On November 6–7, the autumn meeting of the SQMA network – Swedish Quality Management Academy – was held at the Service Research Center (CTF) at Karlstad University.
Swedish Quality Management Academy was founded in 2012 to connect Sweden’s world-leading institutions in quality research. SQMA is a collaborative platform for professors and associate professors in the field of quality research, aiming to renew education, collaborate on research projects, and exchange experiences.
The network brings together quality researchers from Swedish universities and meets once per semester to discuss research and education.
Anders Fundin, professor and research director at SIQ, and Kajsa Nyman, CEO of SIQ, both participated in the autumn meeting.
Why is the SQMA collaboration important?
– SQMA serves as a unifying force for research in quality and organizational development, with SIQ acting as a bridge to disseminate new knowledge to industry and the public sector, says Anders Fundin.
– For SIQ, the collaboration within SQMA is extremely important as it provides a platform for cooperation, learning, and joint development. Personally, it’s inspiring to participate when researchers from across the country meet, share knowledge, and develop ideas together, says Kajsa Nyman.
What was discussed during the days at CTF?
– The network discussed the continued development of the subject area and how SIQ’s management model can be further developed in the next phase, explains Anders Fundin.
– We had many inspiring conversations and exchanges of experiences on current issues and perspectives in quality development, says Kajsa Nyman. For us at SIQ, it was particularly valuable to receive input, reflections, and concrete suggestions regarding the content of the SIQ Management Model, in light of the planned revision of the model in 2026.
What are your takeaways from the two days?
– A strong sense of engagement and professionalism, says Kajsa Nyman. There is a clear desire within the network to develop the field of quality and to continue the collaboration that characterizes SQMA.
– New energy and valuable insights into how collaboration between academia and practice can strengthen development in the quality field and inspire the further development of the SIQ Management Model, says Anders Fundin.
SQMA consists of representatives from:
- Chalmers University of Technology
- University West
- Jönköping University
- Karlstad University
- KTH Royal Institute of Technology
- Linköping University
- Luleå University of Technology
- Lund University
- Mid Sweden University
- Mälardalen University
- Uppsala University
- SIQ – The Swedish Institute for Quality
CTF conducts research on value creation through services, based on the needs of individuals, organizations, and societies. The research contributes to new knowledge about value-creating processes. Key research areas include service development and innovation, dynamic customer relationships and organization, customer experience, and quality.
