Hello Klas and welcome to CTF and Karlstad University! Can you tell us about your background and your research?
– Thank you! I have a PhD from Technology Management and Economics at Chalmers University of Technology. For several years, I have also had various positions within the automotive industry as well as the space industry. In recent years I have worked at Volvo, with research and development work connected to products and services for the aftermarket. It was during this period I received my Degree of Doctor. In my research, I have studied how companies embedded into business networks can collaborate to create value-adding solutions and services. I left Volvo last year and instead started as project leader at Chalmers Industriteknik in Gothenburg. Here, my role is in-between research, industry and the community, as my job is to help actors with the application of new knowledge in practice. I focus on circular economy and circular business models—areas in which service-based solutions are very common.
What are you going to work on here?
– I will be active within the DISCERN project, which aims to develop new knowledge on how digitalisation affects customers and corporations focused on customer experiences and service development. I will also be active in ISE, which is a so-called graduate professional development program aiming to develop courses for professionals, in order to reinforce the competitiveness of Swedish commerce and industry.
What will your contributions be?
– With my extensive experience in the industry, where services have been a central part of customer offerings—combined with my research during and after my doctoral studies—I hope to contribute with new perspectives on ongoing research as well as ideas for new research. With my current knowledge about the needs of the industry’s need for expertise, I hope to be able to contribute within ISE as well. When it comes to the development of courses and education I bring ideas from my work with businesses and organisations involved in the circular transformation.
How did you end up here?
– During my time as a doctoral student, I met several researchers from CTF at various conferences. When I went back to working full-time for Volvo, we had more extensive contact through our involvement in DISCERN. Through my role as DISCERN coordinator within Volvo I also became involved in dialogues related to course development within ISE. After having the privilege to work with people from CTF for many years, it is going to be a lot of fund and extremely stimulating to become their colleague. I will split my time between my work here and at Chalmers Industriteknik.
Can you briefly tell us a little about yourself?
– I spend much of my leisure time going to concerts and eating at restaurants, but I enjoy being in the wild just as much. I love to fish or try to get lost in some dark forest.
