Diversified Economy

Minnesota's economy is one of the most diverse in the nation, making it less sensitive to recessions. More than 90 percent of all major U.S. corporations are represented in the state. Located in the Upper Midwest, Minnesota is a major U.S. market and an important business hub – nearly 50 million people, one million businesses and 80 thousand manufacturers thrive within 500 miles of Minneapolis/St. Paul, (the Twin Cities) with a population of 2.5 million.

High Tech Region

Minnesota's vibrant high tech economy can trace its roots to pioneering, innovative companies –including 3M, Cray Research, Control Data, Medtronic, Cargill, Best Buy and ADC-Telecom. These homegrown, world-class corporations created a technology smart business environment that continues to create and nurture high tech companies. Minnesota is home to thirteen Fortune 500 companies and to eleven of the Inc. 500 Fast Growth Companies. Minnesota is a national leader in numerous sectors, including Information Technology, Life Sciences, and Food Processing.

Business Expertise

Minnesota's entrepreneurs and high tech companies are supported and financed by a knowledgeable and experienced network of business professionals. Industry specialists are common among the financing, law, architecture, engineering, and advertising communities, with many firms also having offices outside the U.S. Minnesota's investment community including venture capital is ranked seventh nationally.

World-Class Education

Minnesota is renown for bringing new ideas, discoveries and talent to the world. Great ideas and talent starts with education. The University of Minnesota, with over 50,000 students, is vital to the long-term growth of Minnesota's technology community. Ranked in the top ten of U.S. research Universities, the University of Minnesota receives nearly USD 500 million annually in research awards. Last year alone, 15 high tech companies were formed from University of Minnesota technologies. In addition, Minnesota has 7 state universities, 26 private liberal arts colleges and 29 community and technical colleges. Together, these institutions provide Minnesota companies with a well educated and knowledgeable workforce.

Transportation Hub

The Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, the world's 18th busiest, and global headquarters for Northwest Airline, has nearly one thousand, non-stop international flights per month. The state's commitment to urban mass transit systems is evidenced by a new light rail system under construction between downtown Minneapolis and the International Airport. Minnesota's transportation system also includes railroads, navigable waterways and a seaport via the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway route.

Quality of Life

Minnesota is more than a great place for high tech companies -- it is also a great place to live. We have a lower cost of living, when compared to our high tech counterparts on the coasts. Minnesota provides a healthy lifestyle, clean environment and beautiful scenery. We rank in the top five nationally in childcare, life expectancy and affordable health care. Minnesota is a multiple winner of the "The Most Livable Place in the United States" award. We are proud of the diversity of cultural and recreational activities. The great Mississippi River starts its journey in Northern Minnesota through the Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) on to the Gulf of Mexico. Home to thousands of lakes (indeed the state motto is "Land of 10,000 Lakes") Like in Sweden many Minnesota families enjoy summer lake cabins. With our four seasons, we take full advantage of the outdoors – canoeing, camping, skiing, sailing, fishing, golfing, snow-mobiling and rock climbing. We work hard and play hard. Simply put, Minnesotans live life to the fullest.

Swedish Heritage

Minnesotans are proud of their Scandinavian heritage – over 30% of Minnesotans can trace their ancestry to Scandinavia. Our Swedish roots are evident throughout the state by past governors – Olson, Anderson, Carlson; by city names – Lindström, Mora, Malmö, Ronneby; by our universities – Gustavus Adolphus College and Bethel College & Seminary; and by our cultural organizations – The American Swedish Institute and Svenskarnas Dag. Formal ties further strengthen our connections to Sweden.

Minnesota has a Sister State relationship with Kronobergs Län; and there are ten Sister City relationships with Sweden:

Braham - Orsa
Brainerd – Leksand
Cambridge – Rättvik
Chisago City – Algutsboda
Cokato – Järna
Duluth - Växjö
Isle - Älvdalen
Minneapolis - Uppsala
Moorhead – Vimmerby
Mora - Mora

As a result, when in Minnesota, Swedes feel "right at home."

Minnesota Innovations:

First implantable pacemaker
First artificial heart value
First pancreas transplantation
First bone marrow transplantation
First commercially produced computer
First supercomputer
First internet browser
Post-It Notes
Scotch Tape
Roller blades
Water-skis
Snowmobile

First Tuesday
May 6, 2008

Sacc E-days in Stockholm
September 15-16, 2008

International BioEnergy Days
Sep 28 - Oct 03, 2008

Old Events

SACC E-days in San Diego
April 7-9, 2008



Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota c/o American Swedish Institute 2600 Park Avenue Minneapolis, MN 55407-1090 Phone: 612-991-3001 Site Content Adminstration: SACC-Minnesota		© 2008 Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, Minnesota.