The cultural and creative sector plays a crucial role in the development of sustainable, attractive and vibrant societies. But over the past year, these industries have been hit hard by the pandemic. At the same time, a population increase of around ten percent is predicted in Norr- and Västerbotten as around a thousand billion SEK is invested in new modern manufacturing industry and green electricity production. RISE and eXpression Umeå are now collaborating to strengthen the creative sector in the north with a focus on sustainable design, form and hospitality - where tradition and future are fused.

- The project will develop quality networks and meeting places for creators, experts and local suppliers. The aim is to strengthen relationships between these key players and help creators develop their entrepreneurship and business acumen," says Barbro Renkel, CEO at eXpression Umeå.

The cultural and creative sector accounts for 3.2% of Sweden's GDP and is important both for the green transition and for people's well-being. The sector's unique potential lies, among other things, in its ability to lead the development of equal, attractive and prosperous cities as well as rural areas.

RISE and eXpression Umeå have now received EU funding to strengthen the cultural and creative sector with a focus on sustainable design, form and the visitor industry in Norrbotten and Västerbotten. The project will increase knowledge of design principles for longevity in objects and products based on our common cultural heritage.

- We can state that the cultural and creative sector plays a crucial role in the industrial development taking place in northern Sweden. Companies in these industries contribute to more sustainable, attractive and vibrant communities, which makes more people want to live and work here. At the same time, it is a sector that has been hit hard by the pandemic, which is why we must now pull together,' says Marlene A Johansson, researcher at RISE.

The project is funded by EU funds, Umeå Municipality and Region Västerbotten and will work with LTU Business to strengthen design skills in SMEs in Upper Norrland.