Skellefteå 2030 strategy:
A vision for the future that lasts

Skellefteå's journey towards 2030 has been marked by rapid growth and major establishments, but the development strategy that was set out is about much more than individual projects and investments.

The goal is to create a sustainable everyday life for residents, to build a place where people thrive and want to stay - and that direction remains firm.

Karin Degerfeldt, Head of Department for Community Development, clearly sees how Skellefteå's broad strategy stands out.

- We have a development strategy that is as broad as Agenda 2030 and it was developed through equally broad participation. Sustainable development is so much more than work and jobs - everything is connected. We talked about the future and visioned together with the residents, and that is one of our great strengths, says Karin.

She also points out the importance of continuing the conversation:

- We are in the middle of the process and the important thing is to keep our eyes open, look ahead and see what can be even better.

Misleading media portrayal

An important element of the strategy is that it should be alive and well even when conditions change. The municipality has seen explosive population growth in recent years, thanks in large part to the arrival of Northvolt. But the strategy was never solely focused on industry and growth, but encompasses the whole community, from health and social care to education, culture and infrastructure.

- We have a long-term strategy for growth that we continue to pursue. Large industrial establishments can change over time, but our region has shown strength and adaptability over decades. Skellefteå has a diversified labor market and a developing business community, which means that we stand firm even in changing times, she says.

The education sector is building for the future

A central part of the strategy is educational opportunities and that there should be proximity to education at higher levels with both breadth and excellence that enables lifelong learning and meets the needs of employers.

Ida Lindh, strategically responsible for Campus Skellefteå, emphasizes that proximity and access to education are more crucial than ever.

- We need to continue to build long-term sustainable structures for higher education and research in Skellefteå. It is absolutely crucial for industry and other parts of society to have access to both skills and knowledge leaders, and it is therefore important that we are both agile and strategic, says Ida.

An important part of this is Skellefteå Universities Alliance (SUA), a foundation created to quickly increase access to university and college education in Skellefteå and broaden collaboration between industry and academia.

- About 90 percent of those studying at Campus Skellefteå today are not originally from Skellefteå but have moved here thanks to exciting programs in collaboration with the business community. This shows the importance of continuing to strengthen cooperation with business and society and to build on the areas of strength we have nationally and internationally, says Ida.

Still sees opportunities

At the same time, she sees a continued high demand for education in several sectors, both for business and the public sector, and believes that it has become increasingly important to have a broad range of education.

- Right now, there may be a perception that we are on the way down, but our direction is firm and the needs remain. It is more important than ever to continue building knowledge and skills in the areas where we are uniquely placed - and there are still great opportunities here, says Ida.

Despite some uncertainty in the outside world, both Karin and Ida see that the strategy is firm.

- This is not a green bubble that bursts, but a green transition that continues. We still believe that society needs to and will change - that's how development and societal development work and it is not linked to a single company. Skellefteå is still a community in strong development. Many people are investing here, and we have a strategy that is future-proof and rooted in the residents, says Karin and is supported by Ida.