5 reasons to establish marine businesses in West Sweden

In West Sweden, an exciting environment is emerging - a place where entrepreneurship, innovation and research meet with resources both on land and at sea. Here is the opportunity to build the blue industries in a way that benefits our future.

The whole value chain represented

West Sweden is where tradition meets innovation. There is everything from large industries to a high density of technology consultants. The area is also home to the largest share of Sweden's fish processing industry and its suppliers. The value chain extends through farming, fishing, processing, wholesale and retail. It is also home to smart logistics solutions, circular production processes and the production of bio-based materials.

High-level research and innovation

West Sweden is the development center of the blue bioeconomy. Research actors such as Chalmers, University of Gothenburg, KTH, RISE and IVL-Swedish Environmental Institute have well-established marine research and University West is a center for production technology. There are also research and innovation nodes such as Tjärnö Marine Biological Laboratory, Kristineberg Center for Marine Research and Innovation, Innovatum Science Park and Sotenäs Symbiosis Center. The concentration of research actors also means that there is industry-related training at all levels.

Unique environments with unique characteristics

There is a long tradition of fishing along the west coast and the area has the saltiest waters in Sweden. A variety of species thrive in the sheltered archipelagos, which are favourable for aquaculture and the cultivation of various organisms. West Sweden is also home to Sweden's largest lake, Vänern, which with its rich water reserves is both a transport route with several ports and a significant source of drinking water, fishing and recreation.

The growth zone between Gothenburg and Oslo

Western Sweden is Scandinavia's demographic center of gravity, close to several major cities. There are good conditions for renewable energy such as wind power, hydropower, solar power and district heating which, together with surplus heat from industries, create a good energy supply. The transportation network of roads, railways and shipping is well developed and the region plays a central role in the EU's TEN-T transport network. Four deep-sea ports and an airport provide opportunities for smooth transportation and transhipment.

Collaboration for development

West Sweden is joining forces to maximize marine resources in a sustainable way. Here, knowledge and resources meet and together we shape a future focused on an innovative and circular bioeconomy. Collaboration between all the different actors, from researchers to companies and many other actors, has been established, including through the Collaboration Platform for Biomedical Industries and the Position West establishment office helps to guide the way in close collaboration with the area's municipal business managers.