1. Innovative Skellefteå People with ideas and drive have always formed the foundation of our business life.

2. Skellefteå is centrally located in a region which, with Umeå, Luleå and a number of smaller towns, forms a catchment area of some 450,000 inhabitants. Skellefteå

3. Employment rate: 79%, well above the national average. 6 500 ACTIVE COMPANIES Boliden: 48 000 gold bars each year. ”A strong business community is a premise to our goal, 80,000 inhabitants by the year 2030.” Bengt Ivansson, Business Development Manager, Municipality of Skellefteå Assets. Large private business sector, 65 % of the employed population. Wood building for the sustainable society. Fastest growing branches are company services and tourism.

4. Naturally gifted to make use of the riches here

5. Award-winning across the world Global cluster of companies in the areas of digital media and design as well as computer game development, film and communications. Through close collaborative efforts Skellefteå businesses have harvested awards all over the world. Campus Skellefteå offers renowned educational programs in digital media, providing the branch with inspiring, competent co-workers. The innovative power of culture has had a significant impact for many of today’s leading entrepreneurs, both by providing meeting-places and by stimulating creative growth. Digital experience production

6. Skellefteå’s companies build sustainable communities The region boasts three million hectares of slow- growing, extremely tough spruce- and pine-forest, of which 350,000 cubic meters of wood is refined annually. The development of wooden bridges, industrial and recreational halls and condominial edifices plays an important part for a sustainable society in the future. Cutting-edge scientific wood research. Wood industry

7. Spearheading sustainable energy production Skellefteå’s leading position in the field of energy production from renewable sources dates back to the early 1900’s. Close collaboration with cutting-edge research departments at regional universities. Skellefteå is synonymous with renewable energy development for the future. Skellefteå Kraft (Skellefteå power company) ambitiously continues to spearhead branch developments in Sweden. Renewable energy

8. Local agents in a global market The name of Skellefteå has been closely associated with IT and technical innovation ever since the computer business took off in Sweden. Holds a prominent position as one of the leading IT-cities of the country. It is home to several nationally and internationally renowned specialist companies. Locally owned companies offer reliable collaborations and enable long-term developmental initiatives. IT- and technical development

9. World-class mineralization The region holds one of the most mineralized mining districts in the world. A majority of Sweden’s academic and professional units is present here A number of world-class producers specializing in mining equipment, machinery and software There is still room to expand as only some 20% of the mineral resources are currently exploited. Mining industries

10. A leading CleanTech cluster Skellefteå’s successful mining- and wood industries and its leading development of renewable energy sources have led to a significant growth of companies specializing in environmental technologies. Today, a CleanTech cluster operates here with developers of bio-energy and the recycling of basic and noble metals, as well as world-leading agencies for the development of wind power in cold climates. Environmental technology

11. Innovative products for the world market The production industry in Skellefteå originates in an environment rich in resources Driven and creative entrepreneurs have solved old problems in new ways and thoroughly changed entire markets Today, we find a modern industrial tradition producing everything from small components to large, complete high-tech products and systems. Mechanical industry

12. The natural gate to Swedish Lapland With its direct international flights, Skellefteå is a natural base for both Swedish and foreign guests visiting northern Sweden. One of Sweden’s fastest growing tourist regions, the area attracts visitors year around. Visitors will experiences a strikingly beautiful and largely unspoilt environment. Local trade also plays an important part through national retail chains as well as local operators. Tourism

13. The tasteful refinement of natural produce Genuine crafts are combined with modern technologies in the refinement of natural raw products. Results include dairy, meat, fish, brewed products and other consumables of the utmost quality, which are appreciated both locally and nationally. Large food industries operate alongside small family farms and micro-breweries. Foods

15. An important piece of the puzzle Campus Skellefteå, along with the nearest universities of Umeå and Luleå, gives access both to research and to a regional total of 50,000 students holding new and inspiring knowledge. Here, top-notch educational programs in computer technology, game development, scenography, wood technology and other fields are offered. Many Skellefteå companies have, thanks to close collaboration with researchers, achieved great success in their fields. Campus Skellefteå ”Campus Skellefteå offers our company, NUITEQ, a vibrant and dynamic environment with an excellent mix of academics and entrepreneurs where ideas and innovations can flourish.” Harry van der Veen, Founder and CEO, NUITEQ

16. Freight by land and sea På The local harbor, Skellefteå Hamn, is a major agency among the ports of northern Sweden. Nearly two million metric tons of freight are annually turned over here. In addition, industries are afforded flexibility in their choice of freight methods through a well-developed network of rail- and truck traffic. The best broadband in all of Sweden! Skellefteå has long been an IT-hub in the region, with excellent access to dark fiber. Thanks to a stable and extensive MAN, all companies in Skellefteå have access to a broadband which is often described as the best in Sweden. Skellefteå Airport, our own gateway Skellefteå Airport is owned by the citizens themselves. With 1,620 departures annually (2013), it is one of the ten largest airports in Sweden. Its function is significant to the development of the Skellefteå area with regular departures to Stockholm, London and Barcelona, making it easy to get to and from Skellefteå. In addition, the number of destinations for charter traffic continues to grow, giving Skellefteå direct access to the world.