When the sea became a meeting place - energy and faith in the future at the Skagerrak Conference

The scent of the sea, innovation and the future was in the air in Strömstad during the Skagerrak Conference 2025, which brought together stakeholders from the entire Skagerrak region. For two days, the premises were filled with energy, curiosity and conversations about how we can build a sustainable blue economy together.

The sea as background and driving force

Strömstad Spa & Resort was a fitting location for the Skagerrak 2025 conference - right by the sea that it was all about. Stakeholders from across the Skagerrak region gathered there for two days of talks on innovation, sustainability and the blue economy of the future.

From the herring and seaweed salad at lunch to the well-attended exhibition of products based on mussels, seaweed and fish, the setting was oceanic. It was clear how the conference had brought together the region's stakeholders, research, business and society - a theme that permeated the entire conference.

One of those who touched the audience was Tobias Rosendal Bech, a shrimp fisherman from Tjøme in Norway. With infectious energy, he spoke about the social sustainability of fishing culture - about how fishing often becomes a pathway to employment for young people who need something practical to grow into. His words reminded everyone in the room that blue industries are not just about economics and ecosystems - but also about people.

Collaboration that is felt in the room

In the middle of this vibrant environment, Lillemor Lindberg, Innovation Manager at Innovatum Science Park, stood as the emcee. With spontaneity and warmth, she led the participants through the program - and kept the energy up with small competitions from the stage between the speakers.

- "It was both inspiring and rewarding to lead the discussions during the Skagerrak Conference. Bringing together so many committed actors from three countries around common issues of oceans, sustainability and innovation gave a clear sense of direction and power," says Lillemor.

She describes the program as a successful mix of politics, research and business - with the innovative voices in particular setting the tone for the future.

- There is a genuine desire to translate research and ideas into practical solutions. Interest in marine resources and circular models is growing rapidly - and it is clear that cooperation across the Skagerrak is becoming more concrete.

From research to investment

Sonja Andrén, Innovation Manager at Innovatum Science Park, also had an active role on stage, with presentations on the Nordic Ocean Opportunity Project (NOOP) and the Interreg project Skandinaviske sirkulære industriparker.

- "In the Nordic region, we have fantastic opportunities to harness the potential of the sea. To succeed, we need to mobilize, collaborate and create strong business models that attract both industrial and private investment," says Sonja Andrén.

She says that the meetings with the Danish Ocean Cluster and several investors sparked lively discussions about financing and the role of companies in the blue clusters of the future.

- There is a growing curiosity about where the most promising business cases are, and a desire to understand how to invest sustainably in ocean-based solutions. The more we can show the potential and increase knowledge about the companies and innovations, the more investors will dare to invest," she says.

A new force in Nordic cooperation

For Sonja, the conference was also a confirmation of the importance of continuing to build strong cross-border partnerships.

- "We want to continue to develop collaborations where we strengthen each other and help companies throughout the region to grow. Seeing Hvaler municipality, Norwegian companies and Strömstad municipality take steps towards becoming a common blue node together with Tjärnö - it gives confidence in the future," she says.

Cross-border cooperation is crucial if we are to accelerate the commercialization of blue innovations. The Skagerrak region shows that we can do it together," concludes Sonja Andrén.

A meeting place with optimism for the future

When the conference ended at Strömstad Spa & Resort, the feeling was clear. The power of cooperation is growing - and the commitment to the sea is gaining new momentum.

- "It feels very positive to represent Innovatum Science Park in an international forum. Our work in blue bioeconomy is also attracting interest outside Sweden, and we see how cooperation in the Skagerrak region will be an important part of the Nordic transition," says Lillemor Lindberg.

Two days by the sea proved that the blue economy of the future is not only shaped in theory - it emerges here and now, in the meeting of people, ideas and a shared commitment to the sea.

Read more about the Blue Collaboration project