Editorial in newsletter #10 2024
At Dalarna Science Park, we work every day to bring people, ideas and knowledge together. All to create viable companies that contribute to our regional growth.
Our goal is to make Dalarna and the world a little better every day. However, we know that none of the challenges we need to solve now can be done alone, we must work together. Gathering strength together is more important than ever.
But are we good at working together here in Dalarna? It's a question I often ask myself. I recently spoke to Göran Aldén, an experienced trend spotter for 20 years. He has visited Dalarna many times and said something that really got me thinking: "Your problem here in Dalarna is that you can't cooperate." His comment made me stand up. But at the same time, I recognized his image. It's true that we often talk about the importance of collaboration, but in practice it's much more difficult than we might like to admit.
So why is collaboration so difficult? It comes down to many factors. Larger companies often have well-developed processes with clear structures and rules to follow. While smaller companies struggle with time constraints and lack the resources to focus on collaboration. But while it is challenging, it is not impossible.
I think the key is that we all need to start seeing collaboration as a long-term process where the sum of what we achieve together is greater than if we worked separately. But collaboration or cooperation takes time, requires patience and a willingness to be transparent and open about both strengths and weaknesses. And it usually requires enthusiasts who lead, moderate and hold together.
Here at Dalarna Science Park, we have identified a few important keys to successful collaboration. It's about taking everyone's perspective into account, communicating openly and continuously, and being curious about each other's ideas and solutions. It also requires patience, to understand that collaboration can continuously generate small steps forward. Then we achieve results where everyone involved feels like a winner. This is despite the fact that collaboration means both giving and taking. Not everyone can get their way all the time.
There are only days left until Dalarna Innovation Days, where many opportunities to collaborate and contribute to Dalarna's development will open up. Come and join us, take the opportunity to network and get new inspiration.
Dalarna Innovation Days itself is also proof of good collaboration. Together with a number of partners, we have created a program that consists of everything from generative AI, innovation management to business intelligence with a variety of exciting activities and speakers such as Fredrik Reinfeldt, Annie Lööf, Charlotte Mattfolk and Rebecka Karlsson.
Whether you are an entrepreneur, an innovator or just curious about the future - don't miss the chance to participate. Collaboration is hard, but it is necessary if we are to tackle the big challenges. Let's do it together.
Dalarna Innovation Days partners
Dalarna Innovation Days is made possible by the European Regional Development Fund, Sparbanksstiftelsen Dalarna, Clas Ohlson Foundation, Dalarna University, Ljungbergsfonden and Region Dalarna.
Also contributing with program items are Dalarnas energibolag, Business News Dalarna, 2047 Science Center, Region Dalarna, Falu municipality, Smartsign, Sogeti, Atea, Kvadrat, Loxodonta, Nordlo, Simplitude, Trafikverket, Falun-Borlänge region, Ung företagsamhet Dalarna, Leksands knäckebröd, LF Dalarnas, Green Iron, Leksands Sparbank, SSAB, Ny Teknik, Forever Sustainable and others.
