HIPS project gets extension

Mon 02 Mar 2026 14:30

The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth grants Mid Sweden University a comprehensive extension of the project HIPS – Sustainable Innovations and Products in Forest Bioeconomy. The new project period extends until 30 September 2029.

HIPS Magnus Norgren

The overall goal of the HIPS project is to, with the support of Mid Sweden University's cutting-edge research, strengthen small and medium-sized companies in the bioeconomy. By providing expertise, development support and innovative power, the project will contribute to companies being better equipped for the global competition of the future. At the same time, sustainable initiatives and the region's international expertise in wood, fibre and cellulose are promoted.

Long-term investment to strengthen the region's innovation power

The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth has now decided to grant additional funds for the continuation of the project, in accordance with the revised time and activity plan. The extended project period – 2 years and 10 months – means that HIPS will have the opportunity to both consolidate previous results and deepen its work in areas with great development potential.
The new end date for the project will be 2029-09-30.

The extension makes it possible to:

  1. Deepen the research
    Through continued development of the cutting-edge areas of wood fibre, cellulose materials and wood materials, the project can build on the strong research base that has been created.
  2. Strengthen collaboration and networks
    HIPS is investing in more seminars, workshops and new spaces for collaboration between small and medium-sized companies, industry players, industrial groups and the innovation system – regionally and nationally.
  3. Increase internationalisation
    The project will strengthen international collaborations and open doors to European consortia. HIPS thus acts as a bridge between regional companies and the EU's research and innovation programmes.

This reinforcement aims to ensure the long-term viability of the investments made so far, and to give the region's companies even better opportunities to develop competitive, bio-based products. At the same time, Mid Sweden University is consolidating its role as a leading research and innovation partner in the field.

"With this extension, we can both consolidate the successes we have already achieved and at the same time open up new opportunities for companies in the region to grow. The combination of cutting-edge research, strong networks and increased internationalization makes HIPS an engine for sustainable transition in the bioeconomy," says Magnus Norgren, project manager HIPS at Mid Sweden University.


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The page was updated 3/2/2026