Through the merger of Processum and BioBusiness Arena, Sweden, a regional cluster hub for forest research and innovation is established in the regions of Västernorrland and Västerbotten in northern Sweden. As a subsidiary of RISE, Processum thus contributes to RISE being present in the Sundsvall region. At the inauguration ceremony, some 100 representatives from industry, universities, institutes, and the public sector were present.

"During the past few years, Processum has built a strong research and development environment in northern Sweden," said Magnus Hallberg, MD Processum. "BioBusiness Arena’s strength in commercializing and business renewal is a perfect complement to the Processum business, and this is why we since quite some time have a close and fruitful cooperation. Now we take the next step by merging, thus creating a strong regional forest cluster hub, which also strengthens the cooperation with the regional incubator Bizmaker."

Birgitta Sundblad, division manager, RISE Bioeconomy, noted that "the coast along the northern part of Sweden is an internationally successful region within forest industry and biorefinery. As an important part of Sweden’s innovation system, it is self-evident for us to have a strong presence here. We are established in several locations along the coast and see the potential in the new location in Sundsvall. We want to be the innovation partner, together working with development of Sweden on a regional, national, and international level." 

Peder Björk, head of the Sundsvall municipality, said that "our region has incredible knowledge, competence, and experience in the forest area and its different products and services. The fact that we now have an even stronger regional player within forest innovation and research makes it possible for our region to improve the position both nationally and internationally in the work towards a sustainable society."

The merger of Processum and BioBusiness Arena was celebrated at the grand inauguration in Sundsvall in the presence of ca. 100 representatives from industry, universities, institutes and public sector. 

During the inauguration ceremony representatives from Processum, Åkroken Science Park, RISE, Domsjö Fabriker, Mid Sweden University, Landstinget Västernorrland, Region Västernorrland, as well as the Sundsvall, Örnsköldsvik, and Umeå municipalities, with supervision of governor Gunnar Holmberg, together did a jig-saw puzzle, thus emphasizing the support of the merger. 

For more information, contact Magnus Hallberg, MD RISE Processum AB.

 

 

In the photo above are: Magnus Hallberg (left), MD Processum; Peder Björk, head of the Sundsvall municipality (right); and Birgitta Sundblad, division manager RISE Bioeconomy, at the jigsaw put together by all stakeholders.