In 2020, Helsingborg was named one of Europe’s most innovative cities. Then, in 2022, the city organised and hosted the H22 City Expo, Europe’s most significant arena for sustainable urban development and innovation.
Now, together with Region Skåne, Lund University, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Sweden, and the local business community, the city is taking a further step in that direction by creating Helsingborg Innovation District. The district will facilitate innovations by bringing different stakeholders together and acting as a catalyst for creating new innovative solutions. Solutions that will help bring about sustainable growth in the region.
The aim is to become a leading international arena for innovation involving business, academia and the public sector.
“As one of Europe’s most innovative cities, we are constantly pushing the boundaries of what a city can do. Now, in partnership with academia, business and industry, we are taking the next step on the journey to strengthen the region,” says Christian Orsing (M), Mayor of Helsingborg.
The initiators of Helsingborg Innovation District are the City of Helsingborg, Region Skåne, Lund University, and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Sweden. The aim is to create a joint arena that promotes cooperation on innovation, not least regarding the climate challenges we face as a society.
“By bringing together companies and organisations in a single innovation district, we will strengthen cooperation at the regional level and more clearly highlight Helsingborg’s and Skåne’s innovation strength at the international level. Increased innovation and investment in Skåne are fundamental to ensuring the growth of jobs and companies,” says Anna Jähnke (M), Chair of the Regional Development Board in Region Skåne.
Geographically, the innovation district stretches from Helsingborg Central Station through the Oceanhamnen neighbourhood to Campus Helsingborg and RecoLab.
“Society is dependent on new ways of thinking and ideas. With Helsingborg Innovation District, we are creating a location with international appeal that will make it more attractive for students and researchers, both now and in the future,” says Charlotta Johnsson, Head of Campus Helsingborg, Lund University.
Today, several innovative companies, like Resurs Bank, Lindab, Robot Minds, the tech hub Hetch, and the coworking concept Mindpark, operate in the area designated for the innovation district. In addition to Lund University’s Campus Helsingborg, the city’s new Centre for Innovation—Parken has been established in the area.
“Innovation is a must if business and industry in the region are to grow and make Skåne a driving force for sustainable development. We have high hopes for Helsingborg Innovation District and look forward to actively contributing to the work going forward,” says Stephan Müchler, President/CEO of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Southern Sweden.
In the spring of 2023, an operations manager was appointed, whose task is coordinating activities and bringing together the entities operating in the innovation district. The job is to ensure that the innovation district develops, positioning Helsingborg on the national and international innovation map.
