Register interest

28 January 08:30-12:00 CETQuality Hotel 11

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Next Innovation Policy Forum marks the launch of a long-term Nordic policy dialogue on the future of innovation policy – closely connected to the forthcoming European Innovation Act.

Held in conjunction with GoWest – Nordic Venture Capital Forum, the event connects the innovation policy community with leading investors, entrepreneurs, and ecosystem builders. Together, these two gatherings form a dynamic meeting point between policy, research, and capital – bridging the gap between strategy and implementation.

The forum will bring together decision-makers, research and innovation leaders, and industry representatives from across the Nordic region to exchange perspectives, align strategies, and explore new approaches to innovation governance and collaboration.

Through a mix of keynotes, high-level panels, and roundtable dialogues, participants will engage in forward-looking discussions on how to shape innovation ecosystems that strengthen competitiveness, accelerate sustainability transitions, and ensure inclusive growth. The day also includes site visits and curated networking activities, offering insights into Gothenburg’s thriving innovation landscape.

Join us in Gothenburg on 28 January 2026 as we set the direction for the next era of Nordic and European innovation policy.

Note that registrations are subject for validation by the organizers.

Register interest

Michiel Scheffer
President of the Board of the European Innovation Council

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Mimi Billing
Europe Editor at Sifted

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Thomas Andersson
VP at Volvo Cars & Chairman of board at GU Ventures

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Dr Stephanie Kuku Klingspor
CKO/COO (UK) at Conceivable Life Sciences

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Jessica Persson
Head of VC and M&A at Scania

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Agata Hidalgo
Head of Public Affairs and Media Relations at Renaissance Fusion

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Claes Mikko Nilsen
Principal at NordicNinja

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Simon Schaefer
Co-Founder of EU Inc and President of Allied for Startups

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Hedi Mardisoo
CEO/Co-Founder of Cachet & Board member of Allied for Startups.

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Marije Dijksma
Head of Government & Public Affairs at Techleap

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Karl Christian Agerup
Vice Chair of the Board at Nato Innovation Fund

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Sofie Vennersten
Director Public Policy & Regulatory Affairs at Volvo Group

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Erik Lindblad
General Partner at Inception Fund

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Kati Pärn
Nordic Partnerships Lead at Startup Estonia

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Anna Bergstrand
Strategic area lead emerging technologies and companies at Vinnova

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Stina Lantz
CEO at SISP and Project Manager of Sweden Startup Nation

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Klementina Österberg
CEO at GU Ventures

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Lisa Ericsson
CEO KTH Ventures and KTH Innovation

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Narina Mnatsakanian
Chief Impact Officer at Regeneration VC

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Peter Kofler
Chair of the Board at Danish Entrepreneurs

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Joonas Leppänen
Nordic Ecosystem Mobilization Manager at Nordic Innovation

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Sasan Shaba
VP Philanthropy & International Partnerships at SISP

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Jonathan Ahlbom
Technical Specialist Data & AI at SISP

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Agenda:

08:30–09:00 Arrival & registration

09:00–09:10 Opening remarks

09:10–09:35 Panel 1 – The Nordic Edge

09:35–09:55 Keynote – Europe’s Innovation Imperative

09:55–10:20 Panel 2 – Capital & Competitiveness

10:20–10:45 Coffee & networking

10:45–11:10 Panel 3 – Energy, Industry & Innovation

11:10–11:30 Fireside chat – Why data matters

11:30–11:55 Panel 4 – Data & Innovation-Driven Growth

11:55–12:00 Closing remarks

    12:00 – 13:00: High-level roundtable (by invitation)

    For more information on details of the program go to: Program

    Register interest

    Practical Information


    Date: January 28, 2026

    Time: 08.30-12.00 (CET)


    Venue

    Quality Hotel 11, Maskingatan 11, Gothenburg


    Questions?
    Contact viktoria@swedenstartupnation.se

    Register interest

    GoWest x Policy

    As part of this year’s GoWest  – Nordic Venture Capital Forum, we are proud to host the Next Innovation Policy Forum – a high-level Nordic policy dialogue on the future of innovation and competitiveness.

    Taking place on 28 January 2026 at Quality Hotel 11, the forum gathers decision-makers, policy experts, research and innovation leaders, and industry representatives from across the Nordic countries.

    The event marks the launch of a long-term Nordic dialogue connected to the upcoming European Innovation Act and the next EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation. Through a mix of keynotes and panel discussions, participants will explore how innovation policy can strengthen the Nordic region’s position in a rapidly changing global landscape.

    By being held in conjunction with GoWest, the policy forum bridges the gap between innovation policy and investment practice, creating unique opportunities for exchange between the public and private sectors.