Representatives from research, industry and the municipality gathered around sustainable materials
On 21–22 January, researchers, companies and public actors gathered in Ånge for a conference focusing on sustainable materials and chemical development as well as the energy solutions of the future.
The conference was organised by Mid Sweden University and the FSCN research centre in collaboration with the norwegian research institute SINTEF, together with Ånge Municipality, at Hussborg Manor in Ljungaverk.
During two intensive days, academia, industry and public actors from both Sweden and Norway met to share research, industrial perspectives and future plans. The days shed light on the growing collaboration between Västernorrland and Trøndelag and on Ånge as a place for the green industrial transition.
Ånge municipality highlighted the long tradition in the chemical industry and its strategic location as important prerequisites for continued development.
"There are a lot of exciting things happening in Ånge. We as a research environment operate in this region and it is very fun to be able to invite Norwegian partners and contribute to the development of Ånge municipality and our surrounding area," says Birgitta Engberg, center director for the FSCN Research Center at Mid Sweden University.
"The fact that this conference is taking place here in Ånge puts the light on us as a municipality. There is great development potential here for the type of green energy and industry that is in focus," says Erik Lövgren, municipal commissioner in Ånge.
Current research
The program included a wide range of presentations in sustainable materials, chemicals and energy. Researchers presented current research on silicon-based materials for batteries, graphene, ceramic materials, recycling and hydrogen technology, as well as new methods for modelling and additive manufacturing.
"We hope that these days will lead to more collaboration across the border between research and industry," says Stefan Andersson, researcher at SINTEF and initiator of the conference.
The days showed the importance of common meeting places.
"The issue of sustainable materials, chemicals and energy is crucial for the future. Our hope is that the meeting between researchers and companies from both Norway and Sweden will contribute to this development," says Jonas Örtegren, associate professor and researcher at FSCN, Mid Sweden University.
Positive attention for development work
For Ånge municipality, the conference is seen as an acknowledgement that the local development work is being recognized.
"The fact that this research is presented here in Ånge shows that what we are aiming for is being noticed by universities and research centres on both sides of the border," says Tomas Widenfalk, project coordinator in Ånge municipality.
The conference is part of the project "SifMa - Strengthened IoF environments in Trøndelag and Västernorrland through collaboration in materials research", which is funded by Interreg Sweden-Norway.