The Corona crisis – reflections and learning

Darja Isaksson is Director General of Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation agency, and since 2019 has been a member of the Swedish National Digitalisation Council, set up by the Swedish Government. Vinnova is involved in the Industry Day on 7 September and we have spoken with Darja Isaksson about the role of the government in the continued development of the industry in Sweden.

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.

Recently, the seminar series on the future forms of collaboration finished, where representatives from around 40 companies gathered to discuss working methods and organizational structures. Martin Marklund from Automation Region's member company Sigholm led the seminar series.

– In collaborations within the organization, we gain a lot from whether everyone can be a leader but is also open to being led. You are a leader in the specific situation where you are most knowledgeable, regardless of whether you are a senior or junior.

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.