Editorial in newsletter #7 2024
On my way home from Almedalen, after a couple of days of democracy and public debate, I have many impressions to take with me. Every year, I am equally proud that we in our country manage to conduct Almedalen Week in such a dignified and successful way.
I have met so many important and interesting people for Dalarna. I have had the privilege of telling them about all the exciting things happening in our region, both in public seminars and panel discussions, but also in informal and equally important meetings. I have been able to listen to those with experience from other parts of our country. What pleases me most is that so many decision-makers have spontaneously said they want to come to Dalarna and visit the county to find out more.
For the third year in a row, we took Dalarna Talks to Almedalen for a seminar on Dalarna's growth. Three years ago, we chose to put a question mark after the title "Is Dalarna Sweden's next growth region?". This year, we have more confidence and were therefore able to invite to a debate and discussion about Dalarna as Sweden's next growth region. Our seminar was also broadcast digitally, which meant that many people at home in Dalarna, and in other places around our country, could take part in the conversations.
I am pleased that we once again filled the hall. There is great interest in Dalarna's growth. In Dalarna, at least 25 investments over SEK 50 million have been announced in the past year. Several of these 25 investments are also in the billions. This is despite the fact that Northvolt recently announced their intention to withdraw from the establishment in Borlänge.
The parallels with the position northern Sweden found itself in a few years ago are great. Many are interested in whether lessons can be learned from the north or whether Dalarna, a county in central Sweden, has different challenges? It turns out that there are more similarities than differences. The challenges faced in the north are recognized in Dalarna. Many believe that the solution would be for the county administrative board to be given an expanded coordinating role, for example to get housing construction underway.
I know that I will have reason to continue having interesting discussions with you, in various forums, on the theme of growth in the coming year. Not least in view of the forthcoming work on what will now be the best industrial site in northern Europe, Kvarnsveden, which now seems to be changing hands. I know that there is great interest in establishing businesses in Dalarna.
You can watch the seminar afterwards via the link below.
Until then, I wish you all a restful and wonderful summer. I look forward to seeing and hearing from you again in August, when we will face a rich and exciting Dala fall.
Angelica Ekholm, CEO Dalarna Science Park
Watch the broadcast from Almedalen
