Originally launched as a collaboration between IKEA and LNU in 2009, Södra joined the partnership in 2020. Together, we have built a dynamic platform driven by real challenges and needs across the entire forest value chain—while also exploring sustainability and innovation in broader terms.
The heart of The Bridge is creating a close connection between students and businesses. We invite companies to take an active role in education through mentorship, guest lectures, project work, and study visits. This dialogue helps shape future skills and competence needs.
Our goal is mutual learning—where businesses gain fresh insights and students benefit from real-world experience. The university gains valuable proximity to industry, resulting in research that truly matters and education that prepares students for the future.
The Goal for The Bridge:
- To create a true shift in both knowledge and industry practices.
- To speed up the journey from new insights to real-world implementation and scaling within the industry.
- To foster a shared and mutual learning experience for everyone involved.
- To strengthen companies by bringing them closer to cutting-edge research and education.
- To support the university by ensuring research is relevant and driven by real industry needs, and by enhancing the quality and relevance of education.
- To build a strong recruitment base that meets companies’ future skills and competency demands.
We’re already seeing exciting results—from using drones to detect early forest damage, to identifying trees best suited for future climates, and understanding how quickly forests can become positive carbon sinks.
Learn more abour The Bridge on Linnaeus University's website