2012.08.27

Press release: The Swedish Electronics industry organization is gathering strength – National agenda for the electronics industry.

The industry organization Svensk Elektronik is taking the initiative to join forces with partners in industry and research to develop a national strategic research and innovation agenda for the electronics industry, which in turn strengthens the competitiveness of Sverige AB.

– We see that, by virtue of our member companies and our broad network of contacts in both business and research, we have both the opportunity and responsibility to exploit the potential that exists in the electronics industry, for the benefit of Sverige AB, says the association's CEO Lena Norder and continues:
– The fact that we are now receiving support from VINNOVA is a clear recognition of the importance of our industry. This gives us completely new opportunities to strengthen and develop the electronics industry in Sweden! Now we are taking a joint, comprehensive approach and we are doing it with a broad base – the commitment is present throughout the industry!”

VINNOVA is investing a total of 33 million SEK in academia, industry, institutes and public actors working together to formulate strategies for increased competitiveness. Many responded to the call – a full 153 applications were received. The R&I agenda for the electronics industry is one of the 73 initiatives that VINNOVA ultimately approved and which is now receiving support of 200 thousand SEK.

This is how VINNOVA describes the background to the initiative: ”Today, it is no longer enough to be ”good enough” – we need to become the best in the world in some areas in order to retain and attract research investments, create societal benefit and strengthen the international competitiveness of the business sector. In order for Sweden and Swedish companies to be able to strengthen and maintain their attractiveness and competitiveness in global competition, prioritization and collaboration between business, academia, institutes and public actors are required. VINNOVA wants to stimulate the development of cross-border and goal-oriented collaboration between these parties and is now focusing on developing strategic research and innovation agendas.”

The Swedish Electronics industry organization was not slow to respond to that call!

The already formed steering group represents the entire value chain and demonstrates the industry's commitment and the need for the agenda's implementation.

Maria Månsson, Chairman, Business Unit Manager, Prevas, Chairman of the Swedish Electronics Industry Association
Bo Wass, CEO Autoliv Electronics
Tomas Lagerberg, Head of Automation Research, ABB Corporate Research Sweden, Board Member of ProcessIT Innovations
Jerker Delsing, professor at LTU, program director for ESIS, board member of ProcessIT Innovations
Mårten Armgarth, CEO ACREO
Martin Hedman, CEO IUC Sweden
Mikael Joki, CEO of Eskilstuna Elektronikpartner, board member of the Swedish Electronics Industry Organization
Ove Opseth, CEO Elfa Distrelec, board member of the Swedish Electronics Industry Association

Chairwoman Maria Månsson is enthusiastic:
– Yes, we are very happy to have received such a positive response to our initiative and now we are in the starting blocks to get started. There are also related projects that we will have close cooperation with. We will work with broad commitment from the entire industry. This will be an intensive and fun work that will be completed in March 2013.

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The Swedish Electronics industry association organizes companies that develop, design, manufacture and supply components, products and services within electronics. The association has approximately 200 member companies.

Board of Directors of the Swedish Electronics Industry Association

Chairwoman Maria Månsson, Prevas AB
Vice Chairman Ove Opseth, CEO of ELFA AB

Board members:
Per-Anders Emilson, CEO of PA Emilson Trading AB.
Bo Holmgren, CEO of Saven Hitech AB
Mikael Joki, CEO, Eskilstuna ElektronikPartner AB
Mikael Roots, Desab Elektronik AB
Jan Linders, CEO Jan Linders Engineering Firm

The association has the following sections:

• Construction & Development
• Electronics production
• Electronic components
• Embedded Technology
• Production equipment
• Test & Measure

Contact:
Lena Norder, 08 508 938 15 email: lena.norder@branschkanliset.se
Maria Månsson, Prevas, phone: 0708-644 399 email: maria.mansson@prevas.se

The Swedish Electronics Industry Organization
Klara Norra Kyrkogata 31
Box 22307
104 22 Stockholm
Phone: 08 508 938 00
www.svenskelektronik.se