Adaptation with continued focus

When we summarize a year, it is usually about what has happened and what we have learned from it. But not much has been normal in 2020. We have experienced radical changes and learning on a whole new level. We have faced challenges that we could never have foreseen - extreme disruptions in value chains that have previously been considered stable, and companies, yes, entire industries that have basically been punctured.

Something that has been highlighted throughout the year is the increased pressure on lifelong learning. Also, the importance of continuous development through courses and programs that are tailored for professionals. It has been gratifying to see that the supply of post-secondary education at both undergraduate and advanced level has increased, as has the number of adapted courses. During the year, we also noted a significant increase in participants at our seminars and other activities. Of course, it is easier to take part in new knowledge when it is digital and more accessible. At the same time, we see a continuing great need for forums to be able to reflect and deepen the insights together with others.

What we have previously taken for granted, the ability to unconditionally discuss new thoughts and ideas at the coffee break, we have largely lost when many people work from home. What does this mean for the power of innovation and the ability to refine each other's thoughts and ideas? Now planning and structure are required for this new situation as well.

At Automation Region, we try to meet this need by creating challenge-driven workshops based on a methodology with open discussions. Thank you to all of you who contribute and unpretentiously share your knowledge and experience! By jointly discussing and developing our ideas and insights, we can find new strong collaborations and inspire each other to action.

We are now looking forward to a new year which we will fill with projects, initiatives and seminars that support development of the industry. The starting point is that we meet digitally, but we are preparing for several scenarios. Because if it is something that we have learned from the year 2020, it is the importance of being able to adapt to the circumstances, without losing the opportunity to gather around relevant issues.

We wish all our members, business partners and other friends a wonderful Christmas holiday!

Process management Automation Region
Magdalena Evaldson, Catarina Berglund, Åsa Lagerstedt, Bernt Henriksen, Anna Sandberg, Elin Asplund, Stefan Hollertz, Helena Blackbright and Daniel Boqvist