For three days, the core of Sweden's national and regional profiles in innovation environments, politics, business, academia and society will gather in Skövde. 

- The whole of Skaraborg is so hungry to be part of this development. We are part of something bigger, but we also have very unique forces here in our homeland, says Theres Sahlström, chairman of the municipal board in Skövde municipality.

It is no coincidence that the choice fell on Skövde and Skaraborg. Skaraborg is at the center of the largest single industrial investment in modern times. At the same time, the region's already extensive agricultural and food industry is investing heavily to contribute to Sweden's self-sufficiency, and the Swedish armed forces, with three regiments in the region, are adapting to active NATO membership. A growth of 30 000 inhabitants will become a reality over the next 7 years. 

- It is an exciting challenge, which has triggered incredible commitment, collaboration and innovation in Skaraborg. This is where it's happening and now it's happening," says Theres Sahlström.

Important hub

For Skövde and Skaraborg, as one of Sweden's most innovative regions with a leading role in computer game development, tech and smart industry, Sweden's Innovation Riksdag is a unique opportunity to both share our knowledge and learn from and be inspired by innovators around Sweden.

- Skaraborg is an important hub in the Swedish industrial cluster, where we have several major players present in the automotive industry. Along with that, we have a university that works very closely with industry and the public sector in both research and applied development. We also have Science Park Skövde to capture, work with and develop the small and medium-sized companies," says Klas Ericson, National Coordinator, Government Assignment for Initiatives on Large Establishments in the Automotive Industry's Green Transition, Business Sweden.

The automotive industry is undergoing an important transition to fossil-free products, production and value chains. 

- AB Volvo, with major operations in Sweden and centered in the Västra Götaland region, is planning to build a battery cell factory in Mariestad. Access to industrial expertise in several disciplines within and outside the company, built on networks, was an important factor in the decision to locate the factory in Mariestad. It will be a cornerstone in the company's transition to electrified production and transportation systems," says Jörgen Gustafsson, Communications Manager at Volvo.

Nationally leading arena

Another important industry that has emerged in Skövde over the last 20 years is in computer game development. Already in 2002, the University of Skövde started its first game education, and a few years later Science Park Skövde founded its startup program in games, which in recent years receives around 100 applications per year.

- "At Science Park Skövde, we have built something completely unique in Skövde, which has led to several global gaming successes. Through Sweden Game Arena, we have, together with Skövde Municipality and the University of Skövde, created a national leading arena for computer game development, which is becoming an increasingly large and important part of Swedish exports," says Ingi Jonasson, CEO of Science Park Skövde. 

About Innovation Day

The Innovation Riksdag is Sweden's foremost meeting place for actors working to promote, strengthen and develop innovation and business. 

Sweden's Innovation Riksdag, SIR, is the Swedish trade association Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP) annual meeting arena. An event that brings together the core of Sweden's national and regional profiles in innovation environments, politics, business, academia and society. Those who work to promote, strengthen and develop innovation, business and politics based on current societal challenges.

About Swedish Incubators & Science Parks

Swedish Incubators & Science Parks (SISP) is the trade association for Sweden's incubators and science parks. Its members are regional innovation environments across the country. Swedish Incubators & Science Parks supports growth-oriented, innovative companies, as well as established industries and the public sector, to develop a sustainable society through innovation. Several members also run business angel networks and seed capital funds to invest in early stages.