“Usually you don´t get three out of three” – Norrköping Science Park is involved in three different Central Baltic projects

“We were slightly shocked”, remembers project manager Dag Forsén from Norrköping Science Park (NOSP) the day all three applications for Central Baltic-projects were approved for funding. Since then, life at the Swedish Science Park is no longer the same – it has become busier and more of a challenge, but also more fun and rewarding, as Dag and his colleague Linda Robinson tell us.

How come Norrköping Science Park participates in no less than three Central Baltic-projects?

Dag Forsén: Business Tampere, who worked on the application for Scaleup Launchpad, approached us first. Slightly later, we were introduced to the project ideas of Bridging4Growth and ScaleAble. All projects are very similar when it comes to target audience and focus on internationalisation, but are very different in nature: While Bridging4Growth targets exports outside Europe, Scaleup Launchpad is focusing on cross-border collaboration and ScaleAble on synergies between small and large corporations. Since those ideas fit well into our business strategy, we decided to join as partners in all three projects in the hope of maybe succeeding with one or two. It´s a difficult process – just sending in an application doesn´t mean you get funding.

But you did! What was your initial reaction?

Dag: At first we were slightly shocked – usually you don´t get three out of three. Of course, we got very glad since the projects create a very good combined offering. They are fun to manage, connect small and medium-sized companies, corporates and Science Parks, create value chains with other cities and, least but not last, they put NOSP on the map.

Did your organisation have the necessary resources?

Dag: No, it didn´t. Initially NOSP could only man 1,5 projects, so we had to recruit three new employees. During the first months, in the preparation and planning phase of the projects, we were understaffed, but could manage. As of now, a core group of five people – among them Linda –  works with the Central Baltic-projects, which also allows us to reduce the overheads.

What does it mean for NOSP to be engaged in three projects at the same time?

Linda: It allows us to offer SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) a bigger selection of options to choose from and thus the appropriate support.   

Dag: Assume that an SME takes part in Scaleup Launchpad, our project helping start-ups to grow their businesses in cities around the Baltic Sea. This in turn could prepare the company to work with a city in Brasil, which is one of the target markets of the Bridging4Growth-project. Of course, everything we do within the projects is strictly separated; we may not mix it up when it comes to costs, time and consultants.

Linda Robinson: There´s another advantage with driving several projects: We cannot just help companies in our region, but bring SME in all Central Baltic-countries together. For instance, I was able to connect a Finnish company participating in Bridging4Growth with the ScaleAble-project, which turned out to be a really good match.

What´s the gain of working together with partners in Estonia, Finland and Latvia?

Dag: It´s impressive to see our partners work. We´re similar in terms of culture, but there are also differences. We have become part of a Nordic family – that´s a cool thing – and we have the same aim: We want the participating companies to succeed. Since we work on this together, the likelihood of success is increasing. In my opinion, the cross-border element is the biggest advantage. We all learn a lot from each other, which is enriching for ourselves, but also beneficial for the projects. The peer aspect is important: Swedish SMEs meet companies from other countries that face similar challenges, which gives them a lot of energy.

Linda: In addition, we are a great team and have a lot of fun. The communication is direct, the culture very open. At first, I was overwhelmed by all the traveling. Then I understood how important it was to get to know each other in person – that´s definitely something I recommend all project partners.

What about you Dag, what´s your advice to potential new projects?

Dag: I agree with Linda: Do meet physically! Not only when the project is running, but also during the application process. Although most of the interaction can be done digitally, meeting in person makes it easier to discuss ideas and decide on core concepts. At the same time, you build strong relationships that are the base for better understanding and mutual thrust further on. My second advice is to create continuity. Try to include people who will run the project in the application process. It could create a gap if you have to run the projects with completely new people.

Dag Forsén (Innovation Lead/Project Manager at Norrköping Science Park) was involved in the application process and the start-up phase of all three Central Baltic-projects.

Linda Robinson is project manager for the SCALE-ABLE project at Norrköping Science Park.

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Text: Ingrid Meissl Årebo, nat. Contact Point Sweden South/ INTERREG Central Baltic programme / February 2024.