Mighty EDIH is a European digital innovation hub and a collaborative project that spans several regional borders. Together, Propell, RISE, Dalarna Science Park, Sandbacka Science Park and Compare have supported 100 companies and public sector organisations and collaborated with three times as many in areas such as digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

– “It’s great that we’ve been able to support 100 companies and organisations in Gävleborg, Dalarna and Värmland. We can clearly see how interest in understanding and utilising AI is growing, particularly among smaller companies that have not previously dared to test it,” says Stina Jonsson, project manager from RISE and Propell in Hudiksvall.

From statistics to benefits

Behind the figures are a number of concrete initiatives from different parts of the regions. Through workshops, advice, analyses and support in finding funding and networks, the partners have helped companies and public organisations to develop new digital services, strengthen their IT security or streamline various processes with the help of AI.

Anders Grunnig, project manager from Sandbacka Science Park, explains:

– Many people think that AI requires a lot of resources, but it is often a matter of small efforts that make a big difference. Together with regional companies and municipal actors, we have both strengthened knowledge and lowered the thresholds for creating value with new technology.

Cybersecurity boost for businesses

Compare, in collaboration with the cybersecurity company Dizparc Secured, has created and implemented a cybersecurity training programme for small and medium-sized enterprises in Gävleborg and Värmland. A total of 38 companies participated, gaining basic knowledge of cybersecurity, mapping their digital risks and strengthening their protection against cyber threats. The plan within MightyEDIH is to continue with the training programme in Dalarna as well.

AI partnerships and support in systems development

In Gävleborg, Propell has supported the implementation of an AI partnership between the RISE research institute and several municipalities in Region Gävleborg, an initiative that has led to AI solutions being tested in public organisations. Another example is the haulage company Workify, which has received support from a RISE expert in the development of its system via Propell.

– Workify has gained access to expert knowledge that has acted as a sounding board for the development of their system. “It’s not just about technical advice, but about working together to find solutions that enhance both business benefits and sustainability,” says Maria Svensson, project manager at Propell and RISE.

From physical store to e-commerce

In Dalarna, Dalarna Science Park has partnered with Johns Sport, one of Sweden’s most well-stocked sports shops in Mora. Together they have explored how the store can develop its digital business and work more closely with academia.

– We have supported Johns Sport with various forms of workshops, coaching and guided in students from Dalarna University. Among other things, the students have helped them to develop a web shop as a next step in the store’s service to customers. It complements and strengthens the customer experience, and reaches out to those who cannot get to Mora,” says Patricia Eresjö, project manager at Dalarna Science Park.

Cross-regional co-operation

Through Mighty EDIH, it has managed to build a strong network across the regions to help businesses in AI and cybersecurity in the long term.

– Those who take advantage of our services sign the de minimis, and then get to work on various transitions they want to make. We can help measure digital maturity, provide advice of various kinds, find funding and networks to meet different needs that organisations and businesses face,” says Stina Jonsson.

– Collaboration is key. We take a lot of inspiration from each other within the project. If a project partner does something good in Dalarna, we copy it to Gävleborg and Värmland and vice versa so that more companies and organisations can take advantage of all our offers,” concludes Stina.

Do you want your business to grow with the help of AI? Or strengthen cybersecurity?

Get in touch with Marcus Olsson, Innovation Manager at the Compare Foundation!

……

The article is written within the framework of the collaborative project Mighty EDIH, which supports SMEs and the public sector to develop in digitalisation, specifically in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and high-performance computing. Mighty EDIH is coordinated by RISE and run by Propell, Sandbacka Science Park, Compare, Dalarna Science Park with funding from:

We spoke to Marina Olsson, project manager at Elvenite and one of the representatives of the nomination committee, about the work behind this year’s board proposals.

A strategic shift in focus

– “Compare is a changing organisation,” says Marina. “We therefore need a board that represents more perspectives and sectors than before. Digitalisation is no longer just an issue for the IT sector, but something that concerns the whole of society.

In the past, the board has mainly consisted of representatives from tech and IT companies, but as Compare broadens its mission, a wider range of expertise is also needed in the boardroom.

New perspectives – from cybersecurity to energy

The Nomination Committee began its work by interviewing Chairman Fredrik Svensson and CEO Charlotte Wäreborn Schultz to understand what type of Board Compare needs going forward. On this basis, the competences and representation of the existing Board were mapped – both from an industry and gender equality perspective.

– For example, we realised that we lacked representation from the energy industry, and that we needed to strengthen cybersecurity skills,” says Marina.

The new members include Erik Kornfeld, CEO of Karlstad Energi, who also has extensive experience from the pulp and paper industry. Reine Lundin, a specialist in cyber security, has also been added – a sought-after skill according to the nomination committee.

– This combination is spot on with where Compare wants to go,” says Marina.

Diversity and sustainability

Another important aspect of this year’s nomination process has been to contribute to an equal and diverse Board.

– We have looked at gender balance and been careful to complement both skills and background. It’s not just about reflecting the current situation, but also about creating long-term sustainable board work.

Marina also emphasises that experience in strategic development processes has been crucial – people who know what it means to drive change from the management level.

Strong commitment and positive signals

This year’s nomination committee work has been characterised by great commitment and a positive response from those contacted.

– It has been easy to find competent people who want to join. The people we have spoken to have a good picture of Compare and see the value of being involved and contributing to its continued development,” says Marina.

Facts about the Board and the Nomination Committee

Information about the Board can be found here.

The nomination committee consists of:
Marina Olsson, Project Manager at Elvenite
Karl Pearson Key Account Sales at Voestalpine.

Marina Olsson, Elvenite.
Karl Pearson, Voestalpine.

In connection with the 2025 AGM, the Nomination Committee was reappointed for the next one-year period.

The good turnout at the networking breakfast was proof that the theme is highly topical. More and more individuals and organisations are reflecting on data management, algorithm governance and the need for digital self-determination. During the networking breakfast, participants listened to four different voices that shed light on the topic from different angles.

Stefan Alfredsson, a researcher in computer science at Karlstad University, gave an educational presentation on how our personal information is leaked in everyday life, and how it becomes a commodity for everything from advertising networks to data brokers. Data is the new oil.

Tim SternerCommunications Officer at Compare, took us inside the growing ecosystem of decentralised social media. What does it mean to leave platforms based on algorithmic content and targeted advertising – and what opportunities are there in alternatives such as Mastodon, Bluesky or Pixelfed?

Melinda From from RISE talked about her personal exit from several traditional social media platforms – why she left, what she gained from it, and what new habits have taken place in her digital everyday life. She revealed that what she misses most is the Flea Map on Facebook, but that it’s a small price to pay for digital freedom.

Jonas Floberg Åkreco-founder of Norwegian Hudd, presented their Nordic conversation platform – a kind of “anti-Facebook” where the focus is on genuine conversations without data collection or like-hunting. More than 120,000 Norwegians already use Hudd, and the platform will soon be available in Sweden and Denmark.

New networking breakfasts on topical subjects such as cybersecurity and AI are planned for the autumn. Keep an eye out here on the website and subscribe to our newsletter so you don’t miss anything.

The networking breakfast on 4 June was organised within the Cross Border Cyber Capacity project, funded by Interreg Sweden-Norway.

Interreg Sweden - Norway + Co-financed by the European Union

What happens when a municipality invites citizens, local businesses, researchers and innovation experts to shape its future? In Hagfors, the municipality has chosen an innovative way to drive the town’s development. Behind the initiative is Bruksort 2.0.

Lars Sätterberg, Development Manager Hagfors Municipality and Annica Ejnermark, HR Manager Uddeholm AB.

– When people feel proud and have their backs straightened, they also dare to do things together,” says Lars Sätterberg, Head of Development in Hagfors Municipality.

A society built on co-operation

Population decline and skills supply are two of the biggest challenges facing Hagfors. But instead of trying to solve the problems themselves, the municipality is choosing a different path: building the future together.

– A municipality doesn’t develop by itself – it’s done by residents, associations, businesses and other actors in society. We must benefit from each other,” says Lars Sätterberg.

An important part of this work has been to involve Uddeholm AB – the town’s largest employer – in the development of the local community. There is now an active dialogue between the municipality, the company and the residents.

– Uddeholm is part of our identity. This work has become a way of meeting and collaborating on the future of the town.

A permissive culture as a foundation

The experimental approach means that results or methods are not given from the start. This places high demands on the internal culture.

– We’ve been clear from the start: we don’t know exactly where we’ll land. But we’ve built a culture where it’s okay to test. That’s crucial,” says Lars.

The trust between politicians and civil servants has been built over many years, including through previous community engagement programmes. This foundation makes it possible to work in new ways even today.

Citizen engagement is key

Success requires commitment from more than just the municipality. And Hagfors has found a model for this.

– It starts with local ambassadors who are already trusted – in the community, in business, or in the municipality. They carry the work forward and get more people to want to be involved. It must not become a municipal project, or we will lose momentum.

– Here, it is not hierarchies that rule, but people with genuine commitment.

In smaller municipalities, proximity to the people is an advantage, says Lars. And the awareness that the locality is facing change increases the willingness to act.

Tips for other mill towns

What is Mr Sätterberg’s main advice to other municipalities?

– Recognise that you cannot do it alone. Identify the parties that need to be behind the work – and be open about the fact that you don’t have all the answers. This is how commitment grows.

Do you want to know more about Bruksort 2.0 or how Hagfors works with local development?
Feel free to contact Lars Sätterberg, Development Manager Hagfors Municipality.
lars.satterberg@hagfors.se

More information on the Bruksort 2.0 initiative can be found here.

What does the test involve?
You will have the opportunity to test a prototype of an AI-powered chatbot that can be used on your website in your guest communication. We want to explore with you how new technologies can create value – both for your guests and your business.

What do you get out of being involved?

Who can participate?

The test is aimed at small and medium-sized tourism businesses in Värmland.

The development is taking place in co-operation with the Värmland-based company AiPix Sweden AB.

Test period: Approximately 2025-06-01 – 2026-06-01
Expression of interest by: 2025-06-30

Please note that the number of places is limited and we accept companies on an ongoing basis. The project reserves the right to make a selection based on the needs and conditions of the organisations.

About de minimis aid

Operations financed by the European Regional Development Fund targeting small and medium-sized enterprises in North Middle Sweden are subject to de minimis rules.

To participate in the test, you need to be eligible for this type of aid. Before starting up, you need to fill in a de minimis aid certificate, indicating whether and how much similar aid you have received in the past. The total amount of such aid cannot exceed €300,000 over a three-year period (according to EU rules).

The certificate is used by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth to ensure that you can receive the support.

Register your interest here.

For three days, 26-28 May, Karlstad will be transformed into a meeting place for everyone who wants to contribute to innovation and societal improvement – whether you are an entrepreneur, a researcher, a decision-maker or a public sector professional. Among the Compare Foundation’s activities, you will find everything from workshops on how digitalisation can sustainably accelerate society’s green transition, to panel discussions on the further development of Värmland’s innovation ecosystem and practical innovation support for those who want to develop an idea.

Bringing together networks and perspectives

Lina Svensberg, Innovation Manager at DigitalWell Arena and the Compare Foundation, is particularly looking forward to bringing together different parts of her network at home – and creating new meetings between people with different perspectives:

“UNFOLD provides a unique opportunity to weave together local initiatives with national and international perspectives. There is tremendous power when people with different missions and experiences come together – researchers, experts, policy makers and entrepreneurs.”

DigitalWell Arena will also host the joint mingle evening on 27 May at Olssons Bazar in Karlstad, where the winners of the DigitalWell Awards will be announced. (Click on the link to vote and register for the mingle.)

Some of our events are almost fully booked – but there are still many open activities to take part in. You can find the full list at the bottom of the page!

Some of the co-organisers of Unfold Värmland: Lina Svensberg (DigitalWell Arena), Thomas Wernerheim (Karlstad Municipality), Charlotte Wäreborn (Compare), Lise Bergqvist (DigitalWell Ventures), Per Kristensson (CTF), and Josefin Danielsson (Region Värmland).

Inauguration of Unfold Värmland 2025 – LinkedIn Live
Digital opening of Unfold Värmland 2025 and presentation of the week’s various events and organisers.
When: 26 May at 09:00-09:30
Where: Unfold Värmland’s LinkedIn page

Brainstorm your idea with DigitalWell Innovation Support
Do you have an idea you want to explore or develop? Come and discuss it with DigitalWell Arena’s innovation advisors in our open counselling.
Where: Karlstadrummet, Karlstad City Library
When: 26 & 27 May at 10:00-11:00
No pre-registration required

Workshop on procurement-friendly innovation management with CTF and Compare/DigitalWell Arena
Research and practice – based on the Demand Acceleration framework.
Where: Värmlands Museum
When: 26 May at 13:00-17:00
More info and registration – NOTE! Few places left

Breakfast meeting with Health Data Sweden
Welcome to a relaxed breakfast meeting! Meet representatives from Health Data Sweden and find out how HDS Gateway can support companies and public actors in the use of health data.
Where: Värmlands Museum
When: 27 May at 08:15-09:30
No pre-registration required

The role of cities in the green and digital transitions
This workshop will bring together practitioners and support actors for a joint exploration. What is really needed to support the transition in practice?
Where: Elite Stadshotellet
When: 27 May at 09:45-11:45
More info and registration – NOTE! Few places left

How the public sector can contribute to quality-assured health apps

How can the public sector simplify the procurement of health apps – while raising quality standards? The seminar will also be broadcast digitally.
Where: Värmlands Museum
When: 27 May at 10:30-11:30
More info and link to webcast

DigitalWell Ventures SHOWCASE 2025
A lunch session with startup pitches and excitement about what is happening within DigitalWell Ventures. Meet the companies that are developing future solutions for digital health and the public sector.
Where: Hotel Fratelli
When: 27 May at 11:30-12:45
No pre-registration required

Workshop: “Making complexity”
Welcome to a practical and playful workshop with David Hanley from We Shine where we explore complexity together by building with LEGO.
Where: Elite Stadshotellet
When: 27 May at 13:15-14:45
More info and registration – NOTE! Few places left

Mingle evening and DigitalWell Awards
A joint end to the day – with mingle, inspiration and award ceremony in the DigitalWell Awards.
Where: Olssons Bazar
When: 27 May from 16:00
More info and registration

UNECE Innovation Circle #25 – Launch of The Ecosystem Playbook
The video podcast broadcasts a special episode from Värmlands Museum in connection with the launch of The Ecosystem Playbook. The tool has been developed by Vinnova, Ramboll and Danish Design Centre and provides guidance on how regions can strengthen their innovation systems through coordination and long-term strategy.
More info and link to registration

The invisible advantage – masterclass with Ia Modin
The lawyer’s guide to strong companies and successful commercialisation of innovation. A masterclass on building value-creating infrastructure.
Where: Elite Stadshotellet
When: 28 May at 08:45-10:45
More info and registration

DigitalWell Innovation Watch – online

Free digital business intelligence where innovative companies present solutions with potential for the public sector.
Where: Online
When: 28 May at 10:00-11:00
More info and registration

How can we further develop Värmland’s innovation ecosystem?
Welcome to listen to an exploratory dialogue with: Jerker Moodysson, Vice-Chancellor Karlstad University Peter Bäckstrand, Regional Director Region Värmland Sandra Sundbäck, CEO Värmland Chamber of Commerce Ulrika K Jansson, Municipal Director Karlstad Municipality Kjell-Håkan Närfelt, Chief Strategy Advisor Vinnova, Charlotte Wäreborn Schultz, CEO Compare Foundation. The discussion will be led by Per Kristensson, Professor and Director, Centre for Services Research at Karlstad University.
When: 28 May, 13:00-14:00
Where: Värmlands museum, auditorium or listen digitally
No pre-registration required

Closing of Unfold Värmland 2025 – LinkedIn Live
Closing and summarising Unfold Värmland 2025 together with some of the speakers and organisers from the week.
When: 26 May at 14:15-14:45
Where: Unfold Värmland’s LinkedIn page

The Compare Foundation is a proud co-organiser and invites you to both physical and digital events focusing on digitalisation, innovation and networking. Among other things, Compare is organising talks with leading figures in the region on how Värmland’s innovation ecosystem can be developed on 28 May.

– “Unfold Värmland is exactly the platform needed to future-proof our region. By bringing together different actors, Värmland’s innovative power is made visible and together we can find solutions for a sustainable and attractive future,” says Charlotte Wäreborn Schultz, CEO of the Compare Foundation.

Charlotte Wäreborn Schultz

Unfold Värmland will be a catalyst for new ideas and collaborations – a chance for companies, the public sector, researchers and investors to find new ways forward and accelerate their development.

Secure your place at the events now: https://www.unfoldvarmland.se

We need a more robust digital preparedness. Under the Robust Region – Internet Islanding initiative, we will enable localised islanding of the internet to ensure that critical digital functions will work even if the connection is broken and we become an isolated island.

See SVT’s feature on the project from 2 April:
Unique project in Karlstad – creates own crisis internet

On 2 April, we held a workshop within the project that, in addition to us in the project group, engaged various actors with valuable perspectives. Together we worked on dependency maps and identification of the most critical functions.

Some of the areas placed high on the priority list are:

The aim of the project is to enable localised internet access for at least one function. We will then share the knowledge with other regions and hopefully enable scaling up so that more functions can be connected.

Robust Region – Ödrift internet is run through robust collaboration between Compare, Karlstad Municipality, Karlstads Energi AB, Karlstad University, Netnod, RISE, MittNät, Svenska Stadsnätsföreningen, NWT Gruppen AB and Coop Värmland.

The project is funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).
More information about the project can be found here.

With funding from Tillväxtverket and Co-financed by the European Union

For questions:

The Friday breakfast was hosted by Magnus Paues, CEO of Cowrite, and Petter André, future Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Management at Karlstad University, who represented Värmland in the Prompting Championship.

Magnus emphasised the importance of adopting AI to avoid falling behind. He also commented on the concern many feel about AI taking their jobs, and said that we will need to build more on the core of our skills that cannot be copied by algorithms.

Petter talked about what it was like to compete in the World Prompting Championships and what defines a good prompt. To get optimal output you should in your prompt:

During the Friday breakfast, participants were also introduced to Compare by our new CEO Charlotte Wäreborn Schultz, who spoke about the organisation’s evolution from IT cluster to innovation platform. Two of our innovation leaders, Ingrid Ivars and Marcus Olsson Ramberg, also spoke about our initiatives in cybersecurity and AI.

The Friday breakfast was arranged within the Mighty EDIH project, which is funded by the EU’s Digital Europe programme and Region Gävleborg, Region Dalarna and Region Värmland. Mighty supports the public sector and companies in the manufacturing industry with digitalisation, including through AI.

Would you like to know more about how we can support companies and the public sector in digitalisation processes? Get in touch with Marcus, who is responsible for Mighty within Compare.

Who are you, Malin?

– Hi there! My name is Malin Manivone Mossberg. I grew up in Laos and later in life moved here to Sweden. I would describe myself as an outgoing person with big dreams and who likes to challenge herself. I always seem to have something going on. If I’m not travelling, I’m working or creating. Or all at the same time! I thrive when I’m busy and often say “yes” to new opportunities.

What sparked your interest in graphic design?

– The first time I realised that graphic design even existed was when I was in art class during high school. I always thought that art on book covers and fashion magazines was so cool, but I had only painted on paper or canvas. So it became my dream to design my own book, even though I knew very little about how to do it. In my second year of high school I learnt simple techniques in Adobe Illustrator, so in my final year I challenged myself to do it as my high school project. In the end, it became a book! There and then I decided to study graphic design.

What do you do in Compare?

– I work on quite a variety of tasks at Compare, but with a focus on graphic design. For example, I am updating Compare’s graphic profile, making a film about Compare, producing and ordering material for various events. I also actively participate in communication meetings where we are currently discussing the development of Compare’s website.

How has your time at Compare been so far?

– I love it! The work environment is very open and there is a lot of co-operation. All colleagues are very friendly and open to new ideas. There is always someone to turn to if you run into an obstacle or need advice, which I really appreciate.

What has been most interesting?

– There are a lot of things that have been interesting, but if I have to choose something specific, it is to see sketches come to life. The journey from brainstorming to the final result always offers new insights and creative challenges that make the process very interesting.

What do you do in your spare time?

– It depends a bit on the day. If I’ve already spent a lot of time and thought on creative tasks at work, I try to balance it with other activities such as exercising, going out on the town and socialising with friends. Otherwise, I enjoy reading books, scrolling social media, watching YouTube and planning future art projects.

FIVE FAST

DID YOU KNOW THAT …

… I can speak four languages? Lao, Thai, English and Swedish.
… I have flown a small aeroplane? With an instructor, of course.
… I have lived in Berlin for three years?