The Skellefteå Universities Alliance becomes an arena for the learning of the future
At the turn of the year, the Skellefteå Universities Alliance Foundation (SUA) was established. With a clear focus on securing the future's competency needs and creating a testing ground for future learning, SUA becomes an innovative force to meet the growing challenges of both the business sector and society.
- We live in a time characterized by rapid change, technological advancements, and sustainability challenges that place great demands on the ability to quickly meet new skills requirements and adapt. In the near future, more and more in the workforce will need to retrain, and we must find new models that make this possible, says Peter Larsson, the chairman of SUA.
SUA will be a national testbed where business, society, and academia can collaborate and experiment to together find ways to meet the skills needs of the future. The idea was born almost three years ago in response to Skellefteå's growing need for qualified labor. The area had an urgent need for skills in everything from education and healthcare to engineering.
- The question we asked ourselves was how we could quickly meet Skellefteå's need for academic education. We initiated a dialogue with several educational institutions, and since then the focus has broadened. Today we see that SUA can play an important role in promoting innovation and collaboration within academia nationally, explains Peter.
A hub for innovation and development in academic education
In January, the work around SUA was formalized, and the establishment is now gaining real momentum. A foundation has been formed, the funding for the first years of operation is secured, and the appointment of a board is in full swing.
- It is a board with deep expertise and broad experience from both academia, the business sector, and society. We need to have all perspectives involved in this work, says Peter.
The long-term ambition is for SUA to become a well-known hub for innovation and development in academic education. SUA should become a platform where academia can quickly disseminate new knowledge and where collaboration with the business sector is key. The goal is a dynamic environment that makes learning relevant, effective, and accessible for more people.
- One could say that SUA is meant to function as a startup environment for academic innovation. Here, universities and colleges have the opportunity to test new ideas, share experiences, and develop programs that are both forward-looking and attractive, says Peter.
Skellefteå's strong adaptability and willingness to test new solutions have created a culture of innovation and progressiveness, making it a suitable place for an initiative like SUA.
- Skellefteå is known for daring to think unconventionally. Here, there is the drive and understanding to do things in new ways. This gives us a good foundation for succeeding in the work, concludes Peter.
Board Members
Skellefteå Universities Alliance
Chairman Peter Larsson, former chairman of Gothenburg University
Robin Teigland, professor at Chalmers University of Technology
Margareta Norell Bergendahl, professor at KTH Royal Institute of Technology
Svante Axelsson, national coordinator, Fossil Free Sweden
Jonas Gustavsson, CEO of AFRY
Anette Novak. Anette Novak AB
Joachim Nordin, CEO of Skellefteå Kraft
Petter Mikalesson, CEO of Repay
Felicia Öberg, student at Karlstad University, chair of IVA's student council
