Innovation in focus when the County Administrative Board and PRV visited Campus Sundsvall

In their roles as innovation advisors, Karolina Rosdahl and Sten Wigert, together with Deputy Vice-Chancellor Hans-Erik Nilsson, were specially invited to discuss innovation issues during a dinner at the County Governor's residence on Monday 29 January. This was part of the program the County Administrative Board put together for PRV's visit to Västernorrland.  

"PRV is an important player in the innovation system, so it feels great that they, together with our new County Governor, are curious about Västernorrland's strong position as an innovation county. Year in and year out, we in Västernorrland are at the top of the list of patents applied for. and this is where Mid Sweden University's research and education play a significant role in this top ranking", says Sten Wigert.

What did they learn during the visit?

The focus of the visit was on social innovations and women, as well as research and innovation linked to utilisation. Vice-Chancellor Anders Fällström began with an overall presentation about Mid Sweden University. Hans-Erik Nilsson, in his role as Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Innovation and Business Affairs, then spoke about the University's innovation work in general.

Annika Kjällman-Alm, senior lecturer at the Department of Health Sciences, presented the innovation journey with the PER model (educational, emotional and relationship-building tools). Edith Andresen, researcher working at CER, talked about "The city as an arena for interaction – reflections on integration, culture and cultural shift".

The delegations also visited the STC and FSCN research centres to find out more about the research being conducted and various projects. One of the projects presented was Pressure, which is working to develop sensors in mattresses that can counteract the risk of pressure ulcers. Furthermore, at FSCN, the battery research that is being conducted was presented. They also heard about the new, biodegradable materials for menstrual products that researchers are working to develop.

"What I take with me from the days together with PRV and the County Administrative Board is the value of meeting. To increase understanding of various challenges and raise awareness of all the positive investments that are being made to develop the region. It is important that different decision-makers see the big picture", says Karolina Rosdahl.

Who was in the delegation?

• Carin Jämtin, County Governor of the County Administrative Board
• Daniel Gustafsson, County Commissioner, County Administrative Board
• Thomas Ekenberg, Head of Communications & Coordination, County Administrative Board
• Malin Vedin, Strategist Innovation and Business, Region Västernorrland
• Peter Strömbäck, Director General of the Swedish Patent and Registration Office
• Margareta Ternell, Marketing Manager at PRV
• Maziar Soltani, Head of the Digitalisation and Development Department, PRV
• Johan Westberg, Head of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, PRV