New innovation center strengthens Norrbotten's competitiveness and collaboration in Europe

In Norrbotten there are industries that are important for the people in our county but also for the rest of Europe. But both renewal and cooperation are required to secure the county's growth in the long term. That is why Region Norrbotten and LTU Business are now launching a new platform for collaboration: Norrbotten Regional Innovation Center.

The new innovation center will function as a catalyst. The center will trigger or accelerate a sequence of events. Important industries in the county will be able to exchange knowledge, develop and collaborate. The focus is on strengthening Norrbotten's position both nationally and internationally. This will be done through so-called smart specialization and innovative collaborations.

– Norrbotten Regional Innovation Center will be an important platform for increasing learning between actors within the region, but also for strengthening our presence in Europe. Through joint activities and projects, we strengthen the region's competitiveness, says Linn Berglund Pantzare, project manager at LTU Business.

A strategy for smart growth

The initiative is based on the principles of smart specialization. It is a working method introduced by the European Commission. Smart specialization is about pooling efforts in areas where there is the greatest potential. Over the past ten years, the working method has contributed to regional cooperation and increased competitiveness. Smart specialization strategy sometimes abbreviated S3.

Norrbotten focuses on further developing basic industries, space, hydrogen, information and communication technology and the tourism industry.

– We will strengthen what we are good at and focus on what we need to get better at. The S3 work is precisely about that. The connection to the EU, our European added value and international collaborations will develop and benefit companies in Norrbotten, says Helena Ölund, Chair of the Regional Development Committee.

Investment with a focus on collaboration and benefit

The work to establish the Norrbotten Regional Innovation Center will begin in December 2024. The project is run by LTU Business and funded by Region Norrbotten. The goal is to create real value for the region's business community and contribute to stronger European value chains.

– We look forward to supporting the region's development by strengthening cooperation between actors and contributing to Europe's green transition, says Gry Holmgren Hafskjold, CEO of LTU Business.