"Together we create a sustainable industry"

Energy conversion, maintenance systems, engineering industry, laser punching and packaging; the breadth among the companies exhibiting in the IUC stand is great.

– We have gone from one island to four islands and are growing as more and more people want to join. Now we are exhibiting in the C hall, but soon it may be "the IUC hall", says Christine Harde, IUC Syd, with a twinkle in her eye.

– You have to have some visions!

Provides support for change and innovation

This year's fair theme, Navigating Change Together, fits well with how IUC works. Here it is about helping small and medium-sized companies to be equipped for future demands from various stakeholders. A way to build companies that are relevant for the future. By meeting the companies in their reality, the aim is to arouse curiosity and offer inspiration as well as concrete support efforts that create long-term value and strengthen the companies' innovation capacity.

– This is one of our most important tasks is to provide support for increased ability to change among small and medium-sized companies, says Christine.

Production-enhancing development

It is about production-enhancing development in areas such as new technology, competence provision and competence enhancement. Many companies request support in matters such as social sustainability and green transition.

– Here we work a lot with coaches where we connect the companies with the right support, says Mattias Hedström, IUC Värmland.

Christine Harde continues:
– We notice that more and more projects are about sustainability, and we try to get all companies to see it as a business opportunity.

Works close to the company to meet the needs

In targeted efforts, they collaborate with research institutes such as RISE to capture themes that are relevant to the times. Mattias Hedström shares the mantra that is used as a starting point:

– Together we create a sustainable industry.

The IUC consists of a total of 21 regions from north to south. You work closely with the companies in their everyday life to listen to what needs there are. It also wants to be a meeting place for industry, research, academia and politics.

The EU, Tillväxtverket, Vinnova as well as regions and municipalities contribute funds to make the projects a reality. And for the stand investment at Elmia Subcontractor, IUC has joined forces with Produktionslyftet and LEAN Forum.

Important networking in the collection stand

The idea of ​​the IUC stand, where five of the 21 regions are participating this year, is to make it easier for small and medium-sized companies to participate in the fair. You book your participation and get a complete package with a stand, access to the café, after-work and service, so that the companies can focus on their business and build relationships.

– And we see that networking within the stand area itself is becoming more and more important. Many do business with each other after meeting here as an exhibitor in the stand, says Mattias Hedström.

Caption: The IUC stand grows every year, note Christine Harde and Mattias Hedström.