Advancing Sweden's Space Innovation:
How ML Impact Helped Secure a National Space Tech Initiative
APPLICATION CASE STUDY
Secure a National Space Tech Initiative
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STEP ────── ONE
The Journey
In a major step to elevate Sweden's presence in the global space sector, the ESA Business Incubation Centre Sweden, with its four incubators Arctic Business Incubator, Uppsala Innovation Centre, Innovatum, and Ideon Science Park, applied for national ERUF Programme funding. Recognizing the potential to reshape space innovation in the country, the initiative also gained critical support from the Swedish Space Agency, which committed 10 million SEK to launch the Swedish Space Innovation Corporation (SSIC).
This case study shows how ML Impact helped coordinate this ambitious effort, successfully securing nearly one-third of the ERUF call's 60 million SEK budget to support groundbreaking projects over four years.
STEP ────── TWO
Understanding the Challenge
The challenge wasn't just about securing funding - it was about crafting a vision ambitious enough to position Sweden as a significant player in the global space tech sector.
As Erica from Artic Business ABI explains: "We had all these thoughts scattered all over the map. We needed someone who could really tie it down and make it something more concrete so we could work together."
Key challenges included:
Creating a vision large enough to match national ambitions
Coordinating four major innovation hubs across Sweden
Developing a roadmap to position Sweden in the space tech sector
Meeting the Swedish Space Agency's rigorous requirements
Managing complex stakeholder relationships across regions
STEP ────── THREE
Creating a Path Forward
1. Building a Strong National Foundation "Marie-Louise was really thorough going through the logic of the project," Erica explains. "She brought together stakeholders from across Sweden's innovation hubs, ensuring each region's unique space tech capabilities were represented while maintaining focus on our national objectives."
2. Creating Clear Structure for National Impact We helped transform regional expertise into a unified national framework that demonstrated Sweden's collective strength in space innovation. This involved:
Developing concrete goals aligned with national space strategy
Creating clear activities that positioned Sweden's space tech capabilities
Establishing metrics for national and international impact
3. Maintaining Strategic Flexibility When unexpected challenges arose - including a major last-minute requirement change from the Swedish Regional Development Agency in charge of the ERUF Programme and the specific call – ML Impact’s approach proved vital for keeping this national initiative on track. "She took control of everything," recalls Erica. "She helped ensure our budget and planning aligned with national space sector objectives while maintaining each region's unique contribution."
STEP ────── FOUR
The Impact
The successful outcome of this project marks a significant milestone for Sweden's space sector:
Secured major funding from the ERUF National Programme (24,5 millions SEK) and Swedish Space Agency (10M SEK)
Established the foundation for the Swedish Space Innovation Corporation (SSIC)
United four regional innovation hubs under one national initiative
Created a framework for advancing Sweden's space tech capabilities
Positioned Sweden for stronger competition in the global space sector
STEP ────── FIVE
Looking Forward
This successful national initiative has opened new opportunities not just for ABI, but for Sweden's entire space innovation ecosystem. The Swedish Space Innovation Corporation (SSIC) is poised to:
Accelerate Sweden's space tech development
Foster collaboration between regional innovation hubs providing high standard business development support
Attract international partnerships and investment with its annual conference with a European focus
Strengthen Sweden's position in the global space economy
A Partner's Perspective
"The way she could structure everything and get all these stakeholders to unite on what the expectation of the project is... That structure is so beneficial for our organization," reflects Erica.
STEP ────── SEVEN
The ML Impact Approach
We believe successful national initiatives require three core principles:
Strategic Vision: Helping organizations think bigger and align with national objectives
Cross-Regional Collaboration: Uniting diverse stakeholders under common goals
Impact-Driven Solutions: Ensuring projects deliver value at both regional and national levels
STEP ────── EIGHT
Working Together
Whether you're leading a regional initiative or coordinating a national program, we understand the complexities of large-scale innovation projects. Our experience with the Swedish Space Innovation Corporation demonstrates our ability to:
Transform ambitious visions into fundable projects
Unite multiple stakeholders across regions
Navigate complex funding requirements
Deliver national-scale impact
Let's discuss how we can help position your organization or initiative for similar success, whether at the regional, national, or international level.
STEP ────── NINE
Services Offered
Whether you're leading a regional initiative or coordinating a national program, we understand the complexities of large-scale innovation projects. Our experience with the Swedish Space Innovation Corporation demonstrates our ability to:
Transform ambitious visions into fundable projects
Unite multiple stakeholders across regions
Navigate complex funding requirements
Deliver national-scale impact
This case study is based on actual client experiences and results. Some details have been modified to protect confidential information.
For more information about how ML Impact can support your organization's funding applications and strategic projects, contact us at [contact information].
