"It's crucial to establish a robust ecosystem where different initiatives complement each other"

What are the advantages of industry, academia, and research institutes collaborating within additive manufacturing?

"At Vinnova, we believe that a successful climate transition within Swedish industry hinges on companies leaning on an internationally competitive research base at universities, colleges, and institutes nationwide. Much of this research occurs, and should occur, through collaborations with companies. Over the past decade, various strategic innovation programs have played a pivotal role in fostering collaboration between researchers and companies within additive manufacturing, thus building a unique capacity in Sweden. It's crucial to establish a robust ecosystem where different initiatives complement each other. Currently, several entities contribute to this ecosystem, including the competence center CAM2, the metal research institute SWERIM, and the Application Center for Additive Manufacturing (AM Center) at RISE. The AM Center has emerged as a focal point for collaboration between researchers and industry for development and knowledge enhancement."

You were among the participants at the Additive Intelligence 4.0 conference, held at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in March 2024. Do you believe organizing such events within additive manufacturing is important?

"Absolutely. Despite Sweden's overall strength in both industrial and research aspects of additive manufacturing, it's crucial to have platforms for tracking and discussing developments, spanning from materials to industrialization, productivity, quality assurance, and especially sustainability. These forums, bringing together diverse stakeholders across the entire value chain, and shedding light on both the potential and challenges of the technology, are invaluable for fostering collaboration, both domestically and globally."

In your opinion, what is necessary to expedite the transition to a sustainable and competitive manufacturing industry in Sweden?

"In Sweden, investments in research, innovation, and collaborations have been the key to success and competitiveness. Now, it's imperative to leverage our strengths to hasten the transition towards a sustainable society, both domestically and globally. We recognize the need for system innovation from the outset, necessitating radical changes in social and technical systems at various levels and calling for broader constellations of actors as well as international linkages. Clearer direction and ambitious, long-term investments are imperative. A notable example is Impact Innovation, Sweden's innovation initiative for the 2030s, developed in collaboration with the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas, and Vinnova; and particularly the recently granted Net Zero Industry programme."