COLLECTIVE ACTION TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE REGIONAL INNOVATION A qualitative study of factors that benefit and/or hinder collaboration within the innovation ecosystem of industrial transformation in North Central Sweden

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to address the need for a better understanding of how actors in regional innovation ecosystems work collectively for sustainable regional development and innovation towards the green and digital transition of the European Green Deal. The paper contributes to existing literature about challenges in the implementation of regional innovation (smart specialisation) strategies, by examining factors that have shown to affect collaboration related to large scale problems, e.g. fossil carbon dioxide emissions. In this qualitative study eight respondents, representing the innovation ecosystem of industrial transformation in North Central Sweden (Dalarna, Gävleborg and Värmland) have been interviewed about factors that benefit or hinder (facilitators and stressors) collaboration between the participating stakeholders, i.e. the regional county councils, the universities, the business and innovation supporting organisations and civil society. The result indicates that there are weaknesses in trust and reciprocity among actors who have different functions in the system and that challenges like governance, leadership, coordination and organiszation are related to almost all examined factors. The study shows a growing trust and reciprocity among actors within the same function, primarily among the business and innovation-promoting actors in North Central Sweden. Furthermore, the analysis shows a strong awareness of the importance of sustainability in all dimensions in carrying out industrial transformation. However, there is a frustration related to the implementation of equality and social inclusion due to knowledge gaps and a lack of tools, which overall risks leading to inaction.