To meet and overcome challenges, we innovate and create new ideas. And innovation can be accomplished in many ways. Nowadays, there are even “institutions” where businesses can get innovative support, as the challenges rise.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, Innovation means “the creating and use of new ideas or methods”. To a businessperson it means new possibilities. Or new ways to stay meaningful to clients, customers, and consumers.
When it comes to sustainability and circular business models, the challenges are plenty. Luckily, there is support – one of them is the Science Parks. A science park works within the triple helix of academy, companies, and government. And the Science Park Borås works specifically with the textile and fashion industry.
Jonas Larsson is an associate professor in textile management at the Swedish School of Textiles and the Science Park Borås. To him this contextual approach is essential. See him explain it further here.
Innovation in complex systems
The Science Park Borås works with what they call mission-driven innovation. Apart from working with innovation in tech, they also support innovation across the whole value chain. Including for example, in the cultural, policymaking, and business-model contexts. And this systemic approach works wonder when the obstacles and challenges are complex.
A place for collaboration
A science park works as a meeting place – between people, ideas, knowledge, and creativity. It’s often a platform for larger innovation and development projects.
Science Park Borås is an innovation test bed, where ideas are tested and materialised, quite often for the textile and fashion industry. The organisation collaborates closely with the University of Borås, RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Smart Textiles, Marketplace Borås and Borås INK. Science Park Borås’ main financiers are Vinnova, the Västra Götaland region and the EU.
Jonas Larsson also told us more about his personal drivers.
Read more about Borås Science Park (Swedish)
One of the platforms for the Science Park is Smart Textiles. Read more about it here
