“Tomorrow's innovations are created in cross-border meetings”
How can more people become involved in Norrbotten's development? And what is needed to strengthen the county's attractiveness in the long term? These were central questions at a dialogue meeting in Piteå. There, participants discussed skills, innovation, living conditions and how the county's resources can best be utilized.
The meeting was part of the work on Norrbotten's next strategy for smart specialization. The focus was on skills and development. In the discussions, it became clear that the conditions of young people, especially young women, are crucial to strengthening Norrbotten. In order to achieve broader development, more people are also needed to participate in research, innovation and business. Skills supply and education were highlighted as important areas. The participants saw a need for more education and more jobs that attract different groups.
– In order for the positive development in Norrbotten to continue, we need to create long-term conditions for companies to invest, grow and develop. Smart specialization gives us the opportunity to focus resources where we have particular strengths and where collaboration between business, academia and the public sector can create the greatest value, says Simon Strandberg, Business Manager at Piteå Municipality.
Simon Strandberg, head of business at Piteå Municipality.
At the same time, a broader view of innovation was called for. Current methods of measurement do not capture the whole picture. The participants also discussed how the county's raw materials are used. Today, a large part is exported from the county, while a smaller part is processed locally. The question is how this affects both development and attractiveness.
Soft values such as health, care and welfare were highlighted as fundamental. The participants also asked why more people do not choose to move to Norrbotten. Selling more of the natural resources was not seen as a solution in itself.
The food sector was an area that was discussed in particular. There is a need for better profitability and increased robustness. Suggestions raised included better infrastructure and measures that can reduce companies' costs. High production costs are a challenge, and support systems need to be reviewed.
Important meeting places for companies
In working on the updated strategy, Region Norrbotten will be supported by an external expertise group. Johanna Blylod, operations manager at Piteå Science Park, is part of the group.
– Today's workshop confirmed the importance of thinking beyond traditional industry boundaries. For Norrbotten's future competitiveness, it will be crucial to identify and develop the synergies that exist between our areas of strength and what our areas of development are. It is in these cross-border meetings that tomorrow's innovations and business models are created, she said.
Participants also stressed the need for more meeting places for businesses. They highlighted the importance of a working approach based on concrete challenges, as well as the use of test beds and university knowledge. Transport was identified as a key issue for both businesses and residents.
Kairi Pääsuke, Region Norrbotten, in conversation with Erika Mattson, Sparbanken Nord.
– A rewarding day. It is good to be part of the work of developing Norrbotten's strategy for smart specialization and identifying the areas that our region can strengthen and develop going forward. I also look forward to taking part in the upcoming strategy, which will also influence how we want to prioritize when it comes to business, research and innovation within the framework of the bank's social commitment, says Erika Mattsson, Head of Sustainability and Society at Sparbanken Nord.
Text: Carola Medelid
Photo: Tove Cullhed
