Resilient Workforce Development in the Steel Industry
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SWERIM AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 1 500 000 |
| Project duration | August 2026 - February 2028 |
| Status | Ongoing |
| Venture | Impact Innovation Metals & Minerals - Program-specific efforts Vinnova |
| Call | Impact Innovation: Resilient metals and minerals supply for strengthened preparedness |
Purpose and goal
The project aims to develop and validate an accelerated training concept for operational key roles within the steel industry. By analysing vulnerabilities related to workforce supply, personnel dependencies, and organisational structures, the project will develop methods that enable faster competence development during crises, disruptions, or periods of heightened preparedness.
Expected effects and result
The project is expected to strengthen the resilience and robustness of workforce development within the metal industry. Expected results include an analysis of critical competence dependencies, a documented training concept for rapid operator training, and recommendations for broader implementation across the industry. This can reduce vulnerabilities related to personnel shortages and improve the ability to maintain strategically important production.
Planned approach and implementation
The project will be carried out through collaboration between a research institute, an education provider, and industrial partners. Activities include analysing organisational and competence-related vulnerabilities, identifying critical operator roles, developing an accelerated training concept, and validating the approach through a case study in open-die forging. The results will be evaluated with respect to competence development, feasibility, and contribution to industrial resilience.