Join Ideon Science Park at Almedalen 2026

We are headed to Almedalsveckan on 22–26 June 2026. Are you? Join us at the following events and panel discussions:

From Need to Reality: Why Is Defense Innovation Getting Stuck in Sweden?

Needs-driven innovation has become a mantra within the defense sector. But in practice, it risks becoming both narrow and slow. When needs are defined in advance, often by major players and large organizations with established ways of working and processes, there is a risk of overlooking the unexpected: disruptive solutions from small, agile, fast-moving companies.

At the same time, many innovative companies struggle to enter the defense sector. They do not know who to talk to, how procurement works, or how to connect with the major prime contractors. The pathways in are unclear.

• How do we create a defense innovation system that is both needs-driven and open to the unexpected?
• What do we mean by “needs-driven innovation” in a defense context?
• When does needs-based governance become a barrier to innovation?
• What is required for small companies to work with the defense sector truly?
• How can prime contractors and startups collaborate without getting stuck in processes?
• Who takes responsibility for the interface between the public sector, prime contractors, and startups?

Join this panel discussion featuring representatives from a prime (large enterprise), a startup, the defense sector, and defense innovation actors.

Date & Time: 2026-06-25, 15:00–16:00
Type of Event: Debate / Panel Discussion
Language: Swedish
Location: Hamnplan, venue 200 – Skåne Innovation Arena
Organizer: Ideon Science Park, Amyna

Panelists:
Mats Wiksell, Head of Business Area Naval, Saab Naval
Sebastian Merlöv, CEO, Sweden Dynamics
Robert Limmergård, Secretary General, SOFF
Andreas Ziegenfeldt, Lieutenant Colonel, Swedish Armed Forces
Moderator: Daniel Persson, Head of Amyna, Ideon Science Park

>> Find this event in the program

What Makes a Community Truly Work?

Why do some networks become engines for innovation and long-term collaboration, while others never grow beyond a series of meetings? As industries, regions, and organizations increasingly invest in ecosystems, clusters, and collaborative initiatives, an important question often remains unanswered: who sustains them once the project funding ends?

This conversation explores the hidden infrastructure behind thriving innovation communities, trust, shared ownership, collective knowledge, and long-term stewardship. Join us for a fireside conversation about trust, shared resources, and the often-invisible work required to keep people contributing over time.

We will talk about:

• Why do some communities continue to grow long after a project ends
• The role of trust, reciprocity, and shared purpose in innovation ecosystems
• How to build “innovation commons” — shared spaces, knowledge, and infrastructure that benefit many actors over time
• Why community stewardship is just as important as community creation
• How clusters, science parks, and collaborative platforms can support long-term resilience and innovation capacity
• At a time when many organizations talk about ecosystems and collaboration, this seminar asks a more difficult question:
• Who takes care of the ecosystem after the launch?

Participants
Anders G. Nilsson, CEO, Ideon Science Park
Lina Svensberg, Innovation Manager, Compare

Date & Time: 2026-06-25, 16:00–17:00
Type of Event: Debate / Panel Discussion
Language: Swedish
Location: Hamnplan, venue 200 – Skåne Innovation Arena
Organizer: Ideon Science Park, Amyna

>> Find this event in the program

Questions? Please contact Cece Geijer af Ekström, Chief Brand Officer, Ideon Science Park
See you there!