The settlement and the changes
[A message from the Director on the preparations for the establishment of Hraðinn - the Innovation Centre]
In Húsavík, there has been a major change in employment patterns over the last two decades. Manufacturing and fisheries have changed and declined, but tourism has emerged as a key pillar of the economy. The use of energy for industry has also increased. There have been major changes in the ownership of businesses and their operations in the area. Major employers have disappeared and others, new or emerging, have taken their place. During this time, the knowledge sector, with its research, development work and adult education, has also developed rapidly alongside these major societal changes. At the turn of the century, this sector in Húsavík consisted of little more than a narrow patchwork of regional employment counselling and continuing education, in separate one-person establishments. Today, it is a substantial operation of robust institutions in continuing education, research, development, and higher education services. In total, around 25 full-time staff, with the majority of funding self-generated.
The formation of the knowledge sector in Húsavík
The knowledge sector in the North-East counties is headquartered in Húsavík and, in recent years, has had direct and growing links with the local economy and its development, for example through research projects in collaboration with businesses and local authorities, as well as development work in both regional and national or international projects. Examples of this include various training services for workplaces and staff, whale research in collaboration with tourism companies, various business development projects, analysis of the economic impact of the business sector, and the monitoring and processing of statistical data for local authorities and the business community. In 2021, the knowledge sector in Húsavík employs around 25 staff year-round, in addition to various seasonal projects. The majority of these staff (around 20 employees) work under one roof at the Knowledge Centre in Húsavík.
Húsavík attracts ideas
As an urban settlement, Húsavík has the quality that it has become a sought-after destination for brainstorming, temporary projects and innovation work. Each year, Húsavík attracts a number of international and Icelandic individuals with ideas in the pipeline, for research and development projects, to work with local companies, or on their own projects. This is not to mention the local people and businesses, who have also brought forward and driven forward innovative ideas. Undoubtedly, there are many reasons why Húsavík attracts entrepreneurs and ideas, including a strong and well-defined image of the place in the marketing of the region's tourism, as well as strong service infrastructure such as accommodation, catering and recreational options that attract people. It is also clear that opportunities to build on innovative work are strong; with high tourist numbers, the unique appearance and views of the city centre and harbour area, accessible unspoilt nature, strong food production traditions, an abundance of geothermal energy and proximity to the Arctic.
Innovation requires facilities.
In all current government and local authority policymaking, including in the settlement policy and strategic local development plans, Innovation and entrepreneurial support among its main pillars. The knowledge institutions in Húsavík are all connected to innovation to some extent, but in recent years, there has been a growing demand for workspace for entrepreneurs, researchers and companies considering innovation. This has been met to some extent, particularly through the Knowledge Network of Þingeyjar, by sharing limited facilities in study rooms for distance learners and with the support and advice of staff.
To support entrepreneurs, whether they are foreign visitors or Icelandic locals, or the local people of Húsavík, a defined basic infrastructure and services are required. A fertile and well-composed environment must be created for the seeds to take root and bear fruit. It is highly cost-effective to build an entrepreneurship centre on the strong foundation that the knowledge community in Húsavík has already established. There is already a strong core of institutions there that deal with research, development, consultancy and education, and it is easy to add support for innovation and the incubation of start-ups.
Why "Hraðið"?
Hraðið – an innovation centre is a project that places entrepreneurs in Húsavík. "Hraðið" is actually a working title that has stuck with the project, but it refers to a well-known piece of local parlance from years ago about the town's new, technologically advanced "fast" freezer. In recent years, the word "accelerator" has also become known in innovation work to refer to a platform or facility that promotes or drives innovation. This name also refers to that. "Hraðið" at the Húsavík freezer plant in the latter half of the 20th century was a manifestation of the innovation of its time, establishing rapid-freezing plants with new working methods. Later, through pioneering work in implementing digital equipment for the weighing and handling of fish products. Marel hf. took its first steps in Húsavík in the 1980s with such trials, in collaboration with the local company, but as is well known, Marel hf. is considered one of the flagship companies of the Icelandic innovation sector. This marked the arrival of the 3rd Industrial Revolution in Húsavík in its clearest form: the computerisation and digitalisation of industry. In the 21st century, the 4th Industrial Revolution is the challenge, with foreseeable changes to working practices due to automation. The regions of the country need to be prepared to meet these changes.
Hraðið – innovation centre opens in autumn 2021
Hraðið – an innovation centre is hosted and developed by the North East Iceland Knowledge Network. The project's staff and operations will be based at the Knowledge Network while a permanent premises is being arranged.
The timeline:
- Jan./Feb. 2020: The Hraðið Innovation Centre receives funding for its establishment and operation from the Ministry of Industry and Innovation and under the Regional Development Programme (c1).
- March 2021: Recruitment for a Project Manager in the 100% role
- April-June: Housing matters finalised and decided, recruitment
- July-Sept.: Establishing operations, setting up a Fab Lab, etc.
- Nov.: Opening of the Accelerator and Fab Lab workshop in premises in the centre of Húsavík.
In essence, the activities of the Accelerator will consist of the following:
- 24/7 workspace for entrepreneurs; for individuals for long and short-term use.
- Fab Lab Húsavík; a fully-equipped technology workshop in a network of others.
- Workspaces for hosting groups/teams from innovative companies
- Joint use of the knowledge centre's teaching/lecture rooms/laboratories for conferences and team work.
- Creation of an attractive 'workplace' in a dynamic environment of 25-40 employees
- Advising and brokering between entrepreneurs and employment advisers
Húsavík meets the 4th Industrial Revolution
Hraðið – an innovation centre is a logical development of the infrastructure of the knowledge society in Húsavík, taking into account the circumstances described above. The implementation and scope are tailored to the specific circumstances in Húsavík as described here, but the main elements of the project can, to some extent, be transferred to other communities. Ultimately, the project is about creating a fertile environment to cultivate ideas and engage the people who have them. We do not know in advance what these ideas will be, let alone who will come up with them. This can become a melting pot of creativity and ideas. If we can stoke such a pot, there is no reason to think that we will not successfully meet the opportunities and challenges of the 4th Industrial Revolution in Húsavík.
- March 2021
Óli Halldórsson, Director