Many companies see the opportunities offered by new technology but lack the support needed to make use of it. That is why Karlstad University, together with Compare, is launching a joint test arena where research and technology will be made more accessible to companies and the public sector.
Small and medium-sized enterprises in Värmland need to be able to take advantage of AI, digitalisation and cybersecurity in order to continue developing and strengthen their competitiveness. At the same time, requirements for information security and digital resilience are increasing. The new arena will make it easier for companies and public-sector organisations to access new technology, knowledge and expertise.
“A strong business community and a strong university develop together. We have research, expertise and test environments that can benefit organisations far beyond the university. Through this arena, we are making it easier for companies to collaborate with us and put new knowledge into practice,” says Patrik Larsson, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at Karlstad University.
Through networking events, workshops and test environments, participants will have the opportunity to develop their skills, try out new solutions and put ideas into practice. The project will also create a shared entry point to Karlstad University’s test environments and specialist expertise, with a particular focus on areas such as AI and cybersecurity. Together with companies and public-sector organisations, pilot projects and long-term approaches will be developed to increase collaboration with the university.
Karlstad University already has strong research environments, specialist expertise and advanced test environments in the field of digitalisation. Through the new arena, these resources will be brought together within a common structure with a clear point of entry.
“Many companies want to use AI and other digital technologies more strategically, but they lack the time or are not fully aware of the opportunities available. With this arena, we want to lower the barriers by giving companies access to knowledge, testing, training and specialist expertise that they often do not have access to,” says Anna Rosvall, Innovation Lead at Compare.
The Regional Arena for Digital Innovation, Testing and Training project is run by Karlstad University and Compare in collaboration with DigitalWell Ventures. The project is funded by the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth through the European Regional Development Fund, as well as by Region Värmland, and will run from 2026 to 2029.
Read more about the project
Regional Arena for Digital Innovation, Testing and Training
