Business Development

Are you and your company ready for the next level?

Do you and your organisation have the ambition to grow, gain new insights or find new paths forward? Open Arena is designed for those who want to strengthen their organisation’s capacity for innovation, build networks, develop skills or collaborate with others to tackle shared challenges.

At times, there is a need to bring several actors together around a complex issue — perhaps in connection with change, development or cross-sector collaboration. In those situations, we can support you by leading workshops and facilitating co-creation processes that help you move forward.

Our offer to you

Through Open Arena, you gain support in identifying and addressing the challenges within your organisation, access to networks and forums, and practical tools for working with innovation. You also get access to projects, collaborations and activities that create real value - including connections with the University of Skövde for thesis projects, research collaborations or guest lectures.

How it works

We always start by listening to you. Through a needs assessment, we learn about your organisation, your goals and the challenges you are facing. At the same time, it gives you the opportunity to reflect on your current situation, identify your desired position and outline the path to get there.

Based on the needs assessment, we match you with the right type of support. This may include a relevant network, a development initiative, a project, or a connection to someone within our broad network of partners and experts.

Most parts of Open Arena are free of charge, and you decide how much you want to take part in, when, and at a pace that suits you.

Four ways to drive growth and development

Every organisation has different conditions, and there is no single way to grow. That’s why we offer four ways to support you and your organisation in growing, thinking differently and finding new solutions.

1. Growth – strengthen your skills and create development

Do you want your organisation to grow — both commercially and in its ability to meet new challenges? Here, you gain access to lectures, workshops and networks that strengthen both your team and your own role.

All our activities are based on the needs that organisations themselves highlight, as well as what is happening in the world around us. This ensures that the content is always current, relevant and tailored to what actually creates value for you.

2. Innovation management – build the ability to think in new ways

Do you want to create a culture where new ideas are encouraged and concepts become more than just words? We help you work in a structured way with innovation — both in day-to-day operations and on a strategic level. You gain the tools to develop a culture where ideas are put to use and methods that enable new ways of working that lead to sustainable change.

3. Networks and community – meet others, find solutions

We create spaces where ideas take off and collaborations become possible. Through forums, seminars and networks, we connect companies with the public sector, academia and civil society. Here, you gain new perspectives, inspiration, valuable contacts and the chance to solve challenges together with others.

At Science Park Skövde, you and your organisation also become part of a vibrant community where people meet, share experiences and create something larger than any single organisation. This gives you access to knowledge and a sense of belonging that strengthens both your organisation and you as an individual. A strong community also makes it easier to attract talent, while giving new ideas room to grow.

4. Projects and initiatives – drive development through collaboration

Through Open Arena, you can take part in projects where you develop, test and create value together with others. This may involve developing new ways of working or participating in initiatives where your organisation can access funding support or specialist expertise.

Who can receive support from us?

Open Arena is aimed at small and medium-sized companies, as well as other organisations in the Västra Götaland region - with a particular focus on Skaraborg.

Get started!

Sign up for one of our events

Build knowledge, gain new perspectives and meet others who want to move forward. Our events are open meeting places where we share insights, methods and inspiration to strengthen your organisation.

Explore ongoing projects

Take a look at our current projects where we, together with companies and organisations, collaborate to create real and tangible value.

Get in touch

Curious about how we can support your organisation? Contact us to book an initial meeting. You’ll find contact details for our business developers below.