Collaboration in focus as companies gathered for RUS workshop

This week, companies and municipal representatives from Region Norrbotten gathered for a workshop on the future of Norrbotten. The company day was part of the process of developing a new regional development strategy (RUS).

Region Norrbotten is a partner in a number of companies that work for the development of the county in various ways. The companies are also owned by the municipalities, which participated in the workshop as partners.

Our companies contribute to the construction of the Norrbotten region of the future in a number of different areas:

• almi creates conditions for small and medium-sized enterprises to grow and runs an ERDF project for sustainable growth.
• BD Pop develops talents in popular music and broadens the business community in the county.
• Energy Office North works with sustainable energy production and to encourage companies and public organizations to take responsibility for their energy consumption.
• Film pool North contributes to spreading a broad image of Norrbotten.
• Invest in Norrbotten is working to attract new investments and establishments to the county.
• IT Norrbotten  focuses on developing the county's fiber network for sustainable broadband.
• Norrbothnia Line AB is working to realize the construction of the Norrbothnia Line between Umeå and Luleå.    

The companies also include Arctic Business Incubator, an incubator that supports entrepreneurs and potential growth companies.

Collaboration is important

The participants emphasized the importance of working together to meet the challenges and utilize the strengths, on the road to Norrbotten 2040. 

Gusten Granström from Norrbotniabanan emphasized the importance of collaboration in building the Norrbotniabanan and creating future growth. 

- We have a big role to play, now we have the chance to make something good out of it. But collaboration is a basic requirement, he said.

Isabella Katsimenis from Energikontor Norr identified challenges in meeting the workforce needs and emphasized the importance of sustainable development. Immigration to Norrbotten changes the dynamics of the region and requires financing and development of companies. 

33 representatives of the companies and their owners gathered for a workshop on March 13th.

“Lead by example”

Thomas Lejon from Energikontor Norr highlighted the potential for renewable energy, such as solar energy, and that companies should take responsibility for their energy consumption. 

- "For example, Polarbröd is marketing itself as energy neutral. We could take that position and lead by example," he says.

Magnus Dagbro, Gällivare Municipality, emphasized the importance of collaboration to build sustainable communities and enable different housing options. 

- Public utilities could work more together, such as joint purchasing, real estate and housing. We have an important role in building sustainable communities. Nice communities that we don't just live in. How can we offer that? How do we create capital? Get access to venture capital?

Opportunities and threats with AI

Anders Lundkvist from IT Norrbotten highlighted AI's impact on industrial development and the labor market. 

- We have only seen the beginning of the development of AI. I sincerely hope that we see the opportunities and threats that AI brings. Industry will be affected by AI developments and the green transition. We talk a lot about skill needs and what tomorrow's workplaces will look like. AI is an important separate area that spans everything.

Lenitha Ericson, Chairwoman of BD Pop, highlighted the potential for AI in education and economic development, as well as the need to reach out to young people and attract capital. 

“Maximize synergies”

Arvidsjaur municipal councilor Lars Sandström emphasized the importance of a vibrant community life, such as the sports movement.

- Everyone should be able to participate. The most important thing is not results, but moving and sweating.

Helena Ölund, chairwoman of the Regional Development Committee, emphasized the importance of coordination between different actors.

- We need coordination between the County Administrative Board of Norrbotten, the municipalities, the region, and civil society. Only then can we maximize synergies in the region.

Summary of the feedback from the Companies Day