Success stories within Innovation

Värmland has extensive and wide-ranging expertise in refining forest raw materials. Biobased materials are vital in achieving climate goals, but there are also challenges that can slow down development.
Holmen is currently exploring the potential of demand-driven, local 3D manufacturing of critical spare parts and components. "We believe in this concept. Not having to transport spare parts across half the globe is not only good for the environment but also creates local jobs," says Rune Jonsson, purchaser at Holmen.
In northern Central Sweden, new manufacturing methods are being tested to create cost-effective and sustainable products. One successful example is SSAB, which has developed 3D-printed tools with laser hardening.
To secure North-Middle Sweden’s competitiveness for the future, business promoters in Värmland, Dalarna and Gävleborg have organised training courses in service-driven business development. In simple terms, it is about increasing companies’ profitability by developing value-adding offers with the customer’s needs in focus. “This training opened up the mind to how you can work with services,” says Lina Bylund, who completed the training.
From an EU perspective, North-Middle Sweden is below average in terms of investment in research and innovation. At the same time, it is a region well placed to create sustainable regional development through rich natural resources and prominent industries. A number of initiatives are currently underway to make better use of these opportunities. Here are a few examples.
A long-term effort to secure industry’s access to critical spare parts and components is now underway. The aim is to contribute to a competitive industry by reducing the risk of supply chain disruptions.