The company went hard from the start in 2015 and since then the promises have been many. Something that three independent experts point out as a contributing factor to today’s situation.
– You would have had to be humble for how difficult this is and spent their money wiser and maybe slower and learned this from scratch, says Magnus Henrekson, professor of economics at the Institute for Business.
Pontus Braunerhjelm, professor of economics, agrees with the picture that the company has taken water over his head but at the same time believes that it is difficult to say what has gone wrong.
– It is probably a combination of an organizational problem, an industrial knowledge that may not have been enough, an ambition to be everywhere at about the same time, says Braunerhjelm.
The location part of the problem
Magnus Henrekson also points out Skellefteå as the company’s chosen place as part of the problem.
– Perhaps the only place in Sweden that could have swallowed this and which also has a tradition of industrial production it is Gothenburg, where it would have been possible, says Henrekson.
But the experts do not fully agree on that issue.
– I understand why you did it, but I can also see that challenges existed from the beginning, says Christian Sandström, associate professor and columnist in the business world, who has also been active for the think tank Timbro.
Lack of critical issues during the journey
Northvolt has been praised by both politicians and representatives from the business community over the years.
– There is no doubt that there has been a hype around this company and it initially looked promising but over time the conditions have deteriorated, says Braunerhjelm.
Magnus Henrekson himself has long been critical of Northvolt but believes that at the same time there was no appetite for critical thoughts in the public space.
– It was a strong time spirit, many were scared I think to be called climate deniers, he says.
Sandström also points to the absence of critical issues.
– If a number of venture capitalists from Stockholm preferably promise to re -industrialize Norrland, create green transition, create new jobs and secure independence regarding batteries against China. Yes if you promise so much then maybe someone needs to ask a little question about all these promises, says Sandström.