New innovation panel conducted by Dalarna Science Park.
A large proportion of an ageing population is seen as Dalarna's biggest societal challenge - but the solution lies in increased cooperation between business, academia and the public sector.
The results of this year's first Innovation Panel, a survey conducted by Novus on behalf of Dalarna Science Park, have just been compiled. On the theme of societal challenges and innovation, more than a thousand people in Dalarna aged 18-65 years have answered questions. It is clear that Dalarna's ageing population is seen as the biggest societal challenge, along with a potentially weakened economy in municipalities and the region. At the same time, there is a strong belief that there is a high level of innovation in Dalarna and that collaboration between business, academia and the public sector will ensure that the challenges in the region can be overcome and growth increased.
When Dalarna residents are asked to list the societal challenges they see as greatest in the region, the ageing population and lack of public funds are listed highest. Lack of energy sources, tourism and education are at the bottom, which means that in Dalarna these areas are considered to be well served. In contrast, climate change, unemployment and road and rail connections are seen as the next most important societal challenges. Road and rail connections are specifically mentioned by residents of northern Dalarna.
Unsurprisingly, the answer to the question in which area innovation is seen to have the greatest impact and influence in solving Dalarna's societal challenges is healthcare. Here, collaboration between business, academia and the public sector is seen as the key to success. Which is interpreted as a response to a need to solve the biggest societal challenge.
- This year's first Innovation Panel points to both visible problems and possible solutions. "It is extremely positive that cooperation between different sectors - between business, academia and the public sector - is ranked so highly. It is precisely there, at the intersection of these sectors, that innovations have the potential to be put to use more quickly and benefit society. This is what we work on every day," says Angelica Ekholm, CEO, Dalarna Science Park.
On Thursday, March 21, Dalarna Science Park held a seminar, within the framework of the Dalarna Talks seminar series, on the theme of innovation. The seminar attracted 160 participants both on site and digitally. One of the speakers was the Regional Director of Region Dalarna Anna Thörn.
- Dalarna has its challenges, of course, but it is a region that has great potential to move from words to action. I am proud of the cross-border cooperation that is taking place here so that together we can solve the problems that may stand in the way of a stronger future," says Anna Thörn.
The innovation panel was conducted by Novus during the period February 23 to March 12, 2024 among 1000 people in Dalarna aged 18-65.
