The Swedish Business Awards were established in 2006. The project aims to provide positive examples for international establishments and business development by highlighting the success of cooperation, emphasizing innovativeness, outstanding business achievements and the importance of contributions to society. This initiative promotes internationalization of business and serves as a yearly meeting point to discuss achievements, practices and aims. Culmination of the project is the ceremony which includes presentations, discussions and awards for the most successful international and local companies operating in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia.
The Swedish Business Awards are prestigious event - selected participants are invited, combining representatives from Swedish companies, top executives and opinion leaders on National business stage and top politicians. In addition to this, in 2014 in Estonia awards were handed by Crown Princess of Sweden Victoria, while in 2015 in Lithuania by HM King Carl XVI Gustaf.
Sustainable event
In 2015, celebrating 10th anniversary, Swedish Business Awards became the first sustainable event in Lithuania, organized in accordance with the requirements of ISO 20121:2012 standards. ISO 20121:2012 Event Sustainability Management System standard is applicable for any type of event or event-related activity and to any organization that wishes to establish, implement, maintain or improve an event sustainability management system. In order to offset the direct and unavoidable carbon emissions from this event organization, the organizers of the awards planted around 5 thousand trees in Lithuanian forests.
Organization The project was initiated in 2006 by four organizations: Embassy of Sweden in Lithuania The Swedish Trade & Invest Council - Business Sweden Swedbank (previously called Hansabankas) TeliaSonera
The main sponsors and partners of the event: Teo Valiunas Ellex Volvo Trucks Ericsson Delfi The Swedish Institute Enterprise Estonia Investment and Development Agency of Latvia Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Estonia Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Latvia The Swedish Trade & Invest Council takes an active role in implementation, while other organizations are active in strategic guidance and implementation of specific aspects.
In 2016, Swedish Business Awards will focus on Technology & Innovation as the key topic of the event.
The event in Lithuania will take place at the Center for Physical Sciences and Technology, Vilnius, on 29 September 2016.
Swedish Business Awards in Latvia are planned to take place at National Library of Latvia, on 13 October 2016.
In Estonia, award ceremony is planned to take place on 18 of October, 2016 at Kumu Art Museum.
Nominations The awards ceremony honors most successful companies in the following nominations:
Sustainable Growth Award Criteria: harmonious development of the company - turnover growth with positive results during previous year and contributions to environmental and social sustainability. Limitation: only companies operating in Lithuania for at least 3 years are to be considered as candidates.
Corporate social responsibility Note: In 2011 "Corporate Social Responsibility" nomination name was updated to "Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year".
Criteria: the most relevant contribution to the development of society in Lithuania. The Swedish Business Awards wish to promote and strengthen the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment among corporations. There is a need for greater awareness about CSR and the Swedish Business Awards would like to be a part of that process. The award is an important step to raise the CSR awareness and to attract attention to excellent examples of CSR projects carried out by companies in Lithuania. For this award, the Decision Committee is looking for the organization that can best demonstrate a company-wide commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Decision Committee is looking for evidence of a clearly defined and effectively communicated CSR strategy that is integrated into the company’s overall business strategy, along with examples of policies or projects that create a positive impact on society in areas such as the environment, employment, education, and charitable initiatives.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year Criteria: entrepreneurs under 35 years of age, with good reputation, inspiring and sustainable business that makes an impact to the market or society at large. The nomination was introduced in 2010.
Technological Innovation of the Year Criteria: the most remarkable technological innovation that was implemented during 2014 or 2015. The technological innovation can be related to all aspects of the company's or organization's activities: new services, products, or work policies and approaches. The nomination was introduced in Estonia, in 2015.
Discontinued/Updated nominations
Fastest growing Swedish company Criteria: the highest turnover growth as measured in per cent. Limitation: only Swedish-owned companies can apply for this nomination. Only Swedish owned companies operating in Lithuania, Latvia or Estonia for full 3 years can be considered as candidates in the “Fastest growing Swedish company in Lithuania” nomination category. The award is given to organization that demonstrated the highest annual turnover growth. In 2011 "Fastest growing Swedish company" nomination was replaced by "Sustainable Growth Award".
Innovator of the Year Criteria: the most notable innovations in terms of new services, products, or work policies and approaches introduced during the previous year. An openness to new ways of thinking requires curiosity as well as a strong drive and courage to create new rules. The drive comes from an ambition to change, a desire to create and a longing for what feels new. Innovativeness also requires daring to believe in a better future that leads to crossing borders and innovative results. The Swedish Business Awards wishes to encourage innovativeness by emphasizing creativity and braveness to break traditional boundaries. The innovation can be related to all aspects of the company's or organization's activities: new services, products, or work policies and approaches. In 2010 "The Innovator of the Year" nomination was replaced by "The Young Entrepreneur of the Year".
Hall of fame Source: Estonia
Sustainable Growth Award: Coffee People, 2016 ETS NORD, 2015 Greencarrier Freight Services Estonia OÜ, 2014 Trelleborg, 2013 Palmse Mehaanikakoda OÜ, 2012 Põltsamaa Felix, 2011
Fastest growing Swedish company (updated to Sustainable Growth Award in 2011): AQ Lasertool, 2010 Netlead, 2009
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year:* Swedbank, 2013 Microsoft Estonia, Mobile Spring, 2015 ISS Eesti AS, 2014 Rimi Eesti Food AS, 2012 Entrum, 2011 Law Firm Sorainen, 2010 ABB, 2009
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Mr. Kristjan Lind, CEO and Co-Founder of Bikeep, 2016 Ms. Gerli Veermäe, Goworkabit Estonia, 2015 Mr. Jevgeni Kabanov, 2014 Mr. Indrek Rebane, Hedgehog OÜ, 2012 Ms. Lilli Jahilo, 2011 Ms. Anni Arro, 2010
Innovator of the Year (updated to Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010: Reklaamilahenduse, 2009
Technology for the Social Progress Award (only in 2013): TeliaSonera
Technological Innovation of the Year Award: Competence Centre on Health Technologies, 2016 Skeleton Technologies, 2015
Latvia
Technological Innovation of the Year Award: Mr. Reinis Ādamsons, RORBO, 2016
Sustainable Growth Award: Baltic Candles, 2016 Dinair Filton, 2015 Dobeles Dzirnavnieks AS, 2014 Trelleborg, 2013 Livonia Print, 2012 Valmieras Stikla Šķiedra, 2011
Fastest growing Swedish company (updated to Sustainable Growth in 2011): Gateway Baltic, 2010 SDI Media Latvia, 2009
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year: Rimi Latvia, 2015 Rimi Latvia, 2014 Swedbank, 2013 Lattelecom, 2012 Wooly World, 2011 Krāsu Serviss and Vairāk Saules, 2010 CEMEX, 2009
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Ms. Linda Sinka and Ms. Elīna Ingelande, Learn IT, 2016 Ms. Andra Katkeviča and Ms. Līga Elmane, Gusto SIA, 2015 Mr. Mikus Opelts, Giraffe Visualization Group SIA, 2014 Erenpreiss Original, Toms Ērenpreiss and Viesturs Masteiko, 2012 Mr. Krišs Spūlis, 2011 INTEA, Mr. R.Freimanis, 2010
Innovator of the Year (updated to Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010): Groglass, 2008
Technology for the Social Progress Award (only in 2013): TeliaSonera
Lithuania Technological Innovation of the Year Award: prof. dr. Virginijus Šikšnys, 2016
Sustainable Growth Award: LT Technologies, 2016 Enerstena, 2015 Light Conversion, 2014 Trelleborg, 2013 Baldai Jums, 2012 Altechna, 2011
Fastest growing Swedish company (updated to Sustainable Growth in 2011): Systemair, 2010 Trelleborg Engineered Systems Lithuania, 2009 ViaCon Baltic, 2008 Swecon, 2007 Maxit, 2006
Corporate Social Responsibility Initiative of the Year: LESTO, Sustainable School Initiative, 2015 Project "Connecting Woman", 2014 Swedbank, 2013 Servico, Green office, 2012 The National Student Academy, 2011 Rimi, 2010 AVON Cosmetics, 2009 MTV Networks Baltic, 2008 SEB Vilniaus Bankas (together with the Lithuanian Children's Foundation), 2007 TEO LT, 2006
Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Mr. Mantas Vizbaras, Mr. Martynas Gudonavičius, Mr. Algimantas Krasauskas, Mr. Jurgis Pašukonis, TRAFI, 2016 Dr. Austėja Landsbergienė, Vaikystės Sodas, 2015 Mr. Aurelijus Liubinas, Friday Lab, 2014 Kristijonas, Augustinas and Dominykas Vizbaras, Brolis Semiconductors, 2012 Mr. Karolis Verbliugevičius, 2011 Mr. Daumantas Mikučionis, 2010
Innovator of the Year (updated to Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2010): Sicor Biotech, 2008 Gambro Healthcare Lietuva, 2007 Omnitel, 2006
Business IQ of the Year (only in 2012): Ekspla
Technology for the Social Progress Award (only in 2013): TeliaSonera
References
Swedish Business Awards index 10 August 2020 archive
External links - Official web-site 10 August 2020 archive
Founding Partners: www.swedenabroad.com - Embassy of Sweden in Lithuania www.business-sweden.se/ - Swedish Trade & Invest Council www.swedbank.lt - Swedbank www.teliasonera.com - TeliaSonera www.teo.lt - Teo www.valiunasellex.lt/ - Valiunas Ellex www.delfi.lt - Delfi Lithuania www.delfi.lv - Delfi Latvia www.delfi.ee - Delfi Estonia https://si.se/ - The Swedish Institute http://www.volvotrucks.ee/ - Volvo Trucks https://www.ericsson.com/ - Ericsson http://www.eas.ee/?lang=en - Enterprise Estonia http://www.liaa.gov.lv/en - Investment and Development Agency of Latvia http://www.swedishchamber.ee/ - Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Estonia http://www.scc.lv/ - Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Latvia