Preparedness in focus when blue industries gathered in Sotenäs

What happens if the electricity goes out for a week? If key people dare not come to work? What if a bridge is destroyed and deliveries are stopped? These are questions that few businesses ask themselves on a daily basis - but which can be crucial when society is put to the test.

Companies linked to the blue industries recently gathered in Sotenäs, Sweden, to tackle one of the most pressing issues of the moment - preparedness. Led by Veronica Andrén from the Swedish Board of Agriculture, participants were immersed step by step in realistic scenarios. With confidence and knowledge, she guided the group through complex issues that every business needs to start thinking about. For example, what happens if the electricity goes out for a long time? How will their business be affected if roads are destroyed? And who is actually responsible when a crisis hits?

A stronger network for tougher times

The activity is part of Innovatum Science Park's efforts to deepen cooperation with companies in blue industries. The aim is to build a stronger network that can meet future challenges - such as preparedness.

- It is gratifying that the business community wants to acquire more knowledge on preparedness issues. We need companies throughout the food chain and not least seafood and other aquatic raw materials. Food and drinking water throughout the country are crucial if we are to be able to stand on our own two feet in a crisis or, in the worst case, war," says Veronica Andrén from the Swedish Board of Agriculture. Participants had to work with scenarios ranging from peace to gray areas and war. The goal was to gain insight and begin concrete planning - not least in terms of responsibility, cooperation and vulnerabilities in their own operations.

From concern to action

- "There is a great need to put into words what preparedness actually means in companies' everyday lives. Many know that it is important, but few have had time to think about what happens if the power goes out or transportation is knocked out," says Fredrik Grund, project manager at Innovatum Science Park.

Jeanette Forsell, sustainability business developer at Marenor and Insula, was one of the participants.

- I am impressed by the day and think it has been fantastic. I have written down lots of things that I want to take back to my workplace. For example, what does preparedness responsibility look like and what do we need to strengthen?

The discussions during the day aroused both concern and action - but above all a willingness to take the issue further. It is clear that the blue industries, together with agriculture, are key to Sweden's future security of supply.

Now we hope to continue the work together with more companies that want to think ahead, collaborate locally and stand strong when it really counts!

- This is part of our work to get closer to the companies and together build a stronger network around blue industries. This type of activity is a concrete example of how we can support each other in increasing preparedness - together," concludes Fredrik Grund.

The activity was carried out within the project Blå samverkan, which is funded by Region Västra Götaland, Tillväxtverket and Region Halland.