Responsibility in a new era 

Having just returned from Stockholm and Techarenan, I feel very optimistic about the future. At a time when the world is characterized by geopolitical unrest, economic uncertainty, and rapid technological change, it was clear that Sweden's innovative power is strong and that Dalarna is a natural part of that movement. 

Editorial in newsletter #2 2026.

Together with our Dalarna companies and startups, we were in Stockholm to attract capital to Dalarna. Capital that will be invested in our companies and, in the long term, create new jobs and contribute to our region. Several companies met with investors who showed genuine interest in investing based on the fact that our companies are perceived as professional and at the forefront of innovative ideas. 

Every day, we work actively to attract capital to Dalarna and build bridges between entrepreneurs and investors, between ideas and markets. Every investment that lands here strengthens our region and makes us more competitive, both nationally and internationally. 

During Techarenan, we heard some historic news when Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Mistral CEO Arthur Mensch announced the establishment of a European supercomputer in Borlänge. It is extremely positive that a player at the absolute forefront of AI has chosen to invest in our region, and that they also want to invest in building research and development capacity in Sweden. 

We now have momentum, and it is time to shift gears. We have the opportunity to position Dalarna as a new AI center, a place where advanced technology, entrepreneurship, and industrial tradition converge. With the right investments in skills provision, business development, and collaboration, we can create an environment where both startups and established companies can grow side by side. 

But amid all this technological optimism, it strikes me how easily sustainability issues risk being pushed further down the agenda. The global trends we are seeing right now, where political and short-term economic interests sometimes take precedence, make it even more important for us to stand firm in our values. For us, sustainability is always at the top of the agenda.

The green transition is not just a climate issue, it is a competitive issue. Regions that are involved in and leading the transition will also lead growth. Dalarna, with its strong industrial base and growing tech sector, has everything it needs to take the lead. We must increase the pressure on the transition of the economy and show that growth and responsibility go hand in hand. 

That is why, together with EY, we are inviting you toDear Economy, an initiative that has attracted international attention and won the prestigious Gullpollen competition, among others. Under the theme New Paths to a Resilient Future, we are bringing together stakeholders who want to explore how we can build a business sector that is both competitive and sustainable in the long term. It's about thinking in new ways about value creation, business models, and collaboration. 

Read more about our participation in Techarena and our companies in the newsletter. There you will also find an invitation tothe Dear Economy workshop. 

The future is being shaped here and now. And we have every opportunity to make Dalarna a leading force in both the digital and green transitions. Green and intelligent.  

Angelica Ekholm, CEO Dalarna Science Park