”Sometimes this organisation is like a Rubik’s cube. You turn it one way and get a new pattern, turn it a bit more and a different pattern emerges”.

Leif Ljungqvist is a newly appointed cluster coach in the area of printed electronics which is just one of the four profile areas that Norrköping Science Park is focusing on. The intention of the coach is to be, for example, a support when new, strategic cooperations are established or when the time comes for an international expansion. Leif smiles when we discuss his title, Cluster Coach.

- Initially I was reticent but then I realised there were positive connections to my existing job. Much of the structure is still in its infancy so not everything is set and decided. What is clear is that Acreo has, for many years, been working with printed electronics and that we find ourselves very close to commercialisation in many areas. My role is – as I have experience with the technology and through the University and Acreo a global network comprising of both researchers as well as businesses – to get the world to look in our direction, towards Norrköping. There are a number of companies in the region capable of developing and commercialising the technology. My ambition, initially, is to establish a regional network to assess the competencies and the interest the printed electronic industry has within the region.

Leif feels the conditions are ideal for the creation of a centre in Norrköping where researchers and businesses can commercialise a number of the applications that have been created.

- But if this is to succeed we must remain in the technological frontline. We don’t have a magic wand that we can wave around, just hard work. Norrköping will probably become, just like the country as a whole, a service producing city, where we come up with the ideas which are then put into production somewhere else. Our role will be that of a knowledge source, even if we would like to see some production established here.

Linköping University and the research institute Acreo have conducted research into organic electronics since the end of the 1990’s. Research into this field has been led by Professor Magnus Berggren with financial support from a number of sources including, Vinnova, Stora Enso, SCA, Tetra Pak and M-real. Today they are the leaders in international development within this area, both regarding research as well as production. Research is looking for a more economic way to integrate electronic circuits in large volume production. The solution is to print organically, electrically conductive polymer onto a flexible carrier, in the first place paper or plastic. This technique has many uses including labels, packaging and various types of printed matter. When used in process production, the price of printed electronics is so low that opportunities to use this process in other areas such as logistics, transport and healthcare are feasible.

Leif is an economist with roots in Östergötland even if he now lives in Nyköping. Previously he was managing director for an employer’s association and also for Schwarzkopf, the hair care manufacturer before he became involved in commercialisation and start-up of various businesses. One such is called Strand Interconnect which was founded in the beginning of the 1990’s together with a colleague.
- My role was that of managing director and external contacts with investors. Unfortunately, the economic depression caught up with us and we were forced to close operations. However, the company is still quoted even if operations are not the same. The experience I have in commercialisation and helping start-ups will be put to good use at Acreo.

Leif has been employed and responsible for printed electronics at Acreo for the last 2 years.

- My aim is for Norrköping to become a national centre within this field. Some regard us as being world leaders and it is this desire to continue developing this field that drives us forward. Our operations have three paths. One is the EC-Systems (Electro-Chemically), e-ID and Bioelectronics.

In the area of EC-Systems, Acreo is working with printed transistors, batteries and displays. The company has achieved much and today produces the display part. A demonstrator has been developed which includes printed batteries, transistors, press-buttons as well as a display. Electronic identification is becoming ever more important and an expanding area. For example, the United States would like to see all possible information stored on future passports to hinder undesirables from crossing borders. If it is possible, in the future, for technology to work at a distance then a person need only pass a reading instrument similar to today’s metal detectors, in order for all types of information to be read regarding that individual. The point is the type of technology that Acreo is working with is considerably cheaper than its competitors and the technology make use of an inbuilt radio transmitter. Leif expects to have a reader in production by next year. The next big step for Acreo and the University is to work with Bioelectronics which will be of great use in stem cell research.

- One exciting area which is still in the start-up stage is called Pronova Manufacturing. A printing press has been assembled in a building in the park .The idea is to allow businesses and their product developers the opportunity to rent space and test and develop rational production methods. And not least of all, new ideas. All operations have trouble in the start-up phase especially as a functioning production operation is so expensive. This operation is run in close cooperation with Norrköping Science Park.

Leif is very keen to point out that if a world leading cluster is to be created within the printed electronics sphere, then like minds and an organisation comprising of the public sector, the University and the business world is needed.

- Tripel Helix is the key expression here. Development in this area goes so fast that we must create a dynamic and living organisation where interaction in all directions at all times is possible.  Traditional operations often involve lineal events which don’t work here. It’s important to find people who are willing to work within this area, regardless if it is associated with the research or business area. We need both types. Sometimes this field resembles a rubik’s cube. You turn it one way and get a new pattern, turn it a bit more and a different pattern emerges.

Leifs favourites
Favourite book: Actually like The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I always had 3 books on to go before, today only one and then preferably a thriller by either Anna Holt or Liza Marklund.
Sport: I like practising. The rest of the family is into riding, but I prefer sailing and ski-ing.
Music: I a sort of all-rounder even if my favourites are Steve Hackett and Gino Vanelli.
Hidden talents: I think I’m quite the DIY man – cooking or carpentry doesn’t matter.

Prospects Norrköping Science Park, #3 2006