War, inflation, the AI revolution, hacker attacks and changing customer behavior. These are just some of the current external factors that Dalarna's companies have to deal with.

- Perhaps never before has it been as important to look up as it is today. But not only to deal with challenges, but also to seize new opportunities," says Marianne Färlin, project manager for the HIT business development program.

The abbreviation in the program name HIT stands for sustainable, innovative growth. The program extends over eight months and is aimed at small and medium-sized companies in Dalarna that want to be better equipped for both the present and the future.

Through HIT, participants receive ongoing individual guidance from Dalarna Science Park's business coaches, in addition to workshops, lectures and seminars.

- At these joint events, they also get the chance to make new important contacts and it has actually generated several cross-industry collaborations, says Marianne Färlin, who often meets former HIT participants at events organized by Dalarna Science Park.

- It always makes me so happy! They continue to be curious and make exciting new contacts, who knows what it might lead to?

Reuse in time

One of those who participated in HIT last year and who has now chosen to continue with an in-depth period of another eight months is Alexander Lindé. He owns the long-established family business Lindés Ur & Guld in Borlänge, which was founded by Alexander's great-grandfather back in 1903.

- "I grew up in Gothenburg and came here as a 21-year-old to try working in the company for a year or so. But now it's suddenly been 17 years," he says and laughs.

In recent years, the number of customers in the store on Sveagatan has increased as interest in old watches and recycled jewelry has grown. "The trend is clear," says Alexander.

- Wear and tear is out, retro and reuse is in. We meet many customers who want to be able to use older wristwatches that they have inherited or bought second-hand. The same goes for wall clocks that may not have been in use for 40-50 years, but which usually work just fine once they have received a little care in our workshop.

Another common assignment for Lindés Ur & Guld is to make new jewelry from older jewelry, such as a charm from two inherited rings.

- The customer gets a unique piece of jewelry with a story and there is no need to mine precious metals, so this is a branch of our business that we hope will grow even more.

Even though sustainability has been part of Lindés for a long time, Alexander thinks that HIT has been a boost. Not least because it has become easier to create structure and see which strategic priorities provide the greatest value.

- The concrete tools that we have received are very good and then the business coaches are absolutely fantastic. Compared to attending a lecture or a shorter course, HIT gives a lot more.

- Then, of course, it's important to go into it with the right attitude. You get great support, but it's you and your colleagues who do the work at home. For us, it's been well worth the time spent on development and strategy because we've gained a lot from it," says Alexander.

Open to change

Since the start in 2021, around 50 people have completed the HIT. Right now, about twenty companies are participating and on April 9, it is time to start the next round of HIT.

- All established companies in Dalarna that are interested in developing are welcome to apply. "Industry doesn't matter, but there needs to be an interest in sustainable growth and innovation. Then, of course, there must be an openness to new ways of thinking, for example, adjusting the business model," says Marianne, emphasizing that individual coaching is always based on needs.

- I promise that we will meet you where you are so that you can start your change process as soon as possible.

Marianne says the program duration of around eight months is a great advantage. It gives participants the chance to work through strategic decisions and finish with concrete plans and actions.

The odds of success are even better if more than one person from the company participates in the program.

- You will be better anchored and you can also help each other to be persistent and drive change, both during and after the program," says Marianne.

Facts

HIT - a business development program for sustainable innovative growth

Program duration: Approximately eight months. Former HIT participants are welcome to return for an in-depth program lasting another eight months.

Content: Workshops and knowledge enhancement seminars about once a month and individual coaching in between.

For whom: SMEs that want to increase their readiness for change, create tangible business benefits and boost innovation through access to expertise, tools and networks.

Application and more information: HIT program - Dalarna Science Park