Swedish Lapland Test Region Moving from geographical handicap to world leading industry

Facts about the region 8 municipalities Size – km2 Population – inhabitants Industry based on Forest Mining Water power Structural change

Car testing cluster History Started in the German company TELDEX used runway on a frozen lake in Arjeplog to test their products. Today Has grown from being a modest activity to an importent industry in the region with elements of high technology and growth What is it all about? Testing of components and other car systems in cold climate. Local entrepreneurs supply and manage icetracks, garage, workshops and staff for car- and component tests. International car- and component manufacturers from all over the world are represented in the region. (Bosch, GM, Continental Teves, VW ao)

Car testing cluster The cooperation between the local entrepreneurs (Swedish Provingground Association, SPA), local authorithies, government, university and manufacturers are based on a strategic development plan for the cluster concerning: –Competence –Communications –Accomodation –Land –Financing

Car testing cluster Facts Turnover 2002/ euro Annual increase – 20-25% Annual employments – 500 Seasonal employments – More than 2000 person/year are coming from all over the world to work in our region In Arjeplog (3 200 inh.) more than guestnights/year due to the car testing industry Calculated investments in infrastructure and housing for the next 3 years – euro

Swedish Lapland Test Region The establishment of a common organisation for the municipalities in the car testing cluster - ”Lapland Test Region” –more profound cooperation and networking between the actors in order to develop the industry and increase economic growth –Marketing of a worldleading test region –Together face future challenge and threats Challenges: Tourism – To develop the tourist industry based on the same principles and infrastructure that made the car testing cluster strong Military testing and training area – Great potential in our region

Conclusion We are: Creating smart system based on geographical conditions (Cold climate, sparsely populated) Providing European Added value – ”Best of the Best” But still: Depopulation Long way to go