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In a debate article in Ny Teknik, we describe what is needed to develop a sustainable and competitive Swedish industry: “A vibrant innovation environment is crucial for the government's industrial strategy to be realized and for the Swedish indtech miracle to continue to grow.”

But what exactly is a vibrant innovation environment? And how can individual companies, investors, researchers, and individuals gain access to such an environment? For me, the answer is simple – the innovation environment consists of the combined competence and opportunities within the network.

At Automation Region, we are passionate about bringing together players from different industries and sectors to together develop Sweden into a leading industrial and innovative nation. An ambitious commitment, of course, but when we look back on the past year, we can state that the will and commitment is there - both in ourselves and in our network.

Leaders in both business and the public sector must push Swedish small and medium-sized industrial companies to digitize. It is not enough to highlight examples of interesting technology - it requires a broader and more basic discussion of how data is used. That is the opinion of Elin Nordmark, who is Head of Product Management and Promotion, Factory Automation Sweden at Siemens.

In the implementation of Robotlyftet, we have met companies where knowledge of robots and automation has been non-existent. We have also worked with companies that have used robots for many years but want to move forward in their development, for example by improving the design of a product for continued robotization.

What the participating companies have in common, however, is that they highlight the value of a complementary discussion with an independent party. So even though the program includes financial support and other initiatives, I believe that the most important contribution has been that we have been able to increase companies' security in the face of the strategically difficult choices they face.

For over 100 years, Skellefteå has been a strong industrial city. Today, the municipality accounts for more than half of Västerbotten's total exports and the industry is flourishing. There are plenty of jobs, especially in wood and industrial technology, but at the same time it is becoming increasingly difficult for companies to find the right skills. We need to change that.

Like all established companies, Ericsson is in a rapid transition process given the speed of technology development. To some extent, we are used to reinventing and renewing ourselves because every generation of mobile networks - 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and 6G - basically becomes a completely new product family with us. What is a bit new with 5G is that we reach so many more uses, not only consumers with smartphones but pretty much all verticals. Therefore, we must quickly scale up contacts and collaborations with developers in the companies and organizations that build new solutions that benefit from 5G networks.

There is often an almost reflexive effort to keep up with change and renewal, in both industry and various societal functions. But is there enough room and interest for reflection?

In the short term, it is easy to see how AI and other new technology can be used to improve work steps and processes. With the help of data analysis and algorithms, we can, for example, streamline logistics systems and change traffic flows to reduce or even out load. Very positive and clear effects in the short term, but seen in a larger perspective and in the longer term, there is a risk that they drive demand. It creates unwanted effects which, in the worst case, completely offset the positive effects.

The industry is increasingly strengthened by digital services and solutions, if not as fast as in other parts of society. One of the challenges is to find technical solutions that work together with existing processes and with the already existing range of machines and other equipment. It is a complex act of balance that requires many different skills.

Our vision for Industry Day on the 7^th of September is that industrial companies will be given the opportunity to present their needs and challenges while researchers show what solutions are available and what is underway. An informal discussion that can give rise to new contacts and future research issues.

Times are changing and development in our area is rapidly progressing. Today we talk less about industry segments – automation and digitization are crucial success strategies regardless of industry. Collaborating across both regional and national boundaries to learn from each other feels natural. Cooperation is a means of competition and a prerequisite for being able to take the lead in digitization and the transition towards a more sustainable production.

It is with great anticipation that I take on the role of new Chairman of the Board of Automation Region. We have exciting times ahead of us with high goals and ambitions. In five years, we will be Europe's leading innovation environment for automation. It is a bold vision - and to succeed will require a great deal of courage, skill and energy.