EXPRESSION UMEÅ EXCEEDS ALL EXPECTATIONS

- securing its future and its place in the innovation system

Umeå's incubator for the cultural, artistic and creative industries started its operations in 2014, then together with the regional fund project Test Platform X. Now the results of the project's three years have been compiled and with 55 companies started in three years, they exceed the expected result by far. And the future is secured.

- We have always strived to innovate the incubator business. That's why it was also important to define our purpose, mission statement and values early and clearly. Now we have found our natural place in Umeå's and the industry's continued development, says Marlene Johansson, CEO of eXpression Umeå.

Test platform X

The EU Test Platform X project aimed to build a creative test platform where students, researchers and entrepreneurs from across the region were given the opportunity to develop their ideas. The platform would, in turn, contribute to the creation of more companies in the cultural and creative industries (CCIs). The project would also explore new working models and approaches to best develop ideas and businesses in the CCS.

A solid mission whose results speak for themselves.

Over 780 new ideas in three years

Since its inception in 2014, the project has aimed to reach 400 students and 50 researchers with links to KKN. When the years are summed up, it appears that around 800 students and as many as 200 researchers have participated in some form during the project and together with the innovation office at Umeå University.

The number of ideas evaluated is estimated at around 783, compared to the expected 60. In addition, 55 companies have been started and developed, the target was 20 companies, which means a target achievement of 175%.

- A fantastic result in every way. It also gives us leverage for the next step and proves our important environment in Umeå's and the region's innovation system, says Marlene Johansson

eXpression Umeå has thus secured its future as a natural actor in Umeå's innovation system under Umeå University and Umeå municipality.

Further initiatives to come

During Tillväxtverk's results dissemination conference on 4 December this year, eXpression's work with Test Platform X was highlighted as an innovative project, based on a well-defined need.

At the same time, eXpression Umeå's new three-year regional fund project was presented: the North Sweden Arena for Art, Design, Tech & Business.

A project based on collaboration and regional KKN clusters, together with research from the Umeå School of Economics.

- We have been able to develop a quality-assured working model that effectively and sustainably contributes to more knowledge-intensive ideas in the cultural and creative industries leading to successful businesses in Umeå. Here, our investments in co-creation, self-leadership and collaboration - not to mention our companies, employees and business coaches - have been key success factors," says Marlene Johansson.