What do the people of Dalarna really think about innovation, digitalization, and sustainable development? We know, because we asked them.
For the fifth consecutive year, we have conducted the Innovation Panel, where over 1,100 people from across Dalarna have shared their thoughts on the future. The results are more than just numbers. They are voices. Directions. And a powerful reminder that development in Dalarna is not controlled from outside – it starts here.
That is precisely why we at Dalarna Science Park do more than just collect data – we create dialogue. When we organized Dalarna Talks in December, on the theme "How we face the world and the future with Fredrik Reinfeldt, " we broke attendance records. This time, the panel discussion focused on international business and how Dalarna can remain stable in a changing world.
Despite the uncertain times we are currently experiencing, as Fredrik explains in Dalarna Talks, there is a remarkably strong belief in the future in Dalarna. This has been shown in reports from the Confederation of Swedish Enterprise, the Central Swedish Chamber of Commerce, and the Small Business Barometer. It is inspiring to work in a county where people believe in the future, and much was said about this in the last Dalarna Talks of the year. You can watch the program here. To guide our business forward in the right direction and offer what Dalarna needs, we are implementing the Innovation Panel. A summary of this can also be found here:
- Almost 80% believe that innovation is the key to entrepreneurship.
40% highlight collaboration between business, the public sector, and academia as crucial to increasing innovative capacity. As the innovation arena for the entire Dalarna region, this is our mission every day. As a result, over the past year we have risen to first place in Europe together with Värmland and Gävleborg, meaning that we are now the best in Europe at collaboration! - 88% are positive about companies using recycled materials – clear support for the sustainable transition. That is why we are driving several initiatives in this area, for example through our Circular Industry Accelerator, where we support companies in utilizing waste streams to create new value. We are working to recycle everything from whey and wool to cinder and waste wood.
- 49% believe that a lack of knowledge is the biggest obstacle to using AI and digitalization in companies. We listen and offer businesses and organizations the opportunity to make a digital transition, for example through AI-lyftet, so that more people can gain access to generative AI and its possibilities more quickly.
As the year draws to a close, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to everyone who has contributed their insights, ideas, and energy. Innovation is born when people come together. Take care of each other during the dark winter months, recharge your batteries, because next year we will continue to build the future of Dalarna. Together.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at Dalarna Science Park!
Angelica Ekholm, CEO of Dalarna Science Park,
This is what Dalarna thinks! Read our report on innovation, sustainability, and optimism about the future.
What is the actual state of innovation in Dalarna? According to responses from over 1,100 people in our latest Innovation Panel, there is strong confidence in the future and a clear desire to contribute to a sustainable and growing business sector.
The Innovation Panel 2025, conducted in collaboration with Novus on behalf of Dalarna Science Park, provides unique insight into how Dalarna residents and businesses view innovation, digitalization, circularity, and internationalization.
