1. SWEDISH AGENCY FOR ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL GROWTH Consumption and Trade - A driver for growth Dr. Maria Lindqvist, Nordregio

2. SWEDISH AGENCY FOR ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL GROWTH Background Consumption as a driver for innovation and economic development Trade is a prioritised sector among local and regional policy makers Focus on retail as a growing services sector

3. SWEDISH AGENCY FOR ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL GROWTH Structural Changes Innovation and technological development Rationalization, productivity and efficiency Industrialization, scale economies and volumes Increased competition Need for systems perspective Regional concentration, e.g. urban areas and border regions

4. SWEDISH AGENCY FOR ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL GROWTH Trends in Consumption Patterns Consumers have become increasingly mobile More positive attitudes towards e-trade Shorter PLC for consumer durables Consumption funded by loans and credits. New customer groups and products Shopping as a part of the experience industry

5. SWEDISH AGENCY FOR ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL GROWTH Impact of innovation New product, concepts and packaging Technical innovation, e.g. EAN codes, self scanning, computerized payment systems, security issues New distribution channels, e.g. e-trade, direct sales, factory outlets Integrated financial solutions

6. SWEDISH AGENCY FOR ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL GROWTH Challenges for policy Regulation and standardization Accessibility and services Education and competence development Research and knowledge development Entrepreneurship and innovation Internationalization

7. SWEDISH AGENCY FOR ECONOMIC AND REGIONAL GROWTH Bakground material The role of consumption in economic growth and change The role of retail for growth Employment in the retail sector Swedish household consumption The general and regional structure of the retail sector Swedish e-trade Immigration and new consumption patterns Sales of ecological products and services … and other material