InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM hosted a delegation of experts from southern Sweden, working in the fields of regional development, innovation and smart specialisation, on 22 September 2026.

The delegation included representatives from the regions of Jönköping, Gotland, Kronoberg and Kalmar, as well as Science Park Jönköping, Träcentrum and Campus Ljungby. Their work focuses on regional development, smart specialisation, innovation ecosystems, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, skills development and sustainable growth.

Dr. Michael Burnard, Deputy Department Chair at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, welcomed the delegation and presented the centre and its activities. Dr. Andreja Kutnar, Department Chair at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM, then guided the guests through the building and laboratories, introducing them to the research environment and current research activities.

The visit offered an opportunity to exchange experiences on the role of research organisations in developing innovation ecosystems and strengthening cooperation between research, business and the public sector. The guests learned more about the work of InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM and its research in the fields of sustainable construction and renewable materials.

As part of a Swedish-Slovenian exchange of experiences in regional development, innovation and smart specialisation, the delegation’s visit to Slovenia was organised by the Slovenian Business & Research Association (SBRA) in Brussels and the Jožef Stefan Institute.