How do we build a stronger, more competitive Europe in times of turmoil? Last week, Josefin Jaén Nilsson and Mona Sundin from BizMaker participated in the European IASP conference in Bolzano, Italy. An opportunity to share experiences from Sweden, but also to listen, learn and build relationships with other innovation actors in Europe.
IASP (International Association of Science Parks and Areas of Innovation) is a global network of innovation environments - with over 350 members in more than 70 countries. The European division's conference brings together stakeholders from both smaller and larger cities to co-create the innovation climate of the future.
We heard inspiring examples from the host organization NOI Techpark in Bolzano, a region previously dominated by tourism and food production, but which in just five years has built an entire ecosystem for green technology, health, automation and digitalisation. Research, businesses, startups, students and civil society are all working together here, with sustainability and nature at the core.
Key insights ahead
Sweden has a strong reputation as an innovation nation
We are seen as a pioneering country, particularly for the way we have built up a coherent innovation system that supports start-ups and scale-ups. This gives us confidence in international contexts, but also a responsibility to actively contribute knowledge, perspectives and solutions. By being there, we can influence the agenda, bring in the voices of Norrland and Sweden and open doors for future collaborations.
We need more action, not just ambition
The will to cooperate within the EU exists, but we need to be better at actually doing it. We often talk about cooperation, but the pace is too slow. If there is anything we can learn from the US, it is the speed at which they implement changes. It is about lowering the thresholds for development and daring to move from plan to action, both at national and European level.
The local is part of the European
Challenges such as skills supply, climate change and business growth are not unique to us. Seeing other cities struggling with the same issues creates recognition and thus potential for cooperation. Connecting to Europe is not about opting out of the local. Quite the contrary! It's about taking local solutions out into the world, and bringing home ideas that can be anchored in our own context.
Startups and scaleups are Europe's engine but need better conditions
We need to create an environment where new businesses can grow and not just survive. Improving the conditions for startups is not just about national competitiveness, but about the future of Europe as a whole. It means strengthening funding opportunities, the support system and cross-border collaboration and making sure the whole chain works.
Being part of the decision-making process makes a difference
Participating in networks like IASP is more than networking. It is a way to build long-term relationships, position ourselves strategically and create understanding of our everyday life in northern Sweden. It makes it easier to initiate future EU projects, influence policies and show that innovation happens even far from the big capitals. When 84% of European countries gather, we will be there.
