University signs cooperation agreement with Epiroc

The global engineering company Epiroc and Luleå University of Technology intend to strengthen strategic cooperation in education, research and innovation in the long term, where the University is one of Epiroc's first choices of academic partner. A cooperation agreement has now been signed between the parties.

– Luleå University of Technology has worked closely with Epiroc for many years, primarily in the mining, automation and digitalisation sectors. The fact that we are now signing a cooperation agreement is a confirmation that this has been successful, and that we see a potential in deepening our cooperation. At a time when digital development is fast-track, it feels extra fun to partner with a company like Epiroc, which is globally recognised for its industrial know-how and technology development on a global front. It is also a recognition that what we are doing is relevant to the Swedish leading technology industry, which is extra fun, says Pär Weihed, Pro Vice-Chancellor at Luleå University of Technology.

Cooperation important for new advanced technology

– We are very pleased to continue and further strengthen our cooperation with Luleå University of Technology. The mining industry has embarked on a major transition journey towards increasing automation and digitalisation, which is good news as it will improve safety and the working environment, as well as increase productivity for mining companies. Epiroc is proud to make this possible for the industry with its products and solutions, but it requires increasing technologically advanced solutions and new innovative thinking. We see that a skilled organisation as Luleå University of Technology can play an important role through its cooperation with us, says Jonas Albertson, Head of Epiroc's Technical Development Division, Rocktec.

Epiroc, which was a part of the Atlas-Copco group until 2018, operates in about 150 countries in the mining and infrastructure industry by developing and producing, among other things, drilling rigs, mining and construction equipment with a strong focus on productivity, energy efficiency and safety. Main product development and manufacturing within Epiroc takes place in Sweden, USA, Canada, China and India. The company is based in Stockholm and has over 14,000 employees globally.

Several areas of cooperation are relevant

Epiroc and Luleå University of Technology will now identify future areas of collaboration and develop goals, strategies and actual action plans and joint activities. The selected activities will lead to increased quality in competence development and lifelong learning, in research and innovation, which in turn will lead to sustainable growth and increased competitiveness for both parties.

In the field of education, the cooperation includes activities such as new forms of education and learning, the opportunity for mobility of employees between the parties, dialogue on new training, continuous improvement of existing education and active participation in learning activities.

Cooperation in research and innovation includes both technical and social science research and innovation. The collaboration includes projects at group level and projects related to specific divisions and branches of business. Cooperation should also be characterised by sustainability with an equality and gender perspective in order to exploit the full potential of the individuals working within both parties' organisations.