Marita Holst

Senior Strategy Officer Collaboration and Innovation

I lead strategic initiatives and projects aimed at strengthening the university’s capacity for collaboration and innovation, including two major ERDF-funded projects focused on skills provision and social innovation.

As the manager of NorrlandsNavet, I lead efforts to enhance the innovation and development capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises. NorrlandsNavet combines research and needs-driven innovation to promote the utilisation of academic expertise through business-oriented projects, professional development, and student assignments. I report to the Kamprad Family Foundation, which funds the project with SEK 100 million.

I represent the university in strategic forums such as the SmålandsNavet Advisory Board and the Norrbotten Skills Council, as well as in meetings with business sector representatives and business development officers from all municipalities in Norrbotten. Current areas of focus include work on the Regional Development Strategy and the green transition — for example, how we can encourage more students to remain in the north after graduation.