28 January 2026 08:30-13:00 CETQuality Hotel 11

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.

Practical Information


Date: January 28, 2026


Venue

Quality Hotel 11, Maskingatan 11, Gothenburg


Last day to register
: January 21


Questions?
Contact ellinor.bokedal@sisp.se

Michiel Scheffer
President of the Board of the European Innovation Council

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

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

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

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Jessica Persson
Head of VC and M&A at Scania

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Mimi Billing
Europe Editor at Sifted

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

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Erik Lindblad
General Partner at Inception Fund

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Klementina Österberg
CEO at GU Ventures

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Kati Pärn
Nordic Partnerships Lead at Startup Estonia

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Marije Dijksma
Head of Government & Public Affairs at Techleap

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Anna Bergstrand
Strategic area lead emerging technologies and companies at Vinnova

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

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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.