We at the Centre for Business History are happy and proud to be named "Archive of the Year 2021" by the union DIK. According to the jury's motivation, we receive the award primarily for our work documenting the ongoing effects of the corona crisis on Swedish business.

"Archive of the Year" has been awarded annually since 2008 by the DIK, the union for everyone working in culture, communication and the creative industries. 

This year's winner was presented digitally yesterday at Arkivforum in Stockholm. The jury's motivation read:

"The Centre for Business History (CFN) commendably started preserving companies' history during covid-19 right at the start of the pandemic. They were incredibly quick to find new ways to collect data when the pandemic began. They early realized the magnitude of writing history while it is happening. With great energy and a nimble approach, they have ensured that there is rich material for the future when the pandemic is summarized and analyzed."

Alexander Husebye, CEO of the Centre for Business History, comments on the award:

– I am both happy and proud that we were named Archive of the Year. It is a welcome confirmation of the exciting and challenging work we do documenting the effects of the corona pandemic. It is not over yet, but we already know that we have been part of creating contemporary history. The award also inspires us to continue developing methods to document the present – beyond the pandemic.

– The Centre for Business History was not only incredibly quick to understand the importance of collecting material during the pandemic, but they have also used a high degree of innovation in digital methods, which will be useful both to them and to other archival institutions going forward, says Johanna Lindell, CEO of DIK and jury chairperson.

More about the Archive of the Year award

The Archive of the Year award is presented annually by the DIK union. The prize sum is 25,000 SEK. More about the award, including previous winners, can be read here.