A research institute that thinks like industry - but moves in academia

Chalmers Next Labs is the research institute that understands the logic of industry and creates a shortcut to top-level science. We got an interview with CEO Monica Ringvik.

- For Sweden to be strong and competitive in the future, we need to be faster at translating research into actual benefits. That's where Chalmers Next Labs comes in," says CEO Monica Ringvik. "We are a research institute with a mission to be responsive and malleable to the needs of business and industry and to be an easy route to world-leading research. We think like industry - but move in academia.

Why is Chalmers' research so important in this?

- Chalmers is at the forefront globally in several areas that are crucial for industry and society's transition. We have access to many of the leading researchers, labs and test environments. We can create solutions with a solid scientific basis - no other player can offer it in the same way.

How do we create collaboration that works on business terms - without losing the research edge?

- Traditional collaboration often stops at short projects. Instead, we create the conditions for research to go deeper into companies' real-life challenges and stay with them over time. At the same time, we enable researchers to bring their discoveries closer to use, in an environment that does not require them to leave academia behind.

Chalmers Next Labs offers a collaboration format where companies can feel safe: confidentiality agreements, rights issues, time frames - everything is adapted to work in a commercial context.

- It is only when that security is there that companies invite us in for real. And that's when collaboration becomes truly transformative.

How do you see the challenge of making research really make a difference for Swedish companies?

- Research makes a difference for Swedish companies, but we can improve the conditions further. For example, universities can be better at showing what they can contribute. It's about making infrastructure, knowledge and test environments available - all to strengthen Swedish competitiveness. We want to see more companies and businesses daring to open their doors to deeper collaborations and more research institutes that meet them on their terms.

Your vision of the future - where are we going?

- I see stronger Nordic cooperation in the future. We have a lot to gain by linking arms, instead of always looking to the US or the EU. Finland is a role model right now, with its aggressive, targeted investments in quantum technology. There is a lot of power in the Nordic region. In the current world situation, we need to be better at harnessing it.