Lund Innovation District is a natural hub for knowledge and creativity in the Öresund region. Through collaboration between universities, businesses, and the public sector, an environment is created that attracts international talent and fosters the emergence of new innovative companies.
Lund’s Strength in Innovation
Lund has a strong track record of creating new innovative companies, particularly in life science. On the tech side, there is Axis Communications, which is now a global company headquartered in Lund. In the surrounding area, there are also Alfa Laval and Tetra Pak, which collaborate with MAX IV and other companies.
A Southern Swedish Center for Research and Innovation
Ideon Science Park is Sweden’s oldest science park, founded forty years ago with the goal of commercializing research and promoting growth in the region.
“Forty years ago, when Kockums closed down in Malmö, unemployment was high in Skåne and there was talk of building a research park in connection with Lund University. Then Ideon was formed with a clear directive – that we would create new innovative companies in biotechnology and computer technology,” says Lotta Wessfeldt, Deputy Director of Ideon Science Park.
“There has also been an incubator at Ideon for the past twenty years. Today, there are 400 companies at Ideon Science Park and there are about 10,000 employees. Everything from small start-up companies to large companies like Axis Communications and Qlik that have been self-grown, as well as international giants like Volvo Cars and Sony,” says Cece Geijer af Ekström, Marketing and Communications Manager at Ideon Science Park.
Fostering Next-Generation Discoveries
Over the years, new elements have been added to the innovation system. One example is the Medicon Village research park, which since its inception in 2012 has developed into a Southern Swedish hub for research and innovation in life science.
“The collaboration between our foundation, municipality, university, and region has been crucial for us to be able to go from empty premises to housing 180 companies and 2,800 jobs in the area in ten years,” says Petter Hartman, CEO of Medicon Village Innovation.
“It is an indication that the collaboration works and that there is an environment here in Lund that makes the growth journey possible. In the meeting between researchers and entrepreneurs, ideas arise that, thanks to well-developed innovation support, lead to companies being started and growing strong. Through Medicon Village’s unique ownership model with a public utility foundation at the bottom, the surplus from the operations can be reinvested in academic research and development, which guarantees next-generation discoveries to promote human health and a better life,” says Hartman.
Lund Innovation District: A Thriving Ecosystem for Innovation
Lund Innovation District is a testament to the power of collaboration, knowledge, and creativity in driving innovation and economic growth. It is a place where ideas are born, businesses are nurtured, and the future is shaped.
The article was created by Business in Lund, Lund Municipality in collaboration with Cross Media Communication.
In Swedish: https://lund.se/nyheter/nyheter/2024-07-12-innovationshjartat-i-lund
