the implementation of the inspirational mission go to the City of Linköping and Mayor Mikael Sanfridson, the Östergötland Regional Development Office, SmartCitySweden, and all other hosts and partners who contributed to the success of this mission.

Jaromír Vejrych, Deputy Ambassador and Head of the Politcal & Commercial Section of the Embassy