Trollhättan’s industrial environment takes center stage as Sweden brings together stakeholders to strengthen its defense capabilities

On March 24–25, representatives from the defense sector, industry, academia, and the public sector will gather in Trollhättan for the Defence inWest conference. At a time of increased geopolitical uncertainty and a strengthened Swedish total defense, the focus will be on how innovation, advanced production technology, and collaboration can contribute to developing the defense capabilities of the future.

“The security landscape is changing rapidly, and this places entirely new demands on both the pace of innovation and collaboration. Defence inWest creates a much-needed forum where industry, academia, and public sector actors can come together to discuss how we can build a more robust and future-proof defense ecosystem,” says Linda Bohlin, CEO of Innovatum Science Park.

Over the course of two days, policymakers, researchers, industry representatives, and representatives from the defense sector will gather to discuss how Swedish innovation can strengthen both military effectiveness and supply chain resilience. The program features speakers from government agencies, the defense sector, leading industrial companies, and research institutions.

Open the door to more industrial companies

An important part of the conference is to open the door for more industrial companies to contribute to the development of future defense systems. Through Defence inWest, companies in the Fyrbodal region and Västra Götaland are invited to gain a better understanding of the Swedish Armed Forces’ needs and the opportunities available to contribute technology, products, or expertise—either directly or indirectly as suppliers in existing industrial chains.

It is no coincidence that the conference is being held in Trollhättan. The city boasts an innovation and industrial ecosystem that has been built up over many years and now plays a central role in the development of future defense systems. At the heart of it all is the Production Technology Center (PTC)—a unique collaborative arena where researchers from University West, industry, and the public sector work together to develop, test, and demonstrate advanced production technology.

PTC serves as a bridge between cutting-edge industrial expertise and the needs of the defense sector. By combining research, testing facilities, and industrial applications, it creates an environment where companies can develop solutions, validate technologies, and strengthen their ability to contribute as suppliers or subcontractors to established players in the defense industry.

Solutions that make a difference

“When leading players in defense, manufacturing, and advanced technology come together here in Trollhättan, it creates the conditions for more quickly translating research and production technology into solutions that truly make a difference. This strengthens businesses, the supply of skilled labor, and our collective security—and that is exactly the kind of ecosystem Sweden needs moving forward,” says Linda Bohlin.

By bringing together stakeholders from various sectors, Defence inWest aims to foster new partnerships, strengthen innovation capabilities, and promote a better understanding of how Swedish industry and research can contribute to the development of tomorrow’s defense systems.

Learn more and view the program: Defence inWest 2026