Mario Draghi’s Competitiveness Report to the European Commission, the Research and Innovation Bill and the work of the AI Commission send clear signals – we need to focus on advanced technologies and AI to strengthen our competitiveness.
This doesn’t just apply to Europe – it also applies to Värmland
Businesses, the public sector and academia in the region need to accelerate how we use new technology to solve complex challenges and create growth. Technologies such as AI are crucial to creating smarter, more sustainable and competitive solutions. At the same time, we face the challenge of wanting a lot, but not always knowing how to turn visions into concrete actions.
Värmland has all the conditions – but we must do more together
We do:
- Cutting-edge research from Karlstad University that is ready to be applied.
- Innovative companies with high technical expertise.
- Municipalities and Region Värmland that already have ambitious plans for AI.
- A growing ecosystem of tech players with the power to change.
Karlstad University. Photo: Per Olsson
Despite this, work on AI is not progressing at the pace needed. Some companies and organisations are well advanced, while others are in the early stages. The potential is huge, but we need to come together and collaborate across borders to succeed.
Lessons from around the world – and why Värmland must act now
The world around us is making great progress:
- Sweden and Linköping University have been selected to establish one of seven AI factories in Europe.
- AI Sweden runs extensive programmes for AI development.
- iHubs Sweden offers AI leadership programmes in close collaboration with Silicon Valley.
- Vinnova’s Advanced Digitalisation Programme is entering a powerful new phase.
- The European Commission’s message is clear and is working to create better conditions among businesses
– It is clear that we need to connect internationally to capitalise on the knowledge and opportunities that exist. At the same time, we need to build a local powerhouse in Värmland – a common focus where we work together to use AI as an engine for innovation and sustainable development based on our regional strengths and conditions,” says Anders Solberg, Innovation Manager at Compare.
Anders Solberg, Innovation Manager at Compare. Photo: Helena Christerdotter
Compare proposes an AI powerhouse for Värmland
Compare, together with companies, municipalities, the region and academia, wants to create a powerhouse that:
- Establishes test and demo environments where AI solutions can be developed and tested.
- Launch AI and cyber workshops to solve concrete challenges.
- Provides AI leadership training for managers and decision-makers.
- Creating platforms for broader training to increase knowledge about AI.
- Builds meeting places for the exchange of experience and co-operation.
- Monitors the world and creates links between Värmland and the world.
- Runs innovation projects that address societal challenges with the help of AI.
Our ambition is to apply for funding for a multi-year project starting in 2025. Together, we can lay the foundation for a strong, unified AI initiative in Värmland.
Compare. Photo: Helena Christerdotter
Would you like to join us?
Do you have ideas about what an AI powerhouse could mean, or do you want to contribute your expertise? Get in touch with us at Compare – together we are building the future Värmland!
