It often starts the same way: a sense that something is changing and that old truths are no longer enough.
During Dalarna Talks, futurist Judith Wolst illustrated this with an image that stuck with many of us. The penguins stand together at the edge of the ice; they know the future lies out there in the water, but no one wants to be the first to jump. Until someone does. And suddenly, what had just seemed risky becomes possible.
That is an apt description of the times we are living in right now.
AI is no longer a distant technological shift focused primarily on chatbots and smart text. We are now entering the next phase—a phase where AI intersects with energy, industry, materials, biology, and the physical world. In this phase, the technology is being used to create new solutions in manufacturing, sustainability, urban development, and innovation.
And in the midst of these developments, Dalarna has a unique opportunity.
At the national level, the bar has been set: Sweden is to become one of the world’s leading AI nations, and visions and strategies are now being developed. We choose to focus on taking action—by testing, implementing, and creating real value. In Dalarna, there is a rapidly growing AI infrastructure thanks to the establishment of a European AI supercomputer, and here we have the energy, data centers, major industries, and an innovative public sector. We are the best in the EU at collaboration* and are committed to transformation.
As always, we have high ambitions. By establishing a regional AI hub designed to connect businesses, the public sector, academia, and innovation systems, we are helping to make AI practical and useful. To support this effort, we are now recruiting three key individuals who will help build the AI ecosystem of the future in Dalarna.
At the same time, we are reorganizing within Dalarna Science Park to meet the needs of the future and create even better conditions for innovation and sustainable development. We dare to take the leap, because we don’t just want to follow developments—we want to help shape them. It’s easy to sit back and believe that the future is being created somewhere else—in Silicon Valley or Stockholm, on the major tech stages—but more and more often, we’re seeing something different. The future is built where people dare to and are able to collaborate—where courageous individuals, companies, and regions choose to take the leap first.
We're in that situation right now—how about your organization?
Angelica Ekholm
, CEO, Dalarna Science Park
Would you like to help shape the future?
We are currently looking for more people who want to help make Dalarna Sweden’s AI hub. Learn more about our job openings here: Work with us – Dalarna Science Park
Did you miss Dalarna Talks with Judith Wolst? Watch the conversation on demand and discover the future trends that are inspiring the next steps for Dalarna: Watch Dalarna Talks from May 7 on AI, energy, and data centers – Dalarna Science Park
*The EU's annual report on innovation, the European Innovation Scoreboard/Regional Innovation Scoreboard
