Strengthened Nordic defence and industrial cooperation Lars Bugge Aarset|18. juni 2025 How Can Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Become an Integrated Part of Future Nordic Defence Capabilities? That was one of several questions explored when representatives from Trøndelag visited key stakeholders in Jämtland and Östersund in June. The event was carried out in cooperation between NORDSEC, IUC Jämtland Härjedalen, Samling Näringsliv, and the Værnes Region Chamber of Commerce, bringing together participants from the defence sector, industry, and academia. Through company visits, meetings with authorities, and workshops, a foundation was laid for closer cross-border cooperation at a time when the Nordic countries must stand stronger together to meet new security policy challenges. Mid-Nordic region: A strategic axis in NATO A key theme during the gathering was the increased strategic importance of the Trondheim–Östersund axis, particularly in light of Sweden and Finland’s accession to NATO. The region will play a crucial role in logistics and preparedness—not least in securing the defence of Finland and the Baltics. This creates new demands on industry, infrastructure, and cross-border collaboration. At the same time, it opens opportunities for Nordic suppliers and technology environments that can provide solutions to a common defence. – We need to rethink how Nordic regions work together industrially and in defence. The Mid-Nordic region has an important role to play here,” said Ebbe Deraas, Cluster Manager at NORDSEC. Micael Ågren Berner, Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV). Photo: Tevje Ravn Eggan / NORDSEC FMV and SAAB: Seeking New Partners The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), represented by Micael Ågren Berner, shared insights on how the Swedish state is working to strengthen the defence industry and invite more suppliers. With over 800 ongoing projects and orders worth SEK 120 billion, FMV is at the centre of Sweden’s new defence industry strategy. SAAB showcased its wide industrial segment and significant activity in Östersund, pointing to the need for more subcontractors also outside Sweden. – We see opportunities for Norwegian suppliers within the Swedish system, particularly in niche technology, innovation, and robust solutions, said Deraas. Technology and sustainability at the forefront Victoria Alfredsson from Lundstams demonstrated how the company uses artificial intelligence in waste sorting. Having worked as an environmental advisor at the company for ten years, she guided participants through the facility and explained how new technology enables more precise and efficient resource utilization. At the same time, Jämtkraft and RENERGY presented energy challenges and cybersecurity as shared industrial concerns. While surplus power and green production create opportunities, vulnerability to digital threats requires new preparedness and collaboration. Thomas Bjørdal, Cluster Manager at RENERGY. Photo: Tevje Ravn Eggan / NORDSEC Business across borders Several Swedish industrial companies, such as Persson Invest and Wist Last, shared concrete examples of cross-border cooperation, from joint IT structures and leadership training to development projects with Volvo on autonomous vehicles. Opportunities for closer cooperation between academic institutions such as NTNU and Mid Sweden University were also highlighted, particularly within technology and preparedness. From left: Pontus Sandell (IUC Jämtland Härjedalen), Jenny Grip (Samling Näringsliv), Jon Uthus (Værnes Region Chamber of Commerce), and Ebbe Deraas (Cluster Manager NORDSEC). Photo: Tevje Ravn Eggan / NORDSEC Collaboration must become concrete In panel discussions and conversations, participants called for clear projects and joint platforms to turn intentions into action. Jan Marius Reppe from RITEK highlighted how deliveries to the defence sector also strengthen society’s overall preparedness. One goal is to build a joint platform for project development and positioning toward the EU and other international partners. – A big thank you to Jon Uthus and the Værnes Region Chamber of Commerce for an excellent event,” said Tevje Ravn Eggan, Project Manager at NORDSEC. Östersund. Photo: Tevje Ravn Eggan / NORDSEC