Innovation was the theme of this year's first Innovation Panel. A primary task of Dalarna Science Park is to ensure that business in the region contributes to regional growth. But companies in Dalarna contribute to both regional and national growth. This year's first Innovation Panel also addressed issues related to innovation across generations.
Dalarna better equipped
Responses to questions about the conditions for innovation in Dalarna today compared to the turn of the millennium showed that over 60% felt that Dalarna is better equipped today to help and support entrepreneurs than 23 years ago. The main reason given was, among other things, the promotional organizations that offer new companies support to develop and grow. The Innovation Panel also asked for the clearest and most likely growth area.
Electricity and energy sector
One question asked in which sector the next great Swedish innovation will be created. An overwhelming majority, 60%, were convinced that this will happen in electricity and energy. The area that received the second highest number of responses was healthcare, with 15% of respondents believing that this is where the next great Swedish invention will be created. Other areas mentioned were transportation and education. But far fewer thought these areas would excel in innovation. Responses were divided on whether innovation is a one-man job or the result of several interacting forces.
56% are convinced that the best ideas are born in groups. 38% are convinced that it is usually one person who comes up with the basic idea.
Innovations across generations
One question in the Innovation Panel asked whether respondents believed that the incentive to innovate differs between generations. Almost half said that the incentive is the same regardless of age but that the starting point differs between generations. In contrast, almost as many respondents, 40%, believed that each generation finds its own engine for creating ideas.
Innovation Report 2023
This is an article from Dalarna Science Park's Innovation Report 2023.
Read the full Innovation Report 2023
