Inspiration for a sustainable future
As part of the MSc Accounting and Financial Management program, Magnus Rosén, Head of Sustainability at SKF Automotive and guest lecturer in the course "Managing Sustainability Accounting and Regulation in Practice", shared his expertise on integrating sustainability into business strategy.
What do you value most about visiting the School and meeting our students?
"Visiting the School and engaging with students is always a rewarding experience. Their questions and ideas often challenge conventional thinking and inspire new solutions to major sustainability challenges like climate change and circularity. These interactions not only broaden my own outlook but also help inform and strengthen our sustainability strategies at SKF. I value the chance to share my experiences and insights, but even more, I appreciate when students offer their reflections and feedback. Their perspectives are valuable in keeping our sustainability agenda dynamic and responsive."
In what way do you think it benefits students to engage with companies like SKF during their studies?
"Reflecting on my own time as a student, I remember how challenging it could be to connect theoretical concepts with real-world practice. Engaging with companies like SKF gives students the chance to see how the ideas they study are applied in a business context. By sharing concrete examples from our work, I hope to make these connections clearer and show that the knowledge and skills developed during their studies can truly make a difference in the industry. This exchange benefits both students and SKF, fostering learning and positive change."
What do you talk about in your lecture?
"The lecture centres on sustainability in practice—specifically, how we at SKF integrate sustainability into our core business strategy. Rather than relying solely on standard presentations, I aim to provide an honest and detailed look at what this means in reality, including the challenges encountered and the lessons learned along the way. Special attention is given to sustainability data such as greenhouse gas emissions (scope 1, 2, and 3) and product carbon footprint calculations. I share concrete examples, including investments in phasing out fossil fuels in the factories and the development of products and solutions that help customers enhance their own sustainability performance. My goal is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, showing how sustainability principles are applied in real business contexts and how they can drive meaningful change."
What do you hope the students will take away from your lecture?
"Throughout my lecture, I encourage open discussion and invite students to ask questions, share their perspectives, and challenge our approaches. My hope is that this interactive dialogue makes the session both informative and engaging, allowing students to see the real, tangible impact that sustainability efforts can have in the industry. While the challenges are significant and change takes time, there is real progress and opportunity. I want students to feel motivated and empowered to contribute to a more sustainable future, both in their studies and future careers."