Why did you apply to Vinnova?
– I thought that Vinnova offered a very attractive and creative mission at the forefront. To meet the major societal challenges, such as climate change and conflicts over the planet's resources, through innovation.
Vinnova is also known for being a serious and valued employer that stands out with its high ambitions for the work environment. I think this is evident in, among other things, its clear approach and health-promoting benefits.
What have you worked on before?
– I have worked with urban planning for over 25 years, of which more than ten as a manager. Before moving to Stockholm in 2022 and starting as a studio manager at Sweco, I was a planning manager in Gothenburg. I have also worked in Alingsås and Kungsbacka municipalities, at the Swedish National Board of Housing, Building and Planning and for a short time at the County Administrative Board.
During certain periods I have also worked with education, research and innovation. This has resulted in articles and courses on what I call night city planning. It is about planning lighting design and architecture when it is dark outside.
What does a typical day look like for a head of department at Vinnova?
– My assignment as head of department is based heavily on communication, which characterizes my everyday life at Vinnova. I have many conversations with employees, managers and representatives from other agencies. The conversations cover everything from strategies and planning to concrete coordination and decision-making.
I am also deputy area manager for Sustainable Value Chains. In this role, I participate in several different forums and assignments that aim to promote the use and development of technology, as well as policy, organization, and research to meet the major societal challenges. We have a large network among the projects in our area with both national and international actors.
What is the best thing about working at Vinnova?
– I really appreciate that Vinnova so clearly strives to be a constructive public authority, which is based on a core value of respect, responsibility and courage. I think that courage is noticeable in our daily work where it is allowed to test new thoughts and approaches. It is also noticeable in our core process, where our mission is to support actors to find new solutions to old problems.
Among the best things about working at Vinnova is being part of a competent group of colleagues and feeling that together we are contributing to society developing in a positive way – within the limits of the planet.