In entrepreneurship, we see potential for Leader Bergslagen in several ways. We want to stimulate collaboration between entrepreneurs through the Leader method, as well as between businesses and other sectors. We want to encourage new business creation. Development opportunities exist for strengthened local economy, diversification, innovations, and resource efficiency.
Examples of initiatives include Reko rings, farm sales, networks to liven up the city, utilizing the potential in e-commerce, creating new businesses in old premises, etc. It can involve meeting places that accommodate, for example, public service points, local shops, charging infrastructure, cafes, restaurants, libraries, activity parks, office hotels, tourist services, or activity halls.
An important resource for addressing the societal challenges of Bergslagen is entrepreneurs and business owners who are active in what is referred to as ”social entrepreneurship.” This can include social start-ups, innovative social enterprises, and work-integrated social enterprises. Social enterprises differ from ”regular” businesses as they have alternative business goals and operational logic and operate at the interface between the public, private, and non-profit sectors. For this reason, they may be suitable for leader projects.
Through the leader method, underutilized farmland in Bergslagen can be used to increase the degree of self-sufficiency. Efforts can, for example, be made with the aim of creating networks and collaborations, or to conduct courses and process raw materials.
Clear desire for initiatives in tourism, nature tourism, fishing, and outdoor life.
In the development area of entrepreneurship in Bergslagen, we see a clear desire for initiatives in tourism, nature tourism, fishing, and outdoor life, and to develop our tourist destinations. There is a need to promote history that has not yet been compiled and shared. The iron, the mines, the forests, and the villages fill the residents of Bergslagen with pride, and Leader projects in these areas would fit our development needs. In Bergslagen, most tourist destinations are shaped by mining and nature-based resources.
Nature tourism is a way to disconnect from technology and enjoy a slower pace of life. Visit Sweden's trend report predicts that interest in nature tourism and staycations will continue to increase in popularity. The Covid pandemic is one reason that the connection between environment and health has gained importance, leading to an increased demand for sustainable travel. More and more people have ”discovered” their hometown instead of traveling far. The trends identified by Visit Sweden coincide with the development opportunities in the tourism sector that emerged in our SWOT and our workshops.
- Examples of initiatives include Reko rings, farm sales, networks to liven up…. Travel becomes a new value for personal development. In addition to enjoyment and escapism, more and more people want their leisure time to contribute to personal growth, learning, and self-actualization in combination with good food, health, exercise, and life balance.
- Soft adventure – increased demand for comfortable, curated, and safe nature experiences.
- Longing for nature and authentic experiences in an increasingly stressed world. Travel close to home is on the rise. There is also an interest in seeking out brands with local ties to support the community in the pursuit of sustainability.
- Holistic health. Sleep, exercise, meditation, and diet are expected to play a role in enhancing well-being. There is an interest in breathing fresh air, stargazing, spending a day exploring places with no other people in sight. Experiencing culture that broadens perspectives and stimulates the mind. Supporting businesses that promote environmental health.
- Engagement as a pursuit. There is a striving to live more sustainably and to engage in ”the good fight” – i.e., for nature, sustainability, and climate consciousness.
In the area of entrepreneurship, our SWOT highlights the need to stimulate increased innovation capacity. The rare earth metals needed for the digitalization and electrification of the world are found in Bergslagen. We have the potential to become world leaders in electrical engineering. If there are local initiatives where the leader method is applicable, this would be an interesting area to explore.