"When industrializing complex technologies many different thought models are needed"

“I'm very impressed by the conference. Having been engaged in industrial research and development for a considerable time, I can attest that gathering such a diverse range of international stakeholders – from companies and research arenas across Europe – is no small feat. I must tip my hat; I was genuinely impressed.”

Do you consider it important to organize events of this nature within additive manufacturing?

“I believe it is. While additive manufacturing is not a new concept – having been on the Gartner curve since around the Second World War – it's only now that we're witnessing its industrialization on a large scale. Additionally, additive manufacturing has demonstrated numerous benefits, including significant environmental and logistical advantages. However, challenges persist in areas such as post-processing, the value chain, IT infrastructure, quality, and energy, as well as health risks associated with various powders. Given the complexity and potential of additive manufacturing, collaboration and knowledge-sharing among stakeholders are paramount. Events like this conference provide a platform for participants, many of whom are in an early stage of understanding, to openly exchange insights and findings. Such collaboration propels the technology forward for everyone present, ensuring that all depart with valuable insights to apply within their respective organizations and countries.”

What advantages do you see in fostering strong partnerships between industry, academia, and research institutes within additive manufacturing? 

"There are no disadvantages to collaborating! When industrializing complex technologies, such as AM or AI, many different thought models are needed. Companies tend prioritize factors such as cost-effectiveness, performance, quality, and efficiency – with the customer in focus. Researchers often bring entirely different perspectives to the table. As with any new technology, additive manufacturing presents its fair share of challenges, necessitating collaborative efforts to overcome them. In my view, companies often lack the patience or resources required to tackle these problems on their own. Hence, partnerships with institutes like RISE are important. At RISE, you can test new equipment and different materials, and explore various solutions in a controlled environment. This collaborative approach also allows for risk-sharing."

How do you perceive the Application Center for Additive Manufacturing (AM Center) as a player in the innovation system? 

"The successful gathering of 200 participants from across Europe at a conference of this calibre, with representatives from both industry, academia, and research institutes, speaks volumes. This conference would not have been possible without the AM Center. I know that the centre is highly sought after across Europe, by civil society, the defence sector, researchers, and businesses. It is a clear sign that the right technologies, expertise, machinery, and questions have been prioritized."

What do you think is needed to accelerate the transition to a sustainable and competitive manufacturing industry in Sweden?

"It's a big question, but I would underscore the importance of adept leadership. This aspect has been brought up in various discussions at the fair, linked to both AM and maintenance. The Swedish manufacturing industry frequently targets highly tailored solutions and systems for customers. However, customization and scalability are complex entities to unite. It necessitates a considerable level of flexibility, which takes time to cultivate and requires perseverance."

"At the same time, significant investments are currently being made in Swedish production, especially in battery technology and battery factories. Automation technology and robotics are also booming. Moreover, Sweden's favourable energy mix, boasting a significant proportion of fossil-free electricity, meets the demands of many enterprises. I believe this favorable combination of factors will keep us going for a while. Now it's just a matter of educating more engineers, the ever-present scarcity!"