NEWS Umeå University and Umeå municipality have formed a strategic partnership involving research, education, innovation and skills supply. The agreement was signed by the Vice-Chancellor of Umeå University, Hans Adolfsson, and the chairperson of the municipal executive board, Hans Lindberg.
The strategic partnership between Umeå University and Umeå municipality is based upon a joint agenda between the parties. The collaboration builds upon the two parties’ strengths and is of mutual strategic importance and benefit to everyone involved. Initially, the partnership will prioritise two areas: sustainable smart city development and the joining of Umevatoriet and Sliperiet. No particular funding commitments have been established for the partnership. Instead, funding will be discussed from case to case. The partnership applies until it is cancelled by either party.
“Umeå University and Umeå municipality have previously joined in many rewarding collaborations, and we are now aiming even higher. With an increased focus and coordination than before, we will be getting more out of our joint venture in developing the municipality, the region and Umeå University,” says Vice-Chancellor Hans Adolfsson.
The collaboration between Umeå University and Umeå municipality can comprise research, education, innovation and skills supply in all of Umeå University’s disciplinary domains. The endeavours should strive towards contributing to a sustainable community development in social, environmental, cultural and financial aspects. Within skills supply, professional development and knowledge transfer, several forms of activities for collaboration are possible. For instance, degree projects, placements, staff exchanges, joint research projects and applications, seminars and workshops.
The coordinators for the strategic partnership will be Anna Sandström Emmelin, coordinator at the External Relations Office at Umeå University, and Charlotte Lundkvist, head of strategic development at Umeå municipality. The sustainable city development part of the partnership is led by Katrin Holmqvist-Sten, senior lecturer and head of the Umeå Academy of Fine Arts at Umeå University. Project manager for the joining of Umevatoriet and Sliperiet is Mats Falck, coordinator at the External Relations Office, Umeå University.
Editor: Anna Lawrence