Photo: Mikael Wallerstedt
Within an area of just under one square kilometre in central Uppsala are Uppsala University Hospital, the Rudbeck Laboratory, the Biomedical Centre, the Ångström Laboratory and Uppsala Science Park with its more than 140 companies in life science, materials science and IT. Together with a well-established innovation support system, important authorities and several attractive meeting places, a prominent research and innovation area is formed that already today constitutes an engine for research and development in Uppsala.
Through the letter of intent, the parties create a common platform for more coordinated and long-term development work. The goal is to further exploit the strengths that already exist in the area, create even greater synergies between research, healthcare, innovation and entrepreneurship and ensure that the urban development that takes place in the area connects and strengthens the area further.
"Innovation is a natural consequence of research. We have had well-functioning systems for taking care of ideas and entrepreneurs for a long time, and over the years we have helped over 400 projects on their way to becoming companies. This investment will lift the area further and serve the entire university. I hope that innovations in all the university's faculties will be nurtured in Uppsala Science District," says Vice-Chancellor Anders Hagfeldt.
The common vision is for Uppsala Science District to form "a force field for world-improving research and innovation". The goal is an internationally clearly positioned place characterized by excellence, synergy, curiosity and a high quality of life.
"Uppsala has world-class research, healthcare and entrepreneurship gathered in one and the same area. With Uppsala Science District, we are linking these strengths and creating better conditions for ideas to become innovations, new companies and more jobs. It strengthens both Uppsala's development and our international competitiveness," says Erik Pelling (S), Chairman of the Municipal Executive Board, Uppsala Municipality.
The work is concentrated on four focus areas. It is about building a clearer common identity and international visibility, developing the area's offering for research, innovation and entrepreneurship, creating a physical environment that facilitates collaboration and expansion, and strengthening the qualities that make the area attractive to live and work in.
"This is a unique place with endless opportunities with everything from research, world-class healthcare and living in a beautiful living environment. This gives Uppsala Science District very strong conditions to compete internationally, but it requires us to work long-term and coordinated with content, place development and attractiveness. By bringing together our different perspectives and skills, we can do just that," says Helena Proos (S), Chair of the Regional Board, Region Uppsala.
In an area of just under one square kilometre, a prominent research and innovation area is being formed, which already forms an engine for research and development in Uppsala. Photo: Vasakronan.
Several major investments and development projects are already underway in and around the area. The development of Uppsala Tramway is an urban development initiative that will decisively strengthen the site and which, together with the four-track expansion, will significantly improve and shorten travel to and from Arlanda/Stockholm – an important parameter for international attractiveness. The long-term development and renewal of the University Hospital will also have a decisive impact on the area's attractiveness.
"Akademiska Hus, which together with Uppsala University is the initiator of the collaboration, the letter of intent is an important milestone in the work of developing attractive and sustainable knowledge environments together with academia, business and society. As the owner and active manager of two of Uppsala's largest campuses, the Biomedical Centre and the Ångström Laboratory, with important land resources in connection with it, Akademiska Hus sees great opportunities to contribute to the development of Uppsala Science District," says Christian Jönsson, Director of Real Estate and Technology & Service at Akademiska Hus.
The next step is to structure and organize the work so that the work is done smoothly and results in both the short and long term are achieved.
"Uppsala Science Park is already gathering a unique force in research, innovation and business. As Uppsala's largest commercial property owner, Vasakronan wants to be involved in developing that force. With a long-term commitment and this collaboration, we can contribute to further strengthening the links between the area's players and create even better conditions for the business community to continue to develop," says Jens Skoglund, Head of Uppsala at Vasakronan.
Christian Jönsson
Direktör Fastighet & Teknik och Service
