The project builds on the regions’ previous experiences in the SLIM and Smart specialisation projects in Northern Central Sweden. By integrating the innovation system in Northern Sweden in a better way, the total amount of information, skills and resources that can contribute to the realisation of innovations in the innovation system increases. This project seeks to enable and increase these flows in Northern Central Sweden. Overall objectives: More systemically important research and innovation collaborations between SMEs, academia, the public sector and civil society in Northern Central Sweden. Project objectives: A resourceful, sustainable and integrated innovation system in Northern Sweden with more functional cross-border innovation collaborations between SMEs and partners in business, academia, public sector and civil society. Sub-target 1: More efficient and integrated cooperation across regional boundaries within and between designated areas of strength. Sub-target 2: Increased learning about sustainable innovation processes in Northern Central Sweden Subgoal 3: Synchronise regions’ work with smart specialisation Subgoal 4: A preparedness and capacity that will enable better utilisation of FoI funds in the future, mainly ahead of the post-2020 programme period. The project’s activities consist of implementation of the ambitions by establishing cross-border collaborations, increasing regional learning, synchronising regional processes and building capacity to ensure that the results and working methods can be long-term. Expected results at project conclusions – More innovation collaborations between SMEs and partners in business, research, public sector and civil society – Better integration of sustainability perspectives in innovation processes – A higher proportion of external public investments in research, development and innovation, without reducing or otherwise displaced private investments. ¿A capacity to better utilise public and private expenditure in research, development and innovation in the post-2020 period Expected long-term effects A high level of research and innovation among Northern Central Sweden’s small and medium-sized enterprises and thereby a higher innovation output from companies. Through the project, the internal and non-regional flows of knowledge, resources and competencies should be increased and streamlined. Through better integration of sustainability perspectives and better flows between the actors in Northern Central Sweden, skills can also be utilised in a better way.