The prize jury’s statement highlighted Mr Östling’s personal commitment and willingness to participate in public debate as well as his understanding that a major global corporation needs a long-range perspective and relationships with its local surroundings.
 
The jury also states that Scania’s social responsibility and integration practices “are not fancy phrases, but straightforward business transactions in its search for talent and labour.” 

“I am sharing this award with everyone at Scania. The people at Scania and our common principles and values are the basis of our success,” Mr Östling says.

To read more about the Veckans Affärer Social Capitalist Award (in Swedish only), go to the website www.va.se/nyheter/2008/08/20/social-capitalist-award-de/