About Carl

Carl Wangel brings extensive experience in societal development, public affairs, and strategic communication at the local, regional, and national levels. His background spans both the industrial and municipal sectors, as well as critical areas such as infrastructure, energy, and total defence. In his new role, Carl will work closely with the Center to deepen collaboration with regional stakeholders, with a particular focus on Northern Sweden.

Why this matters now

Northern Sweden plays a pivotal role in Sweden’s security, resilience, and long-term competitiveness. As Sweden deepens its integration within NATO, the region serves as a strategic corridor for allied mobility, logistics, and defence cooperation. At the same time, Northern Sweden is home to some of the country’s most important industrial assets, spanning energy production, mining, steel, advanced manufacturing, and critical infrastructure. These sectors are central to Sweden’s economic strength and green transition.

Strengthening preparedness, regional coordination, and public–private collaboration in this geography is therefore not only a security imperative, but also a prerequisite for sustaining Sweden’s industrial competitiveness in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical environment.

Strengthening ties between academic research and regional actors is a key priority for the Center. By combining local and regional capabilities with the national research excellence of the Stockholm School of Economics, there is significant potential to advance the development of a more resilient and robust total defence system.

“Security and preparedness are, in many ways, geographical issues. When local capabilities and regional cooperation come together with the national expertise that SSE offers, there is great potential to accelerate the building of a strong total defence,” says Carl Wangel.

Staffan Holmberg, Executive Director of the Center for Security and Resilience. Photo: Edvin Landvik

According to Staffan Holmberg, Executive Director of the Center for Security and Resilience, Carl’s appointment represents a strategic step in expanding the Center’s national engagement.

“Carl’s deep understanding of regional dynamics and his experience in bridging policy, industry, and society will be a valuable asset for the Center. Strengthening collaboration beyond the major metropolitan areas is essential if research is to translate into real-world impact and increased national resilience,” says Staffan Holmberg.

Through this appointment, the Center for Security and Resilience continues to expand its engagement across Sweden, ensuring that research-based insights contribute to practical solutions, strengthened preparedness, and long-term national competitiveness.