Retailing and logistics are undergoing major changes that place new demands on the industry and on the knowledge of professionals and researchers. To meet these new needs, Lund University wants to bring together research and education in an internationally competitive centre. The centre will build on the education and research already carried out at the university and on the Helsingborg campus, and take advantage of the uniqueness of the surrounding area.
- There is great interest, both internally and externally, in strengthening the focus on trade and logistics at Campus Helsingborg. By creating a centre with a director, the external and internal profile becomes clearer and there are new opportunities for development and cooperation," says Lena Eskilsson, Pro-Rector of Lund University and Chair of the Board of Campus Helsingborg.
Approximately 500 Swedish and international students are currently studying programmes in business, logistics or sustainability at Campus Helsingborg. The programmes are offered at both undergraduate and graduate level. The conditions for a new one-year master's programme will be further investigated. The centre will also offer tailor-made courses and programmes to both international and Swedish professionals.
At the Helsingborg campus there are currently two interdisciplinary research centres and a research group in trade and logistics. The idea is to integrate these groups into REAL so that projects and activities can be coordinated and expanded. Similarly, a graduate school within the centre may eventually become relevant. Sustainability, digitalisation and working life are proposed as future research priorities.
- A strong research and innovation environment is a prerequisite for attracting leading companies and researchers to the region. We contribute with research that is world-leading in the field," says Charlotta Johnsson, Rector of Campus Helsingborg.
In Helsingborg, both the city and several external stakeholders want to see increased cooperation in retail and logistics. The new centre will be a hub for collaboration and innovation. In 2023, Lund University and the City of Helsingborg will start a test operation with an experimental lab, and in the long term, a think tank and other forms of collaboration with the business community may also become a reality.
- Helsingborg has a strong business community and we are a national hub for retail and logistics. That's why it's great that the city and Lund University are joining forces to further strengthen the region's competitiveness. The research at Campus Helsingborg and the cooperation with the business community are important factors in securing the long-term supply of skills," says Christian Orsing (M), Chairman of the City Council.
The establishment of REAL is in full swing and a director is to be recruited. A working group with representatives from Lund University's Faculty of Engineering, the Faculty of Social Sciences and the School of Economics has drawn up a plan for organisation and further work.