Invest in Blekinge

INVEST IN BLEKINGE A region on a mission - Where life and business grow together

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What if we said there’s a place that’s just as perfect for life as for business? A place in the country that has given the world great pop music, the Nobel Prize and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, IKEA, Spotify, Bluetooth, Volvo and TetraPak. LIVE BY THE SEA

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We simply nailed it Living in Blekinge is easy to love. A place where everything is at arm’s

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Lead publisher Business Blekinge, RB23101 Production Mustasch Reklambyrå and Region Blekinge Photography Andreas Blomlöf, Angelica Zanders, BTH, Michael Pettersson, Image page 14 of wood and textiles. Image: Södra Photo: Ny Studio Fredrik Syrén, Karlshamns kommun, Sölvesborgs kommun and others Print: Stibo

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length: decision-makers, dynamic business networks, and a highly skilled workforce. A place where you can go from making the most of your business to making the most of your spare time by taking the boat to work in ten minutes and dropping off your kids at preschool along the way. Blekinge, Sweden, with a unique archipelago in the Baltic Sea, is that place. To sweeten

the deal housing prices and living expenses in Blekinge are more affordable than in metropolitan areas.

In the following pages we will illustrate how life and business grow together in Blekinge.

2 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 3

World-cl

Join our m i

10 on

e 13

Marine T ec

What if we said there’s a place that’s just as perfect for life as for business? A place in the country that has given the world great pop music, the Nobel Prize and Zlatan Ibrahimovic, IKEA, Spotify, Bluetooth, Volvo and TetraPak. LIVE BY THE SEA

wo

ful wa t e r n der s4

n7

Collaboratio

Financed by:

We simply nailed it Living in Blekinge is easy to love. A place where everything is at arm’s

kinge - close e l B to

Lead publisher Business Blekinge, RB23101 Production Mustasch Reklambyrå and Region Blekinge Photography Andreas Blomlöf, Angelica Zanders, BTH, Michael Pettersson, Image page 14 of wood and textiles. Image: Södra Photo: Ny Studio Fredrik Syrén, Karlshamns kommun, Sölvesborgs kommun and others Print: Stibo

al

d students 6

w av

green transiti

t

n to pioneer o i t ss

he

gies riding

he

olo n h

as

Experience our strengths!

arch and t

te en

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length: decision-makers, dynamic business networks, and a highly skilled workforce. A place where you can go from making the most of your business to making the most of your spare time by taking the boat to work in ten minutes and dropping off your kids at preschool along the way. Blekinge, Sweden, with a unique archipelago in the Baltic Sea, is that place. To sweeten

the deal housing prices and living expenses in Blekinge are more affordable than in metropolitan areas.

In the following pages we will illustrate how life and business grow together in Blekinge.

4 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 5

Infrastructure and logistics Blekinge is conveniently located in south east of Sweden, in the middle of the Baltic region close to important European markets. You can fly to Stockholm in one hour from Ronneby Airport and in two and a half hours by train or car, you’re at Copenhagen Airport, Scandinavia’s largest flight hub.

The founder of Eriksberg Bengt Berg declared in 1940 that the existence of Eriksberg is important to show urbanized people how animals and nature work – how we all interact in symbiosis.

The Ark, a new edition to the reserve is an expression of erasing boundaries between indoor living and the great outdoors – experience nature 365 days in a beautiful setting without disrupting the natural life surrounding you.

INTERNATIONAL HARBOURS

Blekinge has an extensive network of regional train services, good road infrastructure and three international harbours; Karlshamn,

Karlskrona and Sölvesborg. All three harbours in Blekinge offer a wide range of services such as attractive intermodal solutions and storage. Two of these harbours are part of the Trans-European Transport Network “TEN-T” with multiple daily departures, to Poland, Lithuania and Germany with new energy efficient RoPax ferries. European road E22 is also part of “TEN-T” and is currently undergoing major improvements for increased capacity and safety.

Blekinge thereby is the natural

gateway to large population centres in central and eastern Europe and beyond.

EASY ACCESS

In Blekinge, distances are short – both geographically and mentally. Only 100 kilometers from east to west, 40 kilometers north to south, with five municipalities and easy access to decisionmakers.

All eager to support business development.

ENERGY STABILITY

Blekinge – Close to wonderful waters If you put beauty and growth together, Blekinge is the perfect visualization. A coastal landscape in the south east of Sweden, where water is always present as well as connections to the continent on

the other side of the Baltic sea. We tend to say that our compact size is our strength. All through the region you get countless examples of beauty surrounding you in nature, history, culture, and food.

And because of close proximity, it´s all within easy reach. It´s yours to experience and enjoy.

Blekinge has a stable electric grid with no present bottlenecks limiting the use of electricity. There are district heating systems for heating and circular use of residual heat from industrial processes and the potential of solar power is excellent as we are in the top three regions of sun hours per day.

GREEN ENERGY POTENTIAL

The unexploited areas in the Baltic sea outside Blekinge has drawn a lot of attention from some of Europe’s largest companies within offshore wind energy.

There are a number of projects in different stages of development with potentially large amounts of green energy landing in Blekinge.

Ronneby

Olofström Karlshamn

Sölvesborg

Karlskrona

4 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 5

Infrastructure and logistics Blekinge is conveniently located in south east of Sweden, in the middle of the Baltic region close to important European markets. You can fly to Stockholm in one hour from Ronneby Airport and in two and a half hours by train or car, you’re at Copenhagen Airport, Scandinavia’s largest flight hub.

The founder of Eriksberg Bengt Berg declared in 1940 that the existence of Eriksberg is important to show urbanized people how animals and nature work – how we all interact in symbiosis.

The Ark, a new edition to the reserve is an expression of erasing boundaries between indoor living and the great outdoors – experience nature 365 days in a beautiful setting without disrupting the natural life surrounding you.

INTERNATIONAL HARBOURS

Blekinge has an extensive network of regional train services, good road infrastructure and three international harbours; Karlshamn,

Karlskrona and Sölvesborg. All three harbours in Blekinge offer a wide range of services such as attractive intermodal solutions and storage. Two of these harbours are part of the Trans-European Transport Network “TEN-T” with multiple daily departures, to Poland, Lithuania and Germany with new energy efficient RoPax ferries. European road E22 is also part of “TEN-T” and is currently undergoing major improvements for increased capacity and safety.

Blekinge thereby is the natural

gateway to large population centres in central and eastern Europe and beyond.

EASY ACCESS

In Blekinge, distances are short – both geographically and mentally. Only 100 kilometers from east to west, 40 kilometers north to south, with five municipalities and easy access to decisionmakers.

All eager to support business development.

ENERGY STABILITY

Blekinge – Close to wonderful waters If you put beauty and growth together, Blekinge is the perfect visualization. A coastal landscape in the south east of Sweden, where water is always present as well as connections to the continent on

the other side of the Baltic sea. We tend to say that our compact size is our strength. All through the region you get countless examples of beauty surrounding you in nature, history, culture, and food.

And because of close proximity, it´s all within easy reach. It´s yours to experience and enjoy.

Blekinge has a stable electric grid with no present bottlenecks limiting the use of electricity. There are district heating systems for heating and circular use of residual heat from industrial processes and the potential of solar power is excellent as we are in the top three regions of sun hours per day.

GREEN ENERGY POTENTIAL

The unexploited areas in the Baltic sea outside Blekinge has drawn a lot of attention from some of Europe’s largest companies within offshore wind energy.

There are a number of projects in different stages of development with potentially large amounts of green energy landing in Blekinge.

Ronneby

Olofström Karlshamn

Sölvesborg

Karlskrona

6 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 7

World-class research and talented students

Collaboration – when 1+1=3

WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH

Business Blekinge is a collaboration between Region Blekinge and the municipalities Karlshamn, Karlskrona, Olofström, Ronneby and Sölvesborg.

We are also a regional partner to Business Sweden – the official Swedish trade and investment council. In Blekinge, we have Blue Science Park, and NetPort Science Park, both acting as bridges between research and business, offering a common ground for companies, researchers and students.

Blekinge Institute of Technology´s (BTH) research in software engineering ranks second in the world, and research in strategic sustainable development is among the most cited in the world.

The research is carried out in close cooperation with industry and society and one-third of BTH´s operations is comprised of research.

MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

The study programmes focus on society’s future needs and challenges. BTH offer Master’s programmes in several areas e.g., computer science, software engineering, mechanical engineering, and strategic leadership towards sustainability.

CLOSE TO INDUSTRY

BTH has many years of experience of close collaboration with business and industry. The goal of the strategic cooperation agreements is to create long-term collaborations for societal development and to strengthen the innovation capabilities and competitiveness of BTH´s partners. Several international businesses such as Volvo, Ericsson, Telenor, NKT, Alfa Laval and Saab Kockums currently collaborate with BTH around R&D initiatives, and they are open to new collaboration initiatives.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

BTH has strong cooperation with academic partners all over the world, such as Stanford University and has agreements with around 100 European higher education institutions and 35 collaborations outside of Europe, making BTH one of Swedens most international universities.

COMPETENCE FACTS

HYPER ISLAND – HOT GROWING GROUNDS FOR TALENTS Hyper Island is a global and world-renowned digital creative school.

It started in Blekinge but is now also established in Manchester, New York, Sao Paulo and Singapore. Their former students are to be found in the most respected and prestigious organizations and positions around the world – the school has developed revolutionary pedagogics with no traditional teachers or course material; Instead the students are facilitated by competent businesspeople coming from relevant industries, solving real challenges for organizations.

Whitin a 2 hour drive you’ll reach: Students: 135 752 PhD Students: 4202 Professors: 1361 Employees: 16 513 International students: 3046

FUTURE GROWTH

In Blekinge, we have a strong industrial cluster and a regional development organization, Techtank, with the task of strengthening the industry’s competitiveness. Techtank represents well-known international companies with some 10 000 employees, all ready to welcome new businesses.

TESTBEDS

– a possibility before real-life situation

In Blekinge, we have numerous testbeds where you can test your products and services in virtual reality, in labs and simulated environments, before investing your entire budget on full-scale development.

Blue Maritime Testbed A testbed for business, research, and education for innovations in underwater technology.

RISE A stamping and forming center that serves as a test and demonstration facility for future production, for example circular and lightweight materials.

Swedish Armed Forces Diving and Naval Medical Center Test environment with education, technical development, research, diving- and naval medicine practices within the same organization.

Tech Concept Lab A one-stop shop with a unique tech exploration process with coaching from experts in the field.

Virtual Production Studio Lab To be used in research and education and within the strongly emerging digital film industry.

6 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 7

World-class research and talented students

Collaboration – when 1+1=3

WORLD-CLASS RESEARCH

Business Blekinge is a collaboration between Region Blekinge and the municipalities Karlshamn, Karlskrona, Olofström, Ronneby and Sölvesborg.

We are also a regional partner to Business Sweden – the official Swedish trade and investment council. In Blekinge, we have Blue Science Park, and NetPort Science Park, both acting as bridges between research and business, offering a common ground for companies, researchers and students.

Blekinge Institute of Technology´s (BTH) research in software engineering ranks second in the world, and research in strategic sustainable development is among the most cited in the world.

The research is carried out in close cooperation with industry and society and one-third of BTH´s operations is comprised of research.

MASTER’S PROGRAMMES

The study programmes focus on society’s future needs and challenges. BTH offer Master’s programmes in several areas e.g., computer science, software engineering, mechanical engineering, and strategic leadership towards sustainability.

CLOSE TO INDUSTRY

BTH has many years of experience of close collaboration with business and industry. The goal of the strategic cooperation agreements is to create long-term collaborations for societal development and to strengthen the innovation capabilities and competitiveness of BTH´s partners. Several international businesses such as Volvo, Ericsson, Telenor, NKT, Alfa Laval and Saab Kockums currently collaborate with BTH around R&D initiatives, and they are open to new collaboration initiatives.

GLOBAL ENVIRONMENT

BTH has strong cooperation with academic partners all over the world, such as Stanford University and has agreements with around 100 European higher education institutions and 35 collaborations outside of Europe, making BTH one of Swedens most international universities.

COMPETENCE FACTS

HYPER ISLAND – HOT GROWING GROUNDS FOR TALENTS Hyper Island is a global and world-renowned digital creative school.

It started in Blekinge but is now also established in Manchester, New York, Sao Paulo and Singapore. Their former students are to be found in the most respected and prestigious organizations and positions around the world – the school has developed revolutionary pedagogics with no traditional teachers or course material; Instead the students are facilitated by competent businesspeople coming from relevant industries, solving real challenges for organizations.

Whitin a 2 hour drive you’ll reach: Students: 135 752 PhD Students: 4202 Professors: 1361 Employees: 16 513 International students: 3046

FUTURE GROWTH

In Blekinge, we have a strong industrial cluster and a regional development organization, Techtank, with the task of strengthening the industry’s competitiveness. Techtank represents well-known international companies with some 10 000 employees, all ready to welcome new businesses.

TESTBEDS

– a possibility before real-life situation

In Blekinge, we have numerous testbeds where you can test your products and services in virtual reality, in labs and simulated environments, before investing your entire budget on full-scale development.

Blue Maritime Testbed A testbed for business, research, and education for innovations in underwater technology.

RISE A stamping and forming center that serves as a test and demonstration facility for future production, for example circular and lightweight materials.

Swedish Armed Forces Diving and Naval Medical Center Test environment with education, technical development, research, diving- and naval medicine practices within the same organization.

Tech Concept Lab A one-stop shop with a unique tech exploration process with coaching from experts in the field.

Virtual Production Studio Lab To be used in research and education and within the strongly emerging digital film industry.

8 | Business Blekinge

Blekinge crash course Get to know the place that might be your, or your company´s future!

Municipalities: Karlshamn, Karlskrona, Olofström, Ronneby, Sölvesborg.

Biggest private company: Volvo Cars with around 2,500 employees.

University: Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH)

Military competence: Swedish Naval Base, Swedish Air Force Base.

ROBERT LINDÉN, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL BOARD

Surroundings: Swedens southernmost archipelago with 1,650 islands.

Train: Direct connection to Copenhagen Airport, Malmö city within 2,5 h.

Airport: Swedavia Ronneby Airport Population: 160,000

Area: 2,941 km2

Business Blekinge | 9

“We give our wholehearted endorsement and support in the process of finding valuable partnerships as well as in providing all possible assistance should you decide to establish yourself in Blekinge.”

Within one hour drive: 13,000 workplaces with a total of 120,000 employees. 800 Manufacturing workplaces with a total of 19,000 employees.

International School: International school (age 6-19) in Karlskrona, certified IB school.

Governmental organizations: The Swedish Coast Guard, The Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, Swedish Social Insurance Agency, Swedish Defense Material Administration, County Administrative Board of Blekinge.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Karlskrona is the main naval base of Sweden - founded in 1680.

Ferry destinations: Gdynia and Świnoujście (Poland), Klaipeda (Lithuania), Travemünde and Rostock (Germany).

Harbours: Three international harbours, Karlshamn, Karlskrona (deep water ports) and Sölvesborg.

7 reasons to invest in Blekinge • High R&D investments within the private sector • High level of STEM competence (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) • Export Intensive Region • Top ranking in Regional Innovation Scoreboard • Located in the center of Scandinavia • High quality of life for the whole family • Comparatively low cost of living.

8 | Business Blekinge

Blekinge crash course Get to know the place that might be your, or your company´s future!

Municipalities: Karlshamn, Karlskrona, Olofström, Ronneby, Sölvesborg.

Biggest private company: Volvo Cars with around 2,500 employees.

University: Blekinge Institute of Technology (BTH)

Military competence: Swedish Naval Base, Swedish Air Force Base.

ROBERT LINDÉN, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF THE REGIONAL BOARD

Surroundings: Swedens southernmost archipelago with 1,650 islands.

Train: Direct connection to Copenhagen Airport, Malmö city within 2,5 h.

Airport: Swedavia Ronneby Airport Population: 160,000

Area: 2,941 km2

Business Blekinge | 9

“We give our wholehearted endorsement and support in the process of finding valuable partnerships as well as in providing all possible assistance should you decide to establish yourself in Blekinge.”

Within one hour drive: 13,000 workplaces with a total of 120,000 employees. 800 Manufacturing workplaces with a total of 19,000 employees.

International School: International school (age 6-19) in Karlskrona, certified IB school.

Governmental organizations: The Swedish Coast Guard, The Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning, Swedish Social Insurance Agency, Swedish Defense Material Administration, County Administrative Board of Blekinge.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Karlskrona is the main naval base of Sweden - founded in 1680.

Ferry destinations: Gdynia and Świnoujście (Poland), Klaipeda (Lithuania), Travemünde and Rostock (Germany).

Harbours: Three international harbours, Karlshamn, Karlskrona (deep water ports) and Sölvesborg.

7 reasons to invest in Blekinge • High R&D investments within the private sector • High level of STEM competence (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) • Export Intensive Region • Top ranking in Regional Innovation Scoreboard • Located in the center of Scandinavia • High quality of life for the whole family • Comparatively low cost of living.

10 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 11

Join our mission to pioneer the green transition!

Sweden is well known as a pioneer and role model in innovation development as well as sustainability. In Blekinge we want to push the agenda even further.

Our work, with mission oriented innovation, focus on combining our cutting edge knowledge with a mission to solve some of the worlds societal challenges.

Industries where Blekinge is considered to be among the best in the world are; Tech, Marine Technology, Smart Industry, and Food production industry.

As a leading hot spot for marine technology, we are cleaning and supporting the surrounding ocean. Our deep knowledge of AI is used to track ghost nets polluting the sea and with virtual reality as well as digital twins of areas affected by climate change, we are able to test new innovations faster.

Innovation and business opportunities in these areas abound and we want to invite you to participate in this journey in Blekinge.

“Mission oriented innovation will support us to enhance our motto: we want to leave the ocean in a better stage than when we came.”

CLAES WESTERLIND, PRESIDENT NKT

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION:

Missions will create a strong connection between EU research, innovation, and the needs of society. Application of Missions in Blekinge will primarily focus on healthy seas and oceans, climate adaptation and climate -neutral and smart cities.

10 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 11

Join our mission to pioneer the green transition!

Sweden is well known as a pioneer and role model in innovation development as well as sustainability. In Blekinge we want to push the agenda even further.

Our work, with mission oriented innovation, focus on combining our cutting edge knowledge with a mission to solve some of the worlds societal challenges.

Industries where Blekinge is considered to be among the best in the world are; Tech, Marine Technology, Smart Industry, and Food production industry.

As a leading hot spot for marine technology, we are cleaning and supporting the surrounding ocean. Our deep knowledge of AI is used to track ghost nets polluting the sea and with virtual reality as well as digital twins of areas affected by climate change, we are able to test new innovations faster.

Innovation and business opportunities in these areas abound and we want to invite you to participate in this journey in Blekinge.

“Mission oriented innovation will support us to enhance our motto: we want to leave the ocean in a better stage than when we came.”

CLAES WESTERLIND, PRESIDENT NKT

IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION:

Missions will create a strong connection between EU research, innovation, and the needs of society. Application of Missions in Blekinge will primarily focus on healthy seas and oceans, climate adaptation and climate -neutral and smart cities.

12 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 13

Attractive tech conditions With Ericsson and what is now Telenor as forerunners, the world’s first telecom cluster, Telecom City, saw the light of day in Blekinge some decades ago. The cluster has since been a role model for how commercial, public, and academic interests can work together to create innovation and growth.

A central part of the tech ecosystem is Ericsson´s R&D center in Karlskrona, developing services that are fundamental in operators 5G networks, through its activation, monetization and fintech products.

Today manufacturing companies need high tech competence to develop their companies, as a result, many international ICT companies have established themselves in the region. Tech is therefore one of the largest sectors with more than five thousand employees in the region.

With more and more connected devices, the need for IT-security increases as well – and this is another field of excellence in Blekinge. The region is home to several leading companies like Truesec and Outpost24.

“With a focus on offshore energy, defense and sustainable oceans Blekinge can offer an ecosystem driving innovation and growth in the field of marine technology.”

GAMING CLUSTER

In Blekinge, you will find Gameport, one of Sweden’s gaming communities and incubator for gaming companies. Thanks to Blekinge Institute of Technology’s (BTH) gaming programs of Software Engineering in Games and Interactive Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, we also have well-known gaming start-ups from Blekinge, such as Tarsier, Thunderful and The Station and we also have the recently BAFTA-award-winning company Something We Made – just to name a few.

Marine Technologies riding the wave The competence within marine technology in Blekinge has developed over some 300 years. Today Karlskrona is the national naval base in Sweden and thanks to its long history of maritime development, the majority of the Swedish navy is still being developed in Blekinge.

NAVAL PRODUCTION

Today, SAAB Kockums operates the shipyard and have through large investments, created one of

the world’s best naval production sites for submarines and surface vessels. Looking at underwater technology specifically, the competence in Blekinge is outstanding. Besides SAAB Kockums, there is also NKT, a global leader in producing and deploying ocean cables for the energy sector. MCT Brattberg and Roxtec International are both global market leaders in the area of smart and flexible cable and pipe sealings for industries in the marine sector.

INTERNATIONAL BEACON

The Marine Technology Center of Sweden is an international beacon for a safe and green Europe. With a focus on offshore energy, defense and sustainable oceans, Blekinge offers an ecosystem driving innovation and growth in the field of marine technology.

12 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 13

Attractive tech conditions With Ericsson and what is now Telenor as forerunners, the world’s first telecom cluster, Telecom City, saw the light of day in Blekinge some decades ago. The cluster has since been a role model for how commercial, public, and academic interests can work together to create innovation and growth.

A central part of the tech ecosystem is Ericsson´s R&D center in Karlskrona, developing services that are fundamental in operators 5G networks, through its activation, monetization and fintech products.

Today manufacturing companies need high tech competence to develop their companies, as a result, many international ICT companies have established themselves in the region. Tech is therefore one of the largest sectors with more than five thousand employees in the region.

With more and more connected devices, the need for IT-security increases as well – and this is another field of excellence in Blekinge. The region is home to several leading companies like Truesec and Outpost24.

“With a focus on offshore energy, defense and sustainable oceans Blekinge can offer an ecosystem driving innovation and growth in the field of marine technology.”

GAMING CLUSTER

In Blekinge, you will find Gameport, one of Sweden’s gaming communities and incubator for gaming companies. Thanks to Blekinge Institute of Technology’s (BTH) gaming programs of Software Engineering in Games and Interactive Systems, Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, we also have well-known gaming start-ups from Blekinge, such as Tarsier, Thunderful and The Station and we also have the recently BAFTA-award-winning company Something We Made – just to name a few.

Marine Technologies riding the wave The competence within marine technology in Blekinge has developed over some 300 years. Today Karlskrona is the national naval base in Sweden and thanks to its long history of maritime development, the majority of the Swedish navy is still being developed in Blekinge.

NAVAL PRODUCTION

Today, SAAB Kockums operates the shipyard and have through large investments, created one of

the world’s best naval production sites for submarines and surface vessels. Looking at underwater technology specifically, the competence in Blekinge is outstanding. Besides SAAB Kockums, there is also NKT, a global leader in producing and deploying ocean cables for the energy sector. MCT Brattberg and Roxtec International are both global market leaders in the area of smart and flexible cable and pipe sealings for industries in the marine sector.

INTERNATIONAL BEACON

The Marine Technology Center of Sweden is an international beacon for a safe and green Europe. With a focus on offshore energy, defense and sustainable oceans, Blekinge offers an ecosystem driving innovation and growth in the field of marine technology.

14 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 15

Food for tomorrow Blekinge has good conditions and the natural resources to be able to produce food in a sustainable way that can meet both climate and environmental challenges as well as local and global demand. The industrial segment of Blekinge’s food production is spearheaded by the global company, AAK, whose main products are vegetable oils and fats.

Smart industries - in a wide range of different fields Blekinge has a combination of many large and successful industrial companies, testbeds, research centres and universities operating on a global level and in various industry sectors in the forefront of sustainable manufacturing processes. These companies cover a large spectrum of manufacturing capabilities such as the automotive industry, underwater high voltage manufacturing and cable laying as well as advanced defense and

marine technology and composite boat building technologies.

Other examples are floor coverings with a focus on recycling and industrial scale recycling of textile waste. In addition to these, an extremely well-developed ecosystem of both subcontractors and professional service companies exist in Blekinge, all contributing to the competitiveness of the industry.

PLANT-BASED INNOVATIONS

A growing industry in sustainable food production, exemplified by the plant-based company The Green Dairy and Swedish Temptations, producing innovative milk, ice cream and meat substitute products. The fish processing industry has a long tradition in Blekinge and in the western part of the region, there is a large fruit & berry production and processing industry.

PERFECTLY SITUATED

In summary, there is a great deal of expertise of innovative food production in Blekinge. That is certainly one of the reasons that Alfa Laval and Tetra Pak have chosen Blekinge for parts of their product development.

14 | Business Blekinge

Business Blekinge | 15

Food for tomorrow Blekinge has good conditions and the natural resources to be able to produce food in a sustainable way that can meet both climate and environmental challenges as well as local and global demand. The industrial segment of Blekinge’s food production is spearheaded by the global company, AAK, whose main products are vegetable oils and fats.

Smart industries - in a wide range of different fields Blekinge has a combination of many large and successful industrial companies, testbeds, research centres and universities operating on a global level and in various industry sectors in the forefront of sustainable manufacturing processes. These companies cover a large spectrum of manufacturing capabilities such as the automotive industry, underwater high voltage manufacturing and cable laying as well as advanced defense and

marine technology and composite boat building technologies.

Other examples are floor coverings with a focus on recycling and industrial scale recycling of textile waste. In addition to these, an extremely well-developed ecosystem of both subcontractors and professional service companies exist in Blekinge, all contributing to the competitiveness of the industry.

PLANT-BASED INNOVATIONS

A growing industry in sustainable food production, exemplified by the plant-based company The Green Dairy and Swedish Temptations, producing innovative milk, ice cream and meat substitute products. The fish processing industry has a long tradition in Blekinge and in the western part of the region, there is a large fruit & berry production and processing industry.

PERFECTLY SITUATED

In summary, there is a great deal of expertise of innovative food production in Blekinge. That is certainly one of the reasons that Alfa Laval and Tetra Pak have chosen Blekinge for parts of their product development.

Get in touch! www.businessblekinge.se c/o Region Blekinge Ronnebygatan 22 371 33 Karlskrona Sweden naringsliv@regionblekinge.se fb.com/businessblekinge linkedin.com/company/businessblekinge

GOOD LIFE. GOOD BUSINESS.

Regional partner to:

Business Blekinge is the official regional hub for foreign direct investment enquiries in the municipalities of Karlskrona, Ronneby, Karlshamn, Olofström and Sölvesborg in southeast Sweden. A collaboration between academia, regional clusters, science parks, municipalities, and regional public authorities.