12 October 2023
The purpose of the trips that have been carried out since 2001, on the initiative of H.M. the King, is to provide new knowledge and create contacts that can ultimately lead to increased exchange of ideas and enhanced competitiveness. Ronnie Berntsson participated in the trip on 10–12 October in Västerbotten and Norrbotten.
Photo: Ronnie Berntsson
Swedish business leaders and representatives from government agencies and universities had been invited.
This year, H.M. The King, Marcus Wallenberg, Chairman of IVA, Tuula Teeri, CEO of IVA, and approximately 30 different representatives from business, government agencies and universities participated. Photo: IVA
The delegation visited several businesses and stakeholders in Skellefteå, Luleå, and Boden over the course of three days. The program stated: ‘In northern Sweden, major industrial investments are underway, driven in large part by necessary measures to reduce negative climate impact. During the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences’ visit to Västerbotten and Norrbotten on October 10–12, sustainable transition and development will be in focus. Specifically, the trip will address issues such as technological development, skills supply, and research. To meet the transition, the energy supply and recycling need to be strengthened. There is a great need for a trained workforce, which will also increase the importance of societal development and attractive living environments. Constructive collaboration between politics, authorities, business, and academia is crucial for the transition, as is how conflicts of interest are brought up, discussed, and managed.’
The delegation also listened to the perspectives of local young people on what it is like to grow up in Boden and what can be done to make young people choose to stay in the municipality. At the Science House in Luleå, the delegation also met interns from the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences’ program Tekniksprånget (the Technology Leap), who had a conversation with H.M. the King about technology and the future.
It was very rewarding to participate in the Royal Swedish Academy of Engineering Sciences’ Royal Technology Journey. We learned a lot about the new green industries in Norrland, including visits to Northvolt, Boliden, and H2 Green Steel. In addition, it was very valuable to interact with the delegation, which consisted of prominent individuals from academia, business, and authorities, says Chair Ronnie Berntsson. We also had a great session on conflicts of interest, including presentations from the Sami Parliament and the Swedish Armed Forces. Overall, it was a fantastic trip from which I took away several lessons.
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