Automation Region Automation Region is a centre of excellence at Mälardalen University that unites small enterprises, large corporations, academia and the public sector in a cross-industry cluster. Together with our 150 member organisations, we strive to market Swedish automation expertise, stimulate innovations and secure the industry’s long-term skills provision. Through collaboration, new contacts, inspiration and skills development, we are working to achieve efficient production, profitable businesses and increased Swedish competitiveness. Photo from the start-up fair Fast Forward Västerås in 2017. Activities The following is a selection of the activities we are involved in: Breakfast meetings and seminars to increase knowledge on technology and market trends. Workshops for advanced learning in select areas and opportunities to find new collaborations between business and the academic and public sectors. Mediation of contacts within the academic sector for joint research and development projects, opportunities to apply for funding, etc. In collaboration with the Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre and IVA, we organise the Automation Summit, which alternately takes place in Västerås and Gothenburg each year. A few times per year, we organise the Automation Expo – a miniature trade fair hosted by one of our members (or another interesting company). At the expos, our members have the chance to present their products and services in a time and cost-efficient way. Member involvement One important strength of Automation Region is the commitment of our members. The members run our development groups, where the activities are developed further, and our board has several representatives from companies and local government. Our member companies consist of start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises and world-leading multinational automation companies. Funding Automation Region is financed by funds from the EU, the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth, Vinnova and various regional actors. In 2016, Automation Region was named one of three winners of Vinnväxt, a Vinnova programme that entails ten years’ funding for the development of innovative environments.