Campus Total Defence Upper Norrland

The project aims to strengthen Sweden’s total defence through needs-driven applied research and innovation in collaboration between academia, industry, the public sector, and civil society.

The project focuses on Upper Norrland’s sparse geography and geopolitical significance in the current grey-zone security context, where robust societal preparedness is crucial. The research includes, among other areas, autonomous robotic systems for Arctic environments, satellite-based monitoring of critical infrastructure, IT/OT security, fire-safe timber construction, historical strategies for preparedness in the Arctic, and coordination in CBRNE incidents with mass-casualty management.

Background
Upper Norrland is a strategically important region facing geopolitical challenges in today’s grey-zone security environment. The civilian part of the total defence, which includes authorities, companies, organisations, and citizens, is tasked with protecting society against serious threats. The project is expected to contribute to stronger cooperation among total defence actors.

Strengthening resilience
The project is a regional implementation of the national initiative Campus Total Defence. Through knowledge dissemination, such as targeted training initiatives, workshops, and public events, new knowledge on total defence is shared broadly with both public and private actors.

The research includes:
- autonomous robotic systems for Arctic environments
- satellite-based monitoring of critical infrastructure
- IT/OT security
- fire-safe timber construction
- historical strategies for preparedness in the Arctic
- coordination in CBRNE incidents with mass-casualty management

Partners
Umeå University

Main funding
The Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth through the European Regional Development Fund.
Region Norrbotten, Region Västerbotten, Skellefteå Municipality

Project period
January 2026 – December 2028

Contact
Karl Andersson
Professor, Head of Subject, Dean
+46 910 585 364
karl.andersson@ltu.se