Norrbotten takes over Almedalen with conversations that shape the future
After last year's success, the resurgence North Stage at the politicians' week in Almedalen. Region Norrbotten, LKAB and Luleå University of Technology are opening up an arena for discussions about the future issues and challenges that are at their peak in Norrbotten, but are a concern for all of Sweden.
The green transition, and the societal transformation that is underway, have shifted the center of national development northward. Development is moving at breakneck speed on some levels, and far too slowly on others. How do we solve energy supply, bottlenecks in infrastructure, the supply of skills, and accelerate housing construction?
Norra Scen – arena for green transition is a joint initiative from Region Norrbotten, LKAB and Luleå University of Technology (LTU) and was first organized in the summer of 2022. The aim is to build a meeting place where knowledge is deepened, conversations are held and networks are built. This year too there will be interesting panel discussions, where the participants share knowledge, insights and perspectives. What is new is that these are combined with larger roundtable discussions on the current topics.
“The entire county can be seen and heard”
Another news is that Region Norrbotten has offered all the county's municipalities a favorable arrangement to facilitate their presence in Almedalen. Last year, two municipalities participated – this year, seven have chosen to join. Among them are several who have never participated in Almedalen before.
– It is important that the entire county has the opportunity to be seen and heard in Almedalen. Now the municipalities can create relationships on site and tell other decision-makers about their municipality's unique perspective, needs and development opportunities, says Anders Oberg, regional councilor, Norrbotten Region (S).
Anders Öberg represents the Norrbotten Region in Almedalen.
In addition to Anders Öberg, among others participating are Jan Mostrom, President and CEO of LKAB, Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, the Rector of LTU and a number of members of parliament, party leaders, EU parliamentarians, media executives, researchers and decision-makers from the public sector and business.
– We are in the midst of the biggest transition in our history, and it is urgent. Sweden has a unique opportunity to combine real climate benefits with strengthened competitiveness, but this requires action and courageous decisions from politics as well. If industrial investments are to succeed, we must also have expanded electricity supply, infrastructure and public services in place, says Jan Moström, President and CEO of LKAB.
National stage
These are issues that we in Norrbotten cannot handle on our own. The solutions exist at the national level, so the issues need to be addressed on a national stage – Norra Scen. At Fiskargränd, politics and business can unite with academia and chart the way forward.
– The investments in the North create opportunities and challenges, and here we as a university have an important role. Through our education and research, we can contribute to securing the supply of skills and to making the green transition both sustainable and profitable. Collaboration between industry, academia and the surrounding society is key, says Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor at LTU.
LTU's vice-chancellor Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn was one of the participants at Norra Scen last year, and is returning this year.
The program includes topics such as:
- How we secure expertise for the industry's energy transition
- Climate, competitiveness and energy - how will the transition be effective for Sweden?
- Infrastructure planning - what is needed for Sweden and the EU to keep pace?
- 100 new residents in northern Sweden: What is needed to create attractive living environments?
A rural area where young people want to live, reside and have an active role in social development
The full program is available at Norrbotten in Almedalen - Develop Norrbotten where the seminars are also livestreamed.
Contact
Anders Öberg, regional councilor (S)
070-609 35 63.
anders.oberg@norrbotten.se
Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director
073 -820 67 34
janus.brandin@norrbotten.se