What a week we have had. When I look back on Dalarna Innovation Days 2025 - four days, six locations, 26 activities and close to 2000 participants, I feel both pride and confidence in the future. What we create here in Dalarna is something very special.
For me it is crystal clear, Dalarna is not only a part of the national innovation landscape. We are part of and leading it. And we are doing it our way, together. During the week, we have brought together entrepreneurs, researchers, students, business owners and policy makers. Curious, committed and courageous people with a common driving force, the desire to contribute to something greater.
Our tour through the county from Borlänge to Falun, Rättvik, Mora, Ludvika and Hedemora showed the power of that meeting. Because innovation happens where people meet, where new conversations, new contacts and new opportunities arise.
One of the clearest symbols of this power was the Dalarna Startup Arena. Eight selected startups pitched their ideas in front of an experienced jury and a packed room of investors and partners. From head protection via smart energy storage to synthetic data and sustainable paints from the forest, the level of innovation was impressive.
But what stuck with me most was the desire to build long-term relationships. Because that's perhaps what best describes us in Dalarna, we understand how to connect, hold on and persevere, with those we need. Also, think of all the Dalarna ambassadors who are thriving after the visit to Dalarna where they got a taste of the startup scene we have here!
Another example was the activities on the future bioeconomy. Under the themes "From food waste to food waste" and "Swedish wool - from forgotten by-product to resource of the future", we saw how local initiatives are linked to global challenges. It's not just about technology, it's about sustainability, livelihoods and rethinking resources. There is enormous potential here, and Dalarna has both the will and the capacity to lead the way.
We believe that Dalarna Innovation Days matter.
And when the EU's Regional Innovation Scoreboard 2025 now finally, after years of bottom rankings, places North Middle Sweden where Dalarna is included in the Strong Innovator category, it is not a coincidence. It is a receipt. Proof that our model works. The fact that we also top the entire EU and take home a gold medal in collaboration where innovative SMEs that collaborate with universities / research institutes, other business partners, or participation in projects with several organizations, says something deep about us. We win not by running the fastest alone, but by sticking together and sharing power.
We are proud and happy that the days turned out so well, but a successful Dalarna Innovation Days is not an end in itself. It is a starting point. Because now it's time to put what was born during the days into action. Continue to build on the contacts made, follow up the conversations, build on the relationships. Imagine if everyone who participated during the week took just one idea and turned it into reality, what a movement that would create.
My heartfelt thanks to all our partners who make this possible:
European Regional Development Fund, Sparbanksstiftelsen Dalarna, Clas Ohlson Foundation, Dalarna University, Sparbanken Bergslagen, Leksands Knäckebröd, Business News Dalarna, Fastighets AB Hushagen, Borlänge Energi, Dala Energi, Nordion Energi, VB Energi, Falu Energi & Vatten and Region Dalarna.
Angelica Ekholm
CEO, Dalarna Science Park
