Göteborg, Sweden

Artikel i vetenskaplig tidskrift, 2010

The Swedish city of Göteborg, located on the west coast of Sweden, is the country’s western gateway. Göteborg dates back to the 1600s when it was founded to function as both a port and a defensive position. From the beginning the city saw an influx of people from other countries and Göteborg at one point was known as ‘little London’. Soon industries were introduced and the town became an important commercial centre, growing rapidly in both area and population during the second half of the nineteenth century. Town districts subsequently developed different identities and these can still be experienced today. The town’s heavy industry and shipbuilding were important up to recent times but today the city has made the transition to become a knowledge centre and also an attractive city for tourism. Planning for the future aims to consolidate Göteborg as a dynamic regional centre and an attractive place to live with its diversified urban environment enhanced by its natural qualities. The city aims to create a climate of participation among the inhabitants, corporations and organizations in the region. Ultimately, success will be measured in terms of the city’s ability to engage with all sections of the rapidly expanding community.