What to keep your eyes on at Science Week
When this year's Science Week kicks off (digitally), there is something in the program for everyone. But for Monica Bellgran, Professor of sustainable production and this year sidekick to moderator Lydia Capolicchio, knows which seminars she finds most interesting.
Between 2 and 6 February, it's time again for Science Week in Södertälje. Despite another year of pandemic, the event offers over 60 program items and digital live seminars on sustainable development, sustainable production and urban development.
KTH, which is one of the co-organizers is responsible for many of the program items on this week’s Thursday events. Here you will share the latest knowledge in sustainable production and present news about Lean and agile working methods. You can also visit KTH's partners Scania and Astra Zeneca digitally during the day.
”The great thing about Science Week is that there is something for everyone, different days have different themes. But Thursday’s events will give a good picture of what is happening right now in the field of sustainable production, and the transformation the industry is going through, says Monica Bellgran ,” Professor at KTH Södertälje, who will assist this year's moderator.
From a studio on the Södertälje campus, Monica and journalist Lydia Capolicchio will reflect on what’s discussed at the seminars.
A project Monica is involved in and which has its own seminar on 2nd February, is about how startups can stay with their production in Sweden. Many startups with physical products don’t survive the so-called "valley of death,” says Monica, and refers to the transition from prototype to series production. The initiative "Production Angels" helps startups to build up their production in Sweden with Swedish manufacturers.
”Unfortunately, startups today are usually recommended to go to low-cost countries with their first product. For example, there are special "China brokers" who help companies find manufacturers. It is no wonder that production ends up abroad if you do not know how to find Swedish producers, and perhaps also hear that it is cheaper abroad - a myth that we must start to question. For example, what is the cost of poor quality due to communication failures, or long delivery times?”
There is also a sustainability aspect in producing in Sweden, here, for example, we have an energy system that enables Swedish manufacturers to produce more sustainable than foreign competitors. Many small and medium-sized companies are increasing their efforts to become even more sustainable and circular, not least within production, according to Monica. It's just a matter of knowing what to do and in what order, and it's not always easy:
”The starting point is usually "compliance" – having to adapt to legislation. Customers also set increasingly tougher sustainability requirements throughout the supply chain, for example that a supplier must report its CO2 footprint. As soon as possible, you also need to include sustainability in your daily management and in the continuous work. Including a sustainability report in the company's annual report will also be necessary. Looking forward, companies are facing quite a work load.
Science Week is organized by Södertälje Science Park together with KTH, Scania, AstraZeneca, Södertälje municipality and about 40 co-organizers. The event is broadcast both on scienceweek.se and on Dagens Industri's website.
Text: Anna Gullers