This week, Linköping hosted the international board of SICK, a German technology leader, as board members convened for a strategic board meeting and a visit program. Organized in partnership with SICK in Linköping, Region Östergötland, Business Sweden, the City of Linköping, and Linköping Science Park, the visit aimed to deepen SICK’s connection to the city and its stronghold in sensor technology and automation solutions. In addition to a series of in-depth presentations, the two-day agenda featured visits to Linköping University and meetings with regional leaders, including Acting County Governor Ann Holmlid, Richard Widén Regional Development Director at Region Östergötland and Per Dannetun, Director for Research at Linköping University.

SICK in Linköping has a long-standing reputation in Machine Vision and industrial automation. With nearly 40 years of growth in the region, SICK has cemented its role as a central player in Linköping Science Park and a valuable partner to Linköping University. Today, SICK’s operations in Linköping are a powerhouse of sensor technology and machine vision, and the company’s engagement is evidenced by its Innovation Centre located in Mjärdevi.

Richard Viden, Regional Development Director for Region Östergötland, gets a demonstration of how robot vision can work in practice at Linköping University's Computer Vision Lab.

Richard Widén, Regional Development Director for Region Östergötland, gets a demonstration of how robot vision can work in practice at Linköping University’s Computer Vision Lab.

The board was welcomed by both Linköping Mayor Mikael Sanfridsson and acting regional governor Ann Holmlid during meetings at Linköping Castle and Linköping City Hall. They both highlighted Linköping’s global stature in research and innovation. Mats Gökstorp, CEO SICK AG and an alum of Linköping University, shared insights into SICK’s structure as a family-owned business, which operates with a long-term investment philosophy rather than focusing on stock market fluctuations. Gökstorp detailed SICK’s strategy to foster sustainable growth, noting that its machine vision sensors play a crucial role across various sectors, from industrial production and quality control to logistics and environmental monitoring—solutions that are used by, among others, Tekniska Verken in Linköping.

A pivotal moment in the visit was signing a new collaborative agreement between SICK and Linköping University’s Computer Vision Lab, with Acting County Governor Ann Holmlid in attendance. This partnership underscores the value of long-term industry-academic collaboration in fostering sustainable innovation. “By formalizing this agreement, we are not only solidifying our commitment to the region but also ensuring that SICK’s groundbreaking technologies remain at the cutting edge of machine vision and AI development,” said Joakim Delbom, CEO of SICK Linköping. Delbom added that the partnership would integrate industry challenges into academic research. This connection will strengthen SICK’s research capabilities and the university’s ability to deliver industrially relevant outcomes, where Ola Friman, R&D Manager at SICK in Linköping, will play a central coordinating role.

The programme included a visit to Linköping Castle, where representatives of SICK, Linköping Municipality, Region Östergötland and Linköping Science Park had the opportunity to deepen contacts. Pictured from left: Richard Widén Regional Development Director Region Östergötland, Dr Niels Syassen, CTO SICK, Acting Governor Ann Holmlid, Dr Mats Gökstorp, Chairman of the Executive Board at SICK AG, Mayor of Linköping Mikael Sanfridson, Director of Enterprise Louise Felldin, Joakim Dehlbom, CEO of SICK in Linköping, Jenny Knuthammar, Acting County Councillor in Östergötland and Lena Miranda, CEO Linköping Science Park.

The programme included a visit to Linköping Castle, where representatives of SICK, Linköping Municipality, Region Östergötland and Linköping Science Park had the opportunity to deepen contacts. Pictured from left: Richard Widén Regional Development Director Region Östergötland, Martin Schenk, Senior Vice President SICK, Niels Syassen, CTO SICK AG, Acting Governor Ann Holmlid, Mats Gökstorp, CEO SICK AG, Mayor of Linköping Mikael Sanfridson, Director of Economic Development. Louise Felldin, Joakim Delbom, CEO of SICK in Linköping, Jenny Knuthammar, Acting County Councillor in Östergötland and Lena Miranda, CEO Linköping Science Park.

The program also included presentations that gave the visiting board members a closer look at Linköping’s role as a tech and innovation hub. Richard Widen, Regional Development Director of Östergötland, described the growth trajectory of local tech firms and the region’s high concentration of talent, particularly in fields like aerospace, visualization, and cybersecurity. Business Sweden’s Alexander Morrone highlighted Sweden’s competitive advantage as a “global champion of innovation,” underscoring the ease of doing business and thriving in the Swedish tech ecosystem. Morrone’s parting words resonated: “Doing business is hard. Doing business in and from Sweden is easier.”

Louise Felldin, Director of Economic Development, for Linköping, further showcased the city’s achievements, such as being named Europe’s most innovative city by the EU Commission. She highlighted Linköping’s long-standing tradition of technical development, including milestones like Saab’s founding in 1939. Today, Linköping is a city where innovation fuels academic achievement and industry expansion. Looking to the future, she touched on projects like Ostlänken, a high-speed rail line to Stockholm, which will redefine Linköping’s connectivity and urban landscape in the years to come.

Michael Felsberg, Professor, at Linköping University, demonstrating the university's Computer Vision Lab.

Michael Felsberg, Professor, at Linköping University, demonstrating the university’s Computer Vision Lab.

A strong presence in Linköping for nearly 40 years, SICK has emerged as a vital part of the region’s ecosystem. Linköping Science Park’s CEO, Lena Miranda, described the company as a key innovator within the park’s tech community. Lena Miranda emphasized the importance of local partnerships for the park’s development, with institutions like Linköping University providing a steady talent pool. She presented notable innovations originating from the region, including Sectra’s Tiger secure communication systems and Autoliv’s night vision technology, underscoring how Linköping has become an epicentre of technological advancements with far-reaching impact.

Joakim Delbom, CEO of SICK in Linköping, has a long history of involvement in SICK and the Linköping tech community. In 2018, he was awarded the Co-creator of the Year prize from Linköping Science Park.

Joakim Delbom, CEO of SICK in Linköping, has a long history of involvement in SICK and the Linköping tech community. In 2018, he was awarded the Co-creator of the Year prize from Linköping Science Park.

As the visit concluded, Acting County Governor Ann Holmlid reiterated the importance of collaborative networks that bring together academia, industry, and local government. The strengths of Östergötland lie in its tech achievements and its ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships that drive regional and national growth.