Norrbotten at the center as Sweden's future is shaped
When Norra scen in Stockholm gathered participants from all over the country, it became clear that northern Sweden is a strategic location where geopolitics, space activities, security and industrial transformation meet. – Norrbotten needs more love and more resources, stated Tobias Billström (M), former Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Russia's actions in the Arctic, the war in Ukraine and increasing great power competition are causing Europe to turn its attention north.
– The last few years have been a “crash course” in where Sweden is in the world, with Russia right next to us, said Mikael Janson from North Sweden European Office.
But to strengthen the Arctic, sustainable, functioning societies are needed there. Here, EU funds have played a crucial role.
– It has been extremely important for northern Sweden, not least for bringing together our universities, business and society. This in turn means that we are taking global market shares, and I think this is often underestimated nationally.
Mikael Janson, Director of the North Sweden European Office, recalled the importance of cohesion policy for development in Norrbotten.
“Security policy asset”
Tobias Billström (M), former Minister of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Norrbotten's role as strategically important both in Sweden and the EU:
– Today, Esrange has become a security policy asset and we will need to think about what that means. The Ore Railway is also a security policy issue. If I were to put a label on a policy in the future, I think it would be that Norrbotten needs more love and more resources, he stated.
Former Minister of Defense Peter Hultqvist (S), chairman of the Defense Committee, emphasized that the security situation in the north requires long-term joint work.
“The Arctic, the Baltic Sea and our entire surrounding area must be seen as an area that must stay together at all costs,” he said, highlighting the need to build a strong deterrent against Russia to create stability over time.
Niklas Granholm, FOI, described how the idyllic image of the Arctic has abruptly changed.
A changing image of the north
Niklas Granholm, research leader at the Swedish National Defense Research Institute, described how the old image of the Arctic is no longer correct:
– There has been a Noise Village image of the Arctic – a notion that everything is harmonious and peaceful there. When we researchers have tried to highlight the risks, it has often been defined away. It is not a good basis for building a strategic picture of the world.
Sylvia Schwaag Serger, CEO of the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences (IVA), also emphasized that the world has entered a new era, characterized by rapid change and new shifts in power. She highlighted that the solutions to many of today's major challenges do not only lie in capital cities.
– Places that live with very concrete challenges can become incredible strengths.
Norrbotten then becomes a central player – not only through natural resources and location, but by showing how local problem owners can also drive solutions that are needed far beyond the region.
Sylvia Schwaag Serger, CEO of IVA, described the new times we live in and what it could mean for the EU going forward.
Space – the strength of northern Sweden
With Esrange, the Institute of Space Physics (IRF) and Luleå University of Technology located close to each other, northern Sweden is placed in a particularly strong position in the space sector.
Ella Carlsson, Director General of the Swedish Space Agency, pointed out how space affects our everyday lives and how space is a vulnerable arena, where solar storms, space debris and disruptions in satellites can affect everything from air traffic to payment systems.
– Space services are so integrated into our society that we hardly think about them. If they are eliminated, important societal services such as aviation, shipping and payment systems will be affected.
International competition is changing rapidly, and the world is not as predictable as it used to be. This makes the priorities in Norrbotten even more important.
– We must create what we think is important ourselves, we cannot believe that someone else will give it to us, stated Birgitta Bergvall‑Kåreborn, president of Luleå University of Technology.
Emma Stenholm, SSC, and Birgitta Bergvall-Kåreborn, Vice-Chancellor of LTU, participated in the seminar on the development and importance of the space sector.
Time is crucial
Norrbotten is a driving force in Europe's green and geopolitical transition with fossil-free electricity, world-leading technology and a growing role in security and climate work. At the same time, the county is in the midst of the largest industrial transition in modern times - where pace is crucial for the success of the initiatives, something the speakers at Norra Scen returned to.
Fossil-free electricity and robust infrastructure were highlighted as crucial for the transition to be successful. Johan Dasht at Vattenfall emphasized that collaboration between industry and government needs to happen earlier.
– We can't wait for each other. If we are to succeed in the energy transition, everyone must take steps at the same time.
Johnny Sjöström, CEO of SSAB, highlighted how permit processes directly affect the company's climate transition work.
– Every delay costs both time and environmental benefits.
Carl-Vincent Reimers from Timbro has, among other things, written the report "Draghi in Swedish", about the EU's competitiveness.
Carl-Vincent Reimers from the Timbro think tank described why the region is so important in a time of fiercer global competition.
– Northern Sweden has unique conditions for energy-intensive industry. In a Europe that is energy-poor, Norrbotten stands out as a strategic asset.
“Setting a new standard”
The chairman of the regional board, Anders Öberg (S), emphasized that the rest of the country must understand the scope and significance of what is happening. It is therefore important to be on site in Stockholm to explain the conditions, opportunities and needs, he said.
– We contribute to Sweden's development, Europe's development and the world's development. We set a new standard for sustainable solutions for industry, he said.
Anders Öberg (S), chairman of the regional board of Region Norrbotten, explained why it is so important to hold Norra Scen in Stockholm.
The needs include a growing population, to cope with the supply of skills and to finance welfare. Anders Öberg expressed frustration over slow processes and lack of predictability.
– This is where the transition is happening. Now we have to make sure that the systems can keep up with the pace, said Anders Öberg (S), chairman of the regional board in Region Norrbotten.
Norra Scen is a collaboration between IVA Nord, SSAB, Vattenfall, LKAB, Luleå University of Technology and Region Norrbotten. You can watch a recording of the entire seminar here.
Text: Felicia Lyckemo, Sara Stylbäck Vesa
Pictures: Felicia Lyckemo, Sara Stylbäck Vesa, Dan Wergelius