How do we shape the excellent innovation environments of the future?

We asked this question when we, together with iHubs, invited representatives from incubators, science parks, regions, Vinnova, law, innovation coaching, etc. to a workshop on how we can work together to shape the next generation of excellent innovation environments.

The day marked a joint launch of the Sweden Innovation Excellence project and the focus was on jointly formulating excellence criteria for our Swedish innovation environments.

– It was an important opportunity to contribute to the national direction – to ensure that the experience and perspectives of the organisations represented are included from the very beginning of the project,” says Magnus Bårdén, Project Manager Sweden Innovations Excellence.

Through a workshop, the goal was to achieve a common ground, see which dimensions an innovation environment must be strong in to be excellent and highlight future development opportunities. The participants agreed on how they are important intermediaries for Sweden’s innovation power and that the importance of measurement, being able to communicate effects and the possibility of influence must not be forgotten.

– It is also important to have dynamic thinking in the innovation environments in order to be able to adapt quickly – for example when the world around us changes,” says Lena Miranda, CEO of Linköping Science Park.

The day ended with reflections on the future, where participants highlighted aspects such as the size of innovation environments, geographical location and national collaboration opportunities – linked to the work of excellence.

– “To strengthen Sweden’s innovation ecosystem, we need to both clarify the value of our innovation environments and create structures for joint learning. This project is an important step in defining excellence and building consensus on how we together develop the system forward – through increased collaboration between environments throughout the country, also in an international context,” says Ellinor Bokedal, Head of Policy at SISP.

Don’t miss the Swedish Innovation Riksdag (SIR) 26-28 May where we will take the project further. Are you a business developer and member of SISP? Welcome to participate in our event linked to SIE, during the first day of SIR!

Facts about Sweden Innovation Excellence (SIE)

The Sweden Innovation Excellence project aims to strengthen Sweden’s innovation power, through impact for companies, innovation environments, regions in Sweden. The project is run by SISP and iHubs and is co-financed by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth. Read more about the project here!