Behind the Scenes of Society Expo 2026 – A Conversation with Helena Renström.
Municipal Director Kristina Sundin Jonson meets Helena Renström, Project Director of Society Expo 2026, and interviews her about the work with SE26.
Society Expo 2026
-
Skellefteå's way forward through collaboration and innovation.
During the management day on March 31, management groups within the municipality's administrations and companies gathered to look ahead. Through analyses, dialogues and future predictions, both the complexity of the present and the opportunities that exist when we act together - with knowledge, collaboration and innovation as driving forces.
Skellefteå and Tekniska museet create confidence in the future.
Skellefteå is facing its biggest challenge in the ongoing social transformation, following the redundancies at Boliden Rönnskär and the bankruptcy of Northvolt. At the same time, the site has a strong history of industrial innovation and adaptation, which has made it a place that is naturally equipped for social transformation. Through a joint effort between Skellefteå Municipality, Exploratoriet, Skellefteå Kraft, Skellefteå Museum and Tekniska museet, new learning environments are now being created to equip the next generation of engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs - from an early age.
Confidence in the future and determination at the first partner meeting.
Despite a week characterized by news about Northvolt and Boliden Rönnskär, it was an atmosphere of strong determination, faith in the future and a genuine desire to contribute to the transformation of society that permeated SE26's first partner meeting.
What’s happening in Skellefteå?
Right now, we in Skellefteå are receiving many questions about what’s happening here. The short answer? A great deal. We are acting swiftly and decisively to harness all the ideas, resources, and investments that this unique location enables. And we are doing so with sustainability as our top priority – from large-scale production of fossil-free aviation fuel and electrification of mining to the development of urban drone transport and much more. Unfortunately, I have also come across those who feel sorry for us in Skellefteå, following everything that has happened around Northvolt. Understandable, but that is not how we see ourselves. This region has a long tradition of both established and emerging industries that have played a major role in building Sweden’s welfare. The conditions for sustainable production in Skellefteå remain very strong.
Society Expo 2026
Partner
Be part of something extraordinary and be involved in leading the social transformation together with SE26. We are looking for innovative projects and committed partners who want to contribute to Skellefteå's sustainable development.
Join us and shape the future!
Be part of Society Expo 2026 – as a resident, association or company. We invite you to participate, contribute and influence in a way that feels meaningful to you.