Boosting the Competitiveness of the Manufacturing SMART Industry – Sweden

At the Linnaeus University in southern Sweden, a project is underway to strengthen the competitiveness of the manufacturing industry from a global and national perspective.

The objective behind the project is to develop of advanced courses linked to Smart Industry based on the skills needs of industry.

Context

In order to meet the skills needs of Smart Industry, the project “Expert Competence: Smart Industry, Step 2” aims to develop courses, but also to develop flexible methodologies for course development, implementation, admission process, etc. The courses should be at an advanced level and be based on the actual skills needs of enterprises, therefore the project draws on close cooperation with industry companies to obtain relevant input and information. The overall aim is to maintain and strengthen the competitiveness of the Swedish manufacturing industry both from a global and national perspective.

Smart Industry – different themes

Smart industry comprises several sub-areas. In order to meet the skills needs of the market, the project works closely with companies active in smart industry. In consultation with the organisations involved, the project has identified six different focus areas where courses are being developed:

• Material and structure characterisation
• Modelling and simulation
• Production and production control
• Smart maintenance
• Data management
• Sustainability and energy efficiency

In addition to the areas mentioned above, the project also focuses on training courses for leaders and managers, covering several thematic areas. The project targets managers and leaders who are professionals and want to develop skills in areas related to smart indutry.

Material and structure characterisation

This theme is about developing courses to provide a better understanding of how to value different materials and structures using experimental methods. While the methods still need a high level of performance and precision, this can result in products that have improved quality and longer lifespan. The theme covers several sectors related to Smart Industry, from construction to space.

Modelling and simulation

The theme includes evaluating with simulations different scenarios for the production process. This could include analysing the structures and functions of the production chain. The aim is to improve the production process.

Production and production control

The theme is linked to the ability to analyse and optimise the flow of the production chain using different technologies. It is necessary when production and control are important in the development of smart factories and other types of activities.

Smart maintenance

This theme aims to develop courses that provide a deeper understanding of how to use different methods and techniques to manage, analyse and ultimately use large amounts of data collected. It looks at a wide range of techniques, ranging from data mining to IT security.

Data management

This theme aims to develop courses that provide a deeper understanding of how to use different methods and techniques to manage, analyse and ultimately use large amounts of data collected. It looks at a wide range of techniques, ranging from data mining to IT security.

Sustainability and energy efficiency

This theme is about developing training courses aimed at supporting the manufacturing industry in its journey towards greater sustainability of its activities. The competitive industry of the future requires an increased focus on sustainability, energy consumption and resource use.

Courses for managers and managers of Smart Industry

It is of utmost importance that managers have the right level of knowledge to be able to lead smart industry activities. Managers and leaders need to have relevant knowledge of smart industry approaches, methods and technologies such as automation, data mining, machine learning and IoT. By enabling managers and managers to develop skills in smart industry, their leadership can be more effective and ultimately make the entire business more successful.

Courses developed within the project

The project has already developed 14 courses, available to professionals who wish to combine studies with their regular work. Courses include: Agile Methods for Digitalized Industry, AI for Managers, Applied Visual Analytics, Applied Machine Learning, Circular Economy for Managers, Condition Monitoring and Predictive Maintenance, Data-Driven Decision Making and Supply Chain Management, Manufacturing Processes for Leaders, Programming User Routines in FEM, Python-Scripting for Abaqus, Six Sigma and Statistical Methods for Quality Control, Smart Maintenance for Leaders, Smart Maintenance 1 – Measurement Technology, and Strategic Leadership for Technology-Enabled Business Transformation. All courses combine distance lectures with physical meetings, and laboratory elements are carried out in the EPIC laboratory in Växjö and the IoT lab in Kalmar.

Target group of the project

The aim is to develop training courses to reduce the lack of required skills in industry, so the project’s target group is professional companies and organisations. It includes several industries, as well as subcontractors as well as companies that both develop and manufacture their own products. Other types of companies and organisations are also welcome to participate. The project maintains a close dialogue with companies and organisations to ensure the relevance of the courses developed. The skills needs of Smart Industry are constantly evolving, therefore the project is open for the areas identified to be subject to change in the course of the project. The project is a continuation of Project: Smart Industry, Step 1.

Take part in the Smart Industry project

Participation can take several forms: assisting in the development of the courses and the materials used, organising experiments and, finally, following the courses themselves. More information and contact details can be found on the project website.

The courses enable professionals to combine studies with their work. The courses include remote lectures combined with physical meetings. 

Why is this a good practice?

It is extremely important that today’s training offers match the actual skills needs of the labour market. On the one hand, it contributes to the attractiveness of recent graduates in the labour market.

At the same time, it helps companies to continue to take a big step on their development journey and to increase their competitiveness.

From a national perspective, students graduating with the required skills will be able to contribute to the development of Smart Industry in Sweden. It can also increase the innovation capacity of companies. There are several advantages of this type of project that works closely with the labour market to develop the educational offer of the future. The project model can be applied across a wide range of areas and sectors.

More information about the project

Participating organisations

Linné University, Epic – Innovation Technology Center, Micropower Group, Epiroc, Strezia AB, Combitech, Scania, Solutions for tomorrow, SwePart Transmission AB, Virtual Manufacturing AB, Acoustic Agree AB, Zenta AB, Andritz AB, Volvo Construction Equipment AB, AB SKF, additive technology centre in Hultsfred AB, Campus Ljungby, Digital Manufacturing Cluster (RISE), DIGIT Hub Sweden (Mobile Heights). The project is financed by the KK Foundation (Expert Competence Step 2) and will run until 31 August 2026.