– I am impressed by the expertise and commitment of our staff, but also by the breadth of the issues we work on. These range from cybersecurity and sustainable societies to digital health innovation and talent attraction linked to technical higher education.
Our long-standing collaboration with Karlstad University is an example of how we are making a tangible difference – both here and now, and for the future,” says Charlotte, who took over as interim CEO on 1 February.
Charlotte describes Compare as a neutral innovation platform with regional, national and international roots. We are an actor that brings people, ideas and sectors closer together through process management and collaboration.
– The common thread in our work is that we bring together actors from different parts of society and together develop services, products and processes that contribute to a sustainable future. We have moved from being an IT cluster to being a catalyst for digital transformation in a broader sense,” she says.
Clearer communication to strengthen Compare
One of Charlotte’s priorities is to clarify Compare’s mission and position – both for external stakeholders and internally.
– We need to be even better at describing what we do, and the value we create. Our work often takes place in the organisational interstices, where no one else really has the mandate or structure to act. This requires us to be clear, especially in how we explain complex issues in language that more people can understand.
A leadership for collaboration
Charlotte has extensive experience of leading collaborative projects involving the public sector, business and academia – often in projects with high ambitions and many moving parts. She now wants to use that experience to further develop Compare.
– Compare has unique expertise in innovation and process management. My hope is that with my perspective I can contribute to even better structure and even stronger collaboration,” she says.
A natural player in the regional innovation system
Compare’s work is strongly linked to the Värmland strategy and smart specialisation – Värmland’s strategy for strengthening regional competitiveness. Charlotte sees an obvious role for Compare in this work.
– We are helping to accelerate the development of digital health innovation so that more people can live healthier lives, and to strengthen the competitiveness and attractiveness of businesses and organisations through advanced digitalisation.
But it’s not enough to want to co-operate – it also takes courageous leadership, says Charlotte.
– Complex societal challenges require clear, coherent and visionary leadership. One reflection is that I see actors who realise what we need to do, but still continue to pursue their own agendas. Then there is a risk of losing the big picture. Värmland has a strong culture of collaboration, but the question is whether we have enough driving and courageous leadership to actually achieve success together?
Five quick ones with Charlotte
What is the best thing about your colleagues?
– They are committed, helpful and unpretentious.
What do you have in the loop right now?
– I’ve just met all the staff at Compare. Now I’m getting to know actors in business and the public sector to explore what we can do together.
What is most important for you to enjoy your job?
– Intensity, variety and being able to contribute to society.
What were your career dreams at the age of 10?
– I don’t think I had any career dreams then, but my interest in nature and the environment has followed me all my life.
