Region Kalmar
Located in southeastern Sweden, the Kalmar region is home to approximately 246,000 residents and is characterized by its predominantly rural landscape. The region’s economy is driven by a robust private sector, featuring a diverse range of SMEs specializing in manufacturing, agriculture, food industry, forestry, pulp, and wood.
As one of the three regions that make up Småland—the leading forest region in Sweden in terms of turnover, added value, and employment—Kalmar is dedicated to fostering sustainable development for both private and public sector stakeholders.
Our Strengths
Our smart specialization strategy centers on bio-innovation, with a focus on five key knowledge areas that leverage our natural environment, expertise, and successful collaborations among academic institutions, regional SMEs, industry, and public support. Linnaeus University (with campuses in Kalmar and Växjö) has established interdisciplinary teams that form the scientific foundation of our strategy. We also collaborate with other universities and research centers, such as the biogas research center in Linköping.
Key Components of Our Strategy:
- Forestry, Pulp, and Wood: We aim to advance modern, flexible, and sustainable housing solutions using wood and glass through our established Smart Housing Småland network. We are also exploring new advanced materials derived from wood.
- Food: Our focus includes developing a food and nutrition knowledge center and enhancing our expertise in proteins, encompassing both vegetable proteins and sustainably produced meat.
- Water Supply and Technology: We are committed to creating testbeds and a knowledge platform for sustainable water management. This includes improving the water cycle in agriculture and forestry while ensuring that water quality meets industry and household needs without exacerbating Baltic Sea eutrophication.
- Bioenergy: Our efforts include producing, distributing, and utilizing bioenergy from agriculture, forestry, sewage, and bio-based industries.
- Nature and Culture-Related Tourism: Leveraging our rich natural and cultural heritage, we aim to offer unique experiences through art, culture, food, hiking, sports events, wildlife, boating, and more.
Development Area: E-Health
Kalmar is home to the national Swedish eHealth Agency and the well-established e-health research institute at Linnaeus University, fostering a growing e-health cluster. Our development in this field relies on collaboration with other e-health hubs to drive innovation and progress.
Collaborative Opportunities
We are eager to partner with European stakeholders to advance our priorities and initiatives. Join us as we continue to build on our strengths and create new opportunities for growth and innovation in the Kalmar region!