To explore how we in the region can continue to use important services if the connection is broken, several leading actors, including Compare, are now collaborating on the project “Robust region – island internet”. The project, which is unique for Sweden – and perhaps for the whole world, had its kick-off today at Karlstad University.
– “We are now raising our hands in Värmland and offering our expertise to tackle the issue and develop a concept to enable increased robustness in the internet, a concept that can then be reused in the rest of Sweden and why not also the EU as a basic blueprint and guide,” says Linda Larsson, (S), chair of the municipal executive board in Karlstad municipality.
Requires strong co-operation
Compare, which is one of the partners, is an intermediary that brings together parties to solve societal challenges that each one cannot solve alone.
Ingrid Ivars, Innovation Manager at Compare.
– “We need trust and courage, and we need to join forces and utilise different skills. It is fantastic to see that we can now contribute to the region’s and Sweden’s civil defence with full force and great commitment,” says Ingrid Ivars, Innovation Manager, Compare.
During the packed kick-off at Karlstad University, speakers and panellists from Karlstads Energi, Karlstad Municipality, Totalförsvarets forskningsinstitut (Foi), Compare, NWT, Post- och telestyrelsen, Netnod, Karlstad University and Mittnät shared their knowledge in the field and emphasised that this is something that must be solved together.
– “It is a complex chain that must be joined together to ensure the operation and functionality of digital services, such as the municipality being able to publish information via its website or being able to pay for goods in the shop. Cooperation is a prerequisite for implementing a project like this. We are therefore extremely pleased to have succeeded in gathering the expertise required to implement this important and urgent project,” says Hafsteinn Jonsson, business developer at city network, Karlstads Energi.
For the benefit of everyone living in Sweden
The aim of the project is to investigate which digital services are vital to society and what is required to maintain them. By bringing together authorities, research, business and the public sector, the aim is to develop a concept that can then be copied to other regions of the country and thus benefit everyone who lives and works in Sweden.
The project will now continue with regular meetings and workshops.
