Can we foster closer collaboration with the talents of the future? A bit beyond CVs and LinkedIn profiles. Let them experience real-world problems and give them the opportunity to work together with various companies early in the process?
At Mindpark, one of the hubs in the innovation district, the goal is to create spaces and networks that strengthen the business community. In 2025, a new concept will be tested, which they have developed for the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth (Tillväxtverket) and the European Regional Development Fund, focused on how to address the skills shortage. The concept is called MindLabs, and it involves a number of selected companies from the Mindpark community meeting and engaging with international talents. Over the course of two half-days, the participating companies pitch problems or challenges they face, and the talents aim to come up with proposed solutions.
– Mindpark is about making the business sector and people thrive. Helping international talents to find a good company to contribute to is important for creating a strong and diverse business culture, says Sanna Ekström, CEO at Mindpark
The initiative aims to create a point of contact between companies and talents in several ways:
- Companies gain visibility with a target group that may not be very familiar with local businesses.
- Companies receive input and fresh perspectives on their challenges.
- By watching participants solve problems and work in groups, people get to know each other much better than just from a CV or LinkedIn profile.
- Participants build networks not only with the local business community but also with other participants, who come from highly diverse backgrounds.
– The open environment and judgment-free collaboration was liberating. The brain muscles were worked out enough to be prepped up for the next event, says Swasti, one of the participating talents.
– These kinds of events are so important for internationals – if nothing else, to learn about what is out there, says Parul Ghosh, Production Lead at Contentor, one of the participating companies.
Plans for more MindLabs in 2025
Mindpark plans to hold at least three MindLabs over the coming year, with the first one taking place this April at Mindpark in Helsingborg. With five participating companies (Contentor, PayZlip, MilDef, People of Tech, and ProToSell) and 100 talents who registered, it turned out to be a very successful event. The participants came from diverse backgrounds and brought skills from around the world, creating two energetic and inspiring afternoons together.
Next event takes place in October 2025. Interested in joining?
If you have a problem that needs solving or feel the urge to help our local companies with your problem-solving skills? Now is your chance! The next planned session with Mindlabs takes part after the summer. On 23-24 of October.
You can email directly to Karsten Deppert at Mindpark if you want to attend or have any questions about Mindlabs: karsten@mindpark.se.
