Collaboration, entrepreneurship, and research in focus at JU event

As Jönköping University (JU) celebrates its thirtieth anniversary as an independent foundation university, Näringslivsdagen (Industry Day) was held at JU. The day aimed to highlight the strong collaboration that exists between JU and the business community in the region, and attracted almost 230 entrepreneurs who came to take part in the inspiring agenda.

One of Jönköping University's most important missions is to showcase all the relevant research being conducted. But research can only be relevant if it is also done in collaboration with industry and other partners. Therefore, Jönköping Municipality and JU jointly organized a day showcasing several of JU's research projects that are now being carried out in close collaboration with industry.

“JU is very important for the Jönköping region and its continued growth. It is therefore incredibly interesting to listen to both researchers and representatives from the business community who together come up with new exciting insights,” says Sven Rydell, Business Manager at Jönköping Municipality.

During the day, several exciting topics were presented, such as regional growth and what is important for developing entrepreneurship. Emma Wiklund, former model and now entrepreneur in the skincare industry, talked about how she developed her entrepreneurship as a model to become a business leader for her own skincare brand Emma S. skincare.

There were also presentations and discussions on the future of product development, materials technology, and AI with speakers according to the program below in collaboration between academics and industry.

“The Jönköping region is already at the forefront of collaboration. To maintain the great level of entrepreneurship in the region, it is important that business and academia continue to collaborate. That is why this day is important,” says Fredrik Ekvall from Thule Group.

Great interest in continued collaboration

Stefan Christiernin, Head of Research at Volvo Cars, talked about the major development needs that Volvo sees regarding materials and production technology. Volvo Cars is a driving force in the project that wants to locate a new development centre in Jönköping for sustainable die casting.

“It has been a great afternoon with a focus on the future and development. I'm pleased that the manufacturing industry was given such a large place, given how important it is for our region. I am also pleased that collaboration was emphasized. That's when development really happens,” says Annika Cederfeldt Jiveby, Business Manager, Elmia Subcontractor.

The day was very successful and there is great interest from the region's business community to continue developing contacts with JU. With more than a thousand partner companies, there are great opportunities to succeed.

“It was a very good day with elements from our research, everything from entrepreneurship to AI, and many interesting and inspiring conversations. I hope that we will continue to collaborate and bring together the region's companies with JU in various constellations,” says Anders Jonzon, Chief Communications Officer at JU.

The day ended with a meet and great accompanied by the beautiful tones of Unga Folkstråket from the Culture School.

See a movie from the day: