Cluster development for increased business among industries in Norrbotten

Region Norrbotten is running the Loket project, which contributes to increased growth and competitiveness through cluster development and innovative collaboration. Loket is aimed at the aerospace, vehicle testing, composites, hospitality and mining industries, as well as the construction industry and cultural and creative industries, says Tove Cullhed, business strategist and sub-project manager.

The Loket project has just concluded the third physical cluster meeting, this time focusing on collaborations between clusters, successful cluster development in practice and the clusters' business offering.

– We are very pleased with the meeting, which began with a study visit to the Esrange Space Center. There we heard about ongoing research and investments being made, as well as discussing collaborations and business opportunities. In collaboration with the Swedish Lapland Visitors Board, we also made a study visit to Icehotel, where we heard about the success story but also about major challenges linked to skills and workforce supply, says Tove Cullhed

– Between meetings with the cluster leaders, we offer support and inspiration remotely, but it is also valuable to meet occasionally. Having time to discuss challenges and get tips from other clusters, process leaders and the project's Advisory Board contributes to learning and inspiration in the cluster leaders' work, says Tove Cullhed.

A cluster consists of several companies within the same or related industries that are concentrated in a city or region. Examples of famous foreign clusters are Hollywood (film), Silicon Valley (electronics), and Milan (fashion).

Clusters develop the region's unique potential and act as engines for sustainable growth. They build smart and trust-based network constellations that, in addition to creating new business opportunities, jobs and companies, also help solve industrial and societal challenges. Not least the transition to fossil-free societies. Clusters enable companies to be more innovative and strategic than they would be on their own.

– We are working to strengthen clusters in the county through knowledge development and collaboration between cluster leaders. We offer access to expertise that other successful clusters have built up, says Tove Cullhed.

In well-functioning clusters, actors from different directions come together; from companies, the public sector, academia and civil society via meeting places and networks to jointly build both competitive and resilient growth. Strong clusters become more attractive to the outside world, while at the same time they gain a clear role as innovators and problem solvers.

– It can involve strengthened collaborations between companies and research or capital, but also between small and large companies, to other clusters or sectors, not least internationally, says Tove Cullhed.

Norrbotten Region promotes clusters throughout the county. Analyses produced within the Loket project point to shortcomings and development potential within the clusters, and cluster leaders receive support in implementing action plans to solve the challenges.

– Cluster development is a high priority in regional development work. In the coming years, Region Norrbotten will also develop a program for cluster development, concludes Tove Cullhed.

Per Erik Andersson, together with Tove Cullhed, is the project manager for Loket.
pererik.andersson@norrbotten.se,
tove.cullhed@norrbotten.se 

Here you can read more about the project. Elbow