In recent months, HALRIC has played a key role in connecting companies with leading research infrastructures across the Öresund-Kattegat-Skagerrak-Hamburg region, including MAX IV, ESS, DESY, and European XFEL as well as smaller but complementary advanced research infrastructures. Through targeted events and strategic outreach, HALRIC is not only raising awareness of these powerful resources, but actively helping the industry to discover how to work with them. The result? A surge in meaningful collaborations between academia, industry, and research facilities—pushing forward a shared vision of a more integrated and innovative region.
Image by Daniel Karlsson
New industry engagement strategy yields over 20 new collaborations
One of the most tangible outcomes was the successful implementation of an internal industry engagement strategy, which generated over 20 new connections with companies exploring the possibility to be part of our current call for pilot projects.
The development of the strategy was led by Veronica Lattanzi (Medicon Valley Alliance, Copenhagen) in collaboration with Sara Niemann (Life Science Nord, Hamburg), Francesco Bez (Medicon Village, Lund), and Hanne Mette (The Life Science Cluster, Oslo).
Seminars and delegation visits promote regional dialogue
To strengthen dialogue across sectors, the HALRIC team has hosted a series of events bringing together researchers, companies, and policymakers. Highlights include the HALRIC Conference and the HALRIC meets industry event in Hamburg (September 2024), where pilot projects were showcased and new collaboration opportunities emerged. In addition, Medicon Valley Alliance held a dedicated R&D Network meeting on 10 December 2024, followed by a coordinated delegation visit from Hamburg to partners in Denmark and Sweden—deepening regional ties. One of the concrete outcomes of these efforts was the successful inclusion of Life Science Nord in the Nordic Mentor Network for Entrepreneurship (NOME), further expanding the innovation ecosystem.
Post-project vision already in motion
As HALRIC enters its next phase, recommendations are being made to align with EU competitiveness strategies and to harness major infrastructure projects as tools for regional cohesion. Strategic conversations about the post-project future have already begun, with consensus among partners to launch follow-up initiatives. A dedicated workshop is being planned to shape this vision, with the upcoming Fehmarn Belt Link identified as a pivotal driver for deeper integration between Sweden, Denmark, and Germany.