Editorial in newsletter #6 2024
The fact that Dalarna is the region in Sweden where billion-dollar investments are announced on a regular basis is a tremendous joy for all of us who work here. We are facing an unprecedented rate of regional growth. But to cope with the expansion we have ahead of us, there are several challenges we must overcome. Together here in Dalarna and with the help of decision-makers at national level.
Within Dalarna Science Park, we have identified four main regional challenges: a functioning infrastructure for goods and people, energy access in an increasingly electrified world, attracting even more capital to ensure continued investment, and the crux of the matter, skills supply.
We will therefore raise these issues when we invite decision-makers, opinion leaders, business and academia to an exciting debate on the future of Dalarna at Almedalen in June. Humbly, we are already talking in terms of our region as Sweden's next for growth.
One of the speakers on our panel in Almedalen is Hitachi Energy's Tobias Hansson. He has stated in Ny Teknik that we are in a super cycle, in connection with the announcement that they will invest SEK 3.7 billion in Sweden, mostly in Ludvika.
In Almedalen, we have a unique opportunity to draw attention to Dalarna's issues and influence politicians and decision-makers across the country. What happens in Dalarna affects our entire country. Representatives from all over the country need to be aware of what is happening here and how more people can contribute. Almedalen is also an effective platform for showcasing the county's strengths as a green growth region. We can tell the story of where Dalarna, Sweden and the world are heading. A story that can help us to oxygenate, give us strength and direction in the work we need to do to be equipped for the future.
At Almedalen, we can highlight our specific needs and challenges to get the support and resources needed. Because we are now ready to welcome new residents to the jobs created by both existing industry and new businesses.
So for the third year in a row, we are organizing a seminar on Dalarna's future growth opportunities and challenges. With representatives from business and society, we will discuss how we can generate the best conditions for a growing Dalarna. In the program you will find:
- Peter Larsson, Government Coordinator for Sustainable Business Transition and Societal Transformation in Northern Sweden
- Martin Sangve, HR Director Hitachi Energy Sweden AB
- Jens Skaring, Head of Corporate Banking, Corporates & Institutions, Swedbank AB
- Ulrika Liljeberg, Member of Parliament, Center Party, Government Special Investigator "The Value of Wind"
- Helena Höij, County Governor of Dalarna
Therefore, it is no longer a question of whether Dalarna is Sweden's next growth region. It is only a question of when more people will recognize that this is the case.
How do you tell people about Dalarna?
Angelica Ekholm, CEO, Dalarna Science Park
