Dalarna Science Park, Dalarna University, and IUC Dalarna are proud to announce that SEK 65 million in combined investments from the European Regional Development Fund, Region Dalarna, the Hugo Carlsson Foundation for Scientific Research, and the Sparbanksstiftelsen Foundation are now being invested in industrial development. These funds will enable progress in the field of research and facilitate the supply of skilled labor for industry in northern central Sweden.
Strong research and innovation environments for the industry of the future
At a time when digitalization, automation, and green transition are placing demands on industry's competitiveness, it is crucial to create strong research and innovation environments. Through this initiative, industrial companies in Dalarna and neighboring counties will have access to advanced infrastructure, cutting-edge expertise, and resources for materials and process technology. The goal is to secure the supply of skills for the future, strengthen attractiveness, and promote sustainable development.
In order for Dalarna's industry to remain competitive, investments in the industry of the future are required. Investments in research and innovation are crucial for Dalarna's development, skills supply, and sustainable growth, says Birgitta Sacrédeus, regional councilor and chair of the regional development committee at Region Dalarna.
New arena for material characterization
Dalarna Science Park's initiative, Materials Connection Arena, is building an advanced arena for material characterization to meet the needs of industry. The arena will bring together academia and industry to contribute to crucial skills development and address challenges such as circular material solutions. The arena is run by Dalarna Science Park in collaboration with IUC Dalarna and academic actors. The arena will create new collaborations and cooperation across northern central Sweden, while also providing access to analysis equipment for material testing, securing the supply of expertise, and meeting the industry's needs for both research and continuing education.
Dalarna University is developing a research environment for sustainable industrial processes. By enabling strategic recruitment of researchers, opening up doctoral projects, and creating a test environment in mechanical engineering, research capacity will be built up to meet the challenges of digitization, automation, and circular material flows.
If Dalarna is to remain a leading industrial region, we need to work together to meet the challenges of the future. This funding is concrete proof that cooperation between businesses, academia, and politicians is bearing fruit and taking us a big step closer to a sustainable industrial future, says Mia Eriksson, Chair of the Dalarna Industrial Competence Council and HR Director at SSAB.
Work will commence in the fall of 2025.
Materials Connection Arena establishes an organization to create networks between academia and industry and procures advanced laboratory and testing equipment. At the same time, IUC Dalarna begins work on mapping companies' competence and research needs.
We are incredibly proud to lead the work with Materials Connection Arena and, together with our partners, to have the opportunity to strengthen the region's innovation system. With these resources, we are accelerating the development of materials technology and contributing to the skills development that companies need. Every krona invested will add value to the local business community and contribute to increasing the attractiveness of our important industrial jobs in Dalarna, says Angelica Ekholm, CEO of Dalarna Science Park.
At the same time, Dalarna University is launching a research environment for sustainable industrial processes with strategic recruitment of professors, postdocs, and doctoral students, as well as the establishment of a test environment. Research plans and collaborations with industrial companies will be defined during the fall of 2025.
It's fantastic that Dalarna University is playing an active role in driving industrial development forward here in the region, says Jörgen Elbe, Vice-Chancellor at Dalarna University.
Both initiatives are designed to be forward-looking, increase competitiveness, and strengthen the region's innovation environment, with a humble approach to the challenges and a belief in Dalarna's collective ability to drive industry forward.
