“Courage and innovation go hand in hand”

Collaboration, courage and innovation – these are the keys to a successful and sustainable Norrbotten 2040. These were the conclusions when the business community gathered for a workshop on the new regional development strategy (RUS). – We need a clear plan and a strong network, said Annika Holmström from Almi.

It was on May 22 that the Business Actors Network gathered for a workshop with the theme “Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” This area of ​​the RUS is about creating a business environment where entrepreneurs, researchers and business owners can grow and develop. 

Sara Json Lindmark from Luleå Science Park highlighted the need for strong regional innovation collaboration.

 “We need meeting places where ideas can be transformed into concrete projects. Funding and education are key components to ensure that these ideas do not remain on the drawing board,” she said.

Sabrina Suikki from the Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce spoke about the importance of diversity and international collaboration.

 “We need to find complementary skills and promote cross-border cooperation to create a dynamic and competitive region,” she said, emphasizing the need to make Norrbotten attractive to new talent.

“Invest in new ideas”

Helen Sundqvist, also from the Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce, urged people to dare to think differently and stand out.

 “Courage and innovation go hand in hand. We must dare to challenge the established and invest in new ideas,” she said.

Viktoria Mattson from LTU Business emphasized the importance of inspiring places for innovation.

 – For example, we have a research icebreaker in the harbor that we should be more proud of and use to inspire and attract more people to the region, she said.

Sabrina Suikki and Helen Sundqvist from the Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce, Glenda Fors, Nyföretagarcentrum Nord and Anna Sirkka, RISE.

Per Erik Andersson from Region Norrbotten highlighted the region's strength in innovation in recent years. But he also pointed out the need for a broader business sector and a broader labor market. This is necessary to attract new residents and meet retirements.

 “We need to get better at developing new products and services and increasing collaboration between small and medium-sized companies,” he explained.

Annika Holmström from Almi agreed that a breadth of industries is required for Norrbotten to be an attractive county.

 “We need a clear plan and a strong network to build a sustainable future,” she said. She also pointed out that small businesses play an important role and that collaboration between public and private actors is crucial.

“Focus on specific niches”

Viktoria Mattsson from LTU Business emphasized the importance of municipalities collaborating instead of competing.

 “It is better to allocate resources and focus on specific niches. By working together, we can create stronger value chains,” she said.

Jens Lundström from Arctic Business also urged people to dare to take risks and that municipalities need to dare to make independent decisions.

The workshop was an important step in shaping a shared vision for a successful and sustainable Norrbotten 2040. Collaboration, courage and innovation will be the keys to achieving this goal.

The workshop was attended by representatives from Almi Nord, Artic Business, Nyföretagarcentrum, Swedish Lapland Visitors Board, Luleå University of Technology, Boden Business Park, Norrlandsfonden, RISE, Norrbotten Chamber of Commerce and Partner Invest.

Summary of recordings

Text and image: Tove Cullhed