Mattias Strand
School of Engineering Science
The increased digitalisation of Swedish industry creates new business opportunities, but also places new demands on leadership. The skills and experience of individuals are growing increasingly important, and business dimensions such as culture, organisation and strategy are becoming at least as important as new technological solutions.
Leadership is one of the most important factors for a successful digital transformation of Swedish industry, and those in leadership positions must increasingly reflect on their own role and leadership style.
At a time when new digital solutions are growing in number and becoming more advanced, leadership in industry needs to shift its focus from an expert role to a supporting, coordinating role. Today, those who hold management positions need to adapt their leadership according to the individual and the situation, in order to be able to operate in a more complex role, together with an increasingly heterogeneous group of employees.
European and Swedish strategies for a manufacturing industry that remains strong emphasise increased digitalisation as one of the main opportunities. At the same time, the importance of taking a broad view of digitalisation is also highlighted, and this includes many business dimensions other than just technology. Softer issues of operator well-being and safety are at least as important as efficiency and productivity.
In order for change work to create business benefit, it is not enough to simply introduce smart solutions to a company – dimensions such as customers, organisation and strategy are also important. Questions that may need to be asked include:
A range of different courses will be offered within WISER, equipping participants with practical methods and tools. This includes how digitalisation affects leadership, the various challenges and ethics of leadership, and which business dimensions need to be in place.
There will also an opportunity to stop and reflect on yourself as a leader. The courses are aimed at people in industry with management responsibilities, or those who aspire to become managers.