Dalarna Science Park continues to evolve and is now taking the next step to prepare the organization for the future. Over the past five years, the organization has grown through long-term strategic efforts and several successful projects and offerings.
We are now restructuring our organization to respond to rapid changes in the external environment and prepare for the EU’s next programming period. The aim is to create a clearer structure, strengthen partnerships, and provide better opportunities to develop new forms of financing. The goal is to create more opportunities for companies in Dalarna to receive support in innovation, digitalization, and sustainable transition, as well as to attract external funding to the region.
“We are strengthening our organization for the future. The world around us is changing rapidly, and this places new demands on how we work. To continue contributing to the incredibly exciting developments taking place in Dalarna, we need to expand our international efforts, build strong partnerships, and secure EU funding that benefits both startups and established companies,” says Angelica Ekholm, CEO of Dalarna Science Park.
A new organization
A new Strategic Development Department is being established with the mission of working on new initiatives and offerings over the long term, and identifying new opportunities in partnerships and international collaborations. The department is led by Erika Hinz, who until now has served as head of Projektarenan. The role Erika is leaving will be taken over by Hanna Jankevics Jones, who most recently served as Marketing Director at Malvern Panalytical Ltd.
Johan Wikström, an entrepreneur and former communications director for the Municipality of Kramfors, will become the new head of the startup division, succeeding Victoria Ställberg, whose extensive experience will strengthen the team in strategic development.
Boel Blomqvist will take over as the new head of communications, succeeding Christina Sjöberg. Christina will transition to the role of head of external strategic relations until her planned retirement at the end of the year. Christina will continue to support the management team and the communications department throughout the fall.
Angelica Ekholm, Mats Jacobsson, and Johan Nestor will continue their work on the management team.
As the organization continues to evolve, it is important to recognize what has already been achieved. As head of the incubator, Victoria Ställberg has helped develop the program into a Vinnova Excellent Incubator and contributed to establishing a strong startup scene in Dalarna. Through initiatives such as Dalarna Startup Arena, investors from all over Sweden have been attracted to the region. Victoria has also played a key role in ensuring that we now have offerings for existing companies and a subsidiary in the form of DalaCapital.
As Director of Communications, Christina Sjöberg has played a key role in building a brand with strong impact, both regionally and nationally. Awareness of Dalarna Science Park has grown within the county, leading more companies to discover the organization. This work has also been recognized with the “Brand of the Year in Dalarna” award.
“The current management team has been instrumental in bringing us to where we are today. We are one of Sweden’s largest science parks, with 45 employees, and I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to Victoria and Christina for their vital contributions and dedication,” says Angelica.
With a strong foundation and a clear direction for the future, we continue our efforts to ensure that Dalarna Science Park remains a relevant force in the rapid transition. We aim to contribute to innovation, competitiveness, and sustainable long-term growth in Dalarna, for the benefit of the entire country.
