Debate: Norrbotten one of Sweden's most promising tech regions

Norrbotten can take an important position as a prominent tech region. With innovative power, digital excellence and collaboration between business, academia and the public sector, the conditions are in place to take a significant role in the data-driven economy. The foundations for sustainable industry and technology are being laid here, but investments are needed to strengthen this position.

Tech is crucial to Sweden's competitiveness and prosperity. In the face of global uncertainty and increasing competition, tech is becoming a driver of resilience, climate change adaptation and welfare. In 2023, the tech industry had a turnover of over SEK 1 100 billion, contributed SEK 350 billion to GDP and exported SEK 370 billion. Despite the recession, the industry is growing - albeit more slowly. According to Techtemperaturen, an economic survey by TechSverige, , demand for many technology services is gradually improving, investment is increasing and tech companies are growing. However, the recovery is hampered by concerns about new tariffs and a weakening labor market.

In Norrbotten, the tech industry employs more than 3,000 people and contributes three billion in added value. This is a result of the university, Science Parks, prominent tech companies and industrial collaboration. With its IT tradition, computer game development, strategic location and investments in climate change and digitization, Luleå and Boden have good conditions to grow as a tech cluster.

However, in order to take the next step, political initiatives and vigorous action are required in five areas: skills supply, digital infrastructure, simpler regulations, better access to capital and modern conditions for tech employers. This is written by TechSverige's regional manager in the north Jenny Moberg and CEO Åsa Zetterberg together with Veronica Andersson, CEO and partner, Xlent Luleå, Lina Falk Jiménez, CEO, Agio, Sara Json Lindmark, CEO, Luleå Science Park and Anders Hermanson, Site Manager, Ductus Luleå.

Read the full debate article at NSD: https://www.nsd.se/debatt/artikel/norrbotten-en-av-sveriges-mest-lovande-techregioner/jo81d6ql