The government is one of Sweden’s major company owners. The
63 government-owned enterprises employ 200,000 people,
reaching a turnover in excess of SEK 280 billion. The total share
value of these companies is estimated at approximately SEK 500
billion, compared with that of Sweden’s second-largest portfolio
owner, Investor, which amounts to SEK 89 billion.
Previously, the government rendered account of its ownership of
companies in the form of an annual report only published as a
statement to the Swedish Parliament. Now the Swedish
Government Offices has decided to publish both its own quarterly
reports and to make the annual report more exhaustive. These are
definitely steps in the right direction.
In this analysis, we will discuss the changes made to improve
government ownership and to improve transparency. We will take
things one step further and ask whether municipalities would
not stand to gain from following suit. Greater transparency
with regard to municipal ownership may increase a municipality’s
competitiveness vis-à-vis other municipalities. A further important
aspect is that greater transparency may also help to stimulate
private enterprising.