In 2022, we conducted a number of in-depth interviews with large and medium-sized industrial companies in Dalarna. When asked what they wanted Dalarna to be known for in the future, almost all of them highlighted the high level of innovation, our development capacity and the expertise available in the companies. They also want Dalarna to be known for being at the forefront and one step ahead. Quite simply, we want to be known for our high level of innovation and our technological development.
I really agree, to build Sweden's future prosperity and solve the societal challenges we face, I am convinced that we need an innovative and competitive business community. This will require us to challenge our existing businesses and processes and to dare to invest in development and innovation. To succeed in this, we need interaction between different organizations and people where we jointly help to transform everything from industry and energy systems to transforming our public systems.
Dalarna is an important part of building Sweden's future prosperity
An incredible example from Dalarna is when the companies Mondo arkitekter, Structor and Fiskarhedenvillan came together in a collaborative project* to discuss potential developments. This resulted in Villa Zero, the world's first climate-neutral villa, built by an all-women construction team in Borlänge, Dalarna. The project where we brought the different companies together also led to the creation of a women's network for gender equality in the construction industry - Women Building Sweden, whose initiators were recently awarded a gender equality prize for their commitment. Two proofs of how innovative ideas are born when new constellations are created and how to get people to look at Dalarna.
Another example is the survey we conducted with industrial companies, where we learned about their wishes for how Dalarna should be perceived. That's when the idea of creating an innovation week in Dalarna was born.
And now we can actually look back on the very first edition of Dalarna Innovation Days, which will become an annual event with a focus on increasing knowledge about, and increasing the pace of our ability to think and do new things. To create the new meetings, collaborate and together find the courage to create completely new solutions! And yes, we can certainly say that more companies in Dalarna than those interviewed understand the importance of innovation. The first round of Dalarna Innovation Days had 1,500 registered for 22 activities in three locations.
WOW! And this is just the beginning, right?
I am convinced that we in Dalarna will be an important part of creating Sweden's future prosperity!
*Collaborative project BIOinno; Paper Province, Dalarna Science Park, Byggdialog Dalarna, IUCDalarna
