Battery technology opportunities: "Together we can make Skaraborg strong and united"

On April 4th, 15 companies and stakeholders active in Skaraborg within the battery technology value chain gathered for a workshop at the ASSAR Industrial Innovation Arena. The purpose of the workshop was to get to know each other, understand each other's roles in the value chain, and improve at creating innovations and new business through collaboration.

"What is exciting about battery technology and its value chain is that it is such a young industry. The challenges and opportunities are many. However, what we see is that we become stronger when we bring together the actors in the value chain who want to collaborate, to work together towards the future," says Carolina Green, business developer at Science Park Skövde and one of the workshop's facilitators.

For just over three hours, current challenges and strengths within the battery technology sector were examined, and visions of future landscapes were formed.

"The first session focused on examining the current state of the battery value chain. The group then continued to list the challenges and strengths related to battery technology and the transition it entails," says Carolina Green.

The final part leaned more towards the visionary as participants explored what an ideal scenario could look like. Each participant then voted on which areas and activities in the vision work they believe are of greatest importance and want to work on further in future meetings.

After the morning's summary, it was concluded that companies want to continue working on:

• Circular co-development
• Rethink & partnerships
• Competence and behavioral changes

The workshop results included exciting and interdisciplinary discussions, as well as a clear and visualized need to continue meeting.

"We will soon invite more sessions, which we hope more companies in the value chain will participate in. Together, we can help make Skaraborg strong and united in the major transition we are heading into," says Gustaf Lexell, business developer at Science Park Skövde.

Participants at the first meeting summarized the day as successful, valuable, and fun, but also noted that more stakeholders active in the value chain should be invited and participate. Representatives from energy companies and actors who refine raw materials were requested.

"The next meeting was scheduled for June 5th, with an in-depth focus on one of the areas the group wants to work on further. There will also be opportunities for participants to get to know each other even better," concludes Gustaf.

Are you curious and want to know more about the forum? Then you are welcome to contact:

Carolina Green, Business Developer, Science Park Skövde AB
Email: carolina.green@scienceparkskovde.se
Phone: +46 708-73 14 15

Josef Adolfsson, Head of Applied Innovation, IDC West Sweden AB
Email: josef.adolfsson@idcab.se
Phone: +46 0500-50 25 25

The activity is organized as part of the Innovation Boost project, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund, the Västra Götaland region, and the Skaraborg Municipal Association. In the project, Science Park Skövde, the University of Skövde, and IDC West Sweden collaborate for innovation and sustainable transition.