Word from Borås

After a few years in the construction phase, the work that brings together both the business sector and the authorities and the region's major cities is now being revamped. It can be a foreign student who wants to come here and study at one of our universities, but also someone who comes as a labor force. " With this project we try to support and help these individuals, but also those accompanying, by trying to find ways in which we can care for children and family, ” says Jonas Widerström. Move To Gothenburg is run by the West Swedish Chamber of Commerce. Borås is an obvious player here, like Skövde, Trollhättan and of course Gothenburg, with the slogan Move to Gothenburg. Nine major players in Gothenburg are investing money, for example, among others, Astra and Volvo. Jonas Widerström says that it is about creating a kind of infrastructure. "We have created a website, and if you are very interested in, for example, textiles in some form, then you get a natural entrance to West Sweden where Borås is the first option. There you can see which study opportunities are available. You get a picture of what it is like to live here, which schools exist, which other networks exist. Here, besides Gothenburg, there is of course Trollhättan with its film production, and Skövde's gaming profile, and others like entrepreneurs, universities, colleges, can fill in their specific information. Then we have the other aspect, that is when they come," says Widerström with a hint of a smile. "The person numbers and the last four digits. It's a classic."

"This project communicates with the actors who have a role in this, such as the Swedish Migration Board, the Swedish Tax Agency, the Swedish Companies Registration Office, Arbetsförmedlingen, "explains Jonas Widerström. The time can be expensive and crucial, and we have therefore created a helpdesk for person X, a service center. "We lead a dialogue to speed this up, because it is important for the companies, for universities and colleges and for the individual.  Of course we would like them to choose Western Sweden. And if you come from a larger city in Europe, such as Madrid or Paris, then traveling from Gothenburg to Borås in just under an hour is not significant, in such a perspective. The companies are, of course, most important here, but we must not forget the public, we are a big employer in the great need of competence. It is important to make sure that people end up right, end up where they feel comfortable and fit best. Then we have to be on our toes and point out what opportunities we have. But I like to wear my hat for the whole region. Gathering all involved actors is our strength. This is a viable route, which benefits not least the local business community. Without the right skills? Yes, you don't have to be Einstein to understand ... It's the public too." says Jonas Wideström.