40 years of innovation – stories from Linköping Science Park
Sten Gunnar Johansson, former CEO of Mjärdevi Science Park, was involved in the organization from its earliest phase in 1984. Before his decades-long commitment, he served as the Business Superintendent for Linköping Municipality. Johansson’s story illustrates how strong collective action shaped Linköping’s trajectory as a technology center.
The establishment drive began with a goal to strengthen the region’s economy by supporting high-tech expertise and shifting focus toward civilian industry. This effort included the 1983 launch of TeknikByn (Tech Village), an environment for companies spinning off from Linköping University. Simultaneously, external companies sought a location near the university to attract talent and researchers.
Due to consensus among municipal leaders, decisions regarding land acquisition moved swiftly. Johansson notes that just 18 months passed between the initial inquiries and the move-in of the first companies in September 1984.
The location, initially called Mjärdevi Research Village, transitioned to Mjärdevi Science Park. The name Mjärdevi itself was recognized as fitting for a place intended to promote entrepreneurship, as its Old Norse root signifies power, wealth, and growth.
This ecosystem proved resilient. Even when the IT crash of 2001 hit, causing large layoffs, the community’s dynamism meant that talent released from one company often found space and opportunity at another. Johansson reflects on this local strength, stating:
“Mjärdevi has through the times been so strong and dynamic that when talent is released from one player, there is space at another in the larger ecosystem.”
This collaboration led to rapid expansion and international recognition in the mid-1990s as one of the world’s fastest-growing science parks.
Johansson’s long perspective shows how continuous collaboration between the university, industry, and the municipality built a resourceful, future-focused technology hub. Today, the organization, operating as Linköping Science Park, continues to build on this foundation.
This text is part of the article series based on Linköping Science Park’s 40-year anniversary book, which is available here
