Helsingborg Innovation District – new member focussing on innovation and collaboration

Helsingborg Innovation District (HID) is based in Oceanhamnen, one of Helsingborg’s most exciting urban development projects. The ambition is to be a glocal leading innovation hub that positions Helsingborg as a key player in innovation, research and sustainable growth. By creating a dynamic environment in which business, the public sector, and academia collaborate, HID will attract and develop talent, companies, and ideas that shape the future. The aim is to position Helsingborg on the national and international innovation map.

A dynamic meeting place for future innovations
Helsingborg Innovation District (HID) is a unique initiative that brings together actors from different sectors. The platform is run by the City of Helsingborg, Lund University, Region Skåne and the South Swedish Chamber of Commerce and Industry. HID includes five hubs that together contribute to the development of the innovation district: HETCH, Mindpark, Parken, Campus Helsingborg (Lund University) and Recolab.

“Our vision is to create a dynamic meeting place that makes Helsingborg visible as one of Europe’s most innovative cities and positions us as a leading player in the international innovation ecosystem,” says Zeynep Erdal, Executive Director of Helsingborg Innovation District.

Broad experience in leadership
Zeynep Erdal, who leads HID, describes her career as a combination of roles in academia, business and the public sector in several countries, including China, Turkey and Norway.

“I combine the role of a development strategist with experience as both an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, which has given me a broad background in running community development projects with multiple dimensions and actors from different sectors,” she says.

Expectations for membership in SISP
As a new member of SISP, Helsingborg Innovation District looks forward to becoming part of a national network of expertise and experience.

“We see great opportunities to learn from others, share our own successes and contribute to the national conversation on the role of innovation and research systems in societal development,” says Zeynep. She also emphasises that HID is the first innovation district to become a member of SISP, giving them a unique opportunity to contribute with new perspectives.

Exchange of experience and networking in focus
Zeynep emphasises networking, exchange of experience and business intelligence as important opportunities offered by membership:

“Innovation districts are a new phenomenon in the Swedish context, and Helsingborg is at the forefront. We look forward to contributing to the national discussion on the role of research and innovation systems in driving societal development and growth.”

A dream of the future of education
If she had unlimited resources, Zeynep would invest in creating the STEAM school of the future.

“My dream is to create a place where science, technology, engineering, art and maths are combined with practical and digital skills. The goal is to create a generation that is not only ready for the future but can actively contribute to shaping it,” she says.

With its focus on innovation and collaboration, the Helsingborg Innovation District adds an exciting new dimension to the SISP network.

To Helsingborg Innovations District.