During a guided bus tour, entrepreneurs from Boden and Luleå were able to see concrete examples of how the municipality has turned visions into reality. The meeting offered inspiration and insights on collaboration, dialog and innovation in the ongoing societal transition.

In Boden, the societal transition is evident in everyday life. Heavy trucks loaded with crushed stone move steadily through the municipality. Bright yellow workwear illuminates the streets and construction sites, while new buildings gradually reshape the cityscape. Here, multi-billion kronor investments are already in full swing, and the change is tangible.

To provide an insight into how Boden has managed to enable these initiatives, a guided bus tour was organized for entrepreneurs from Boden and Luleå. The aim was to show concrete examples of the projects and highlight working methods that have facilitated the social transition.

– It was inspiring to see what Boden has achieved in creating a shared vision and what we in Luleå can take with us as we face similar challenges, says Kent Eneris, business developer at Luleå Energi.

Cooperation without borders

One of the central topics of the tour was the importance of dialogue and consensus. Cecilia Kvibacke, Head of Development and Planning for Boden Industrial Park, explained how she has served as a direct contact for residents near the large-scale projects. Her work in building trust and understanding has resulted in faster processes, minimal appeals and a smoother detailed planning process.

– It feels like Boden has established a problem-solving culture. I take with me the realization of the importance of communicating a clear vision for the municipality’s development and how we can work together to get there,” says Kent Eneris.

The bus tour was part of a networking event that gathered 65 participants from businesses and organizations in Boden and Luleå. The initiative, held twice a year, is part of a collaboration between Företagarna Boden and Luleå, Boden Business Park, Luleå municipality and Luleå Näringsliv. The aim is to create forums for cross-border cooperation and exchange of experience.

Unique ecosystem

Participants were also given an update on Stegra’s groundbreaking initiative to build the world’s first large-scale green steel plant. Anne Graf, Head of regional affairs at Stegra, presented the latest developments in the project, which not only symbolizes Boden’s industrial transformation but also acts as a driving force for the entire region’s growth.

“It has been fantastic to showcase Boden and what we are in the middle of right now. I believe many have gained a better understanding of our opportunities and challenges, while the day has also offered valuable meetings and new connections”, says Michaela Strömberg, Business Developer at Boden Business Park.

Boden has built a sustainable and innovative ecosystem that brings together businesses, green technologies and community engagement. Here, actors collaborate to create a green future – here and now.
The core of the ecosystem consists of five development areas: Boden Industrial Park, Boden Cleantech Center, Boden Plug & Play, Boden Business Park and Boden Game Camp.