Regional strenghts in Materials

Östergötland is a strong innovation region in advanced materials and manufacturing, with expertise in semiconductors, electronics, sustainable materials, and additive manufacturing. Combining leading research, industrial strength, and innovation support, the region develops next-generation technologies for global markets.

Semiconductors

The region has strong competence and infrastructure within semiconductor technology, where the university, industry, and innovation support organizations work together to strengthen regional competitiveness.

Linköping University contributes advanced research in materials science, electronics, and nanotechnology, closely linked to industry. Several companies in the region work with design, manufacturing, and integration of semiconductors for global markets such as electronics, automotive, and medtech.

The innovation environment is supported by Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) and other platforms offering testbeds and business development to accelerate commercialization.

Large-scale metal industry

Östergötland is a significant region for heavy metal industry, home to major companies such as SAAB AB, Gränges in Finspång, Siemens Energy, Saab (Bofors) Dynamics, and Hydro Extrusion. The region has a broad industrial base in metal production and machining, ranging from advanced aerospace manufacturing and aluminum rolling to engine, turbine, and metal structure production.

A well-developed ecosystem of companies such as Väderstad, Toyota Material Handling, UMS Skeldar and Element Materials Technology fosters innovation and growth.

Linköping University contributes world-leading research in metals and composite materials through institutions such as the IFM and KMAT, while research environments in Finspång focus on aluminum technologies.

The region also hosts the strong LEAD Business Incubator and innovation platforms such as the Wallenberg Initiative Mate rials Science for Sustainability (WISE) and the Innovative Materials Arena.

Printed and organic electronics

Östergötland is an international center for printed and organic electronics, where the Laboratory of Organic Electronics at Linköping University plays a key role. Research spans materials development and applications in energy storage, medicine, and IoT, including several breakthroughs in organic electronics. Norrköping Science Park serves as a central hub where research, industry, and innovation collaborate to develop and test new solutions in this technology field.

Companies like Ynvisible have established production in the region to leverage the strong research environment. Collaboration between the university, research institutes such as RISE, and industry creates a vibrant ecosystem supporting commercialization and growth of flexible, energy-efficient, and cost- effective components.

Thin-film technology

In thin-film technology, Linköping University is a hub for cutting-edge research in materials science and con densed matter physics. Through institutions such as IFM, advanced research is conducted in thin-film physics, nanotechnology, and materials modelling. This research has led to innovations, patents, and several spin-off companies developing thin-film-based products.

The LEAD Business Incubator supports these innovations, while several startups have matured into profitable companies (e. g. Ionbond). Applications span semiconductor growth, hard coatings for tools, thin film materials for fuel cells and the development of smart and sustainable materials, strengthening the region’s competitiveness

Additive manufacturing (3D printing)

Östergötland is developing strong capabilities in additive manufacturing (AM), driven by its established metal industry, advanced materials research, and expanding innovation ecosystem. The region’s industrial base — including major actors such as Siemens Energy and SAAB, creates a natural demand for next-generation manufacturing methods that enable lighter components, increased design freedom, and efficient small-series production.

Companies in aerospace, energy, and engineering already integrate AM in prototyping, tooling, and component development, supporting faster innovation cycles and improved performance.

Linköping University contributes with research in metallic and polymeric materials, surface engineering, materials modelling, and process optimization, enabling the development of high-quality AM components. Research groups within IFM and KMAT work with micro structure control, powder metallurgy, and sustainable production methods, supporting industry in transitioning to additive workflows.

Innovative Materials Arena provides a strong supporting platform for collaboration. This combination of industrial need, research excellence, and test infrastructure positions Östergötland as an emerging region for advanced and sustainable additive manufacturing solutions.

Composites

Östergötland has strong and expanding capabilities in composite materials, supported by its advanced manufacturing industries and leading research environments.

Major regional companies — including SAAB and Beyond Gravity and other engineering and aerospace actors — rely on high-performance composite solutions for lightweight structures, durability, and energy-efficient design. This creates a robust demand for novel composite materials and production processes that improve performance while reducing environmental impact.

Linköping University contributes world-class expertise in polymer and fiber composites, multifunctional materials, and modelling of composite behavior. Research groups at KMAT and IFM, from molecular design and interface engineering to structural performance and sustainability analysis — enables industry to adopt new composite technologies.

Cellulose-based technologies and products

Östergötland has a growing profile within cellulose-based materials, supported by strong regional companies and research expertise in sustainable material development.

Companies such as Billerud, Holmen and Sofidel drive innovation in fiber-based packaging, sustainable paper products, and new cellulose-derived materials addressing the need for renewable, recyclable, and low-carbon alter natives to plastics. These industries benefit from the region’s long experience in process optimization, materials refinement, and circular resource flows, strengthening competitiveness in both traditional and advanced bio based applications.

Linköping University contributes to this development through interdisciplinary research in materials science, chemistry, and environmental technology, focusing on bio-based composites, nanocellulose, and hybrid materials.

Initiatives like WISE, Digital Cellulose Center (DCC) and Wallenberg Wood Science Center (WWSC) support the creation of next-generation cellulose materials with enhanced mechanical properties, barrier functions, or electronic capabilities.

Plastics and polymer-based industry

Östergötland has a strong and diversified plastics and polymer-based industry, driven by companies that supply high-performance materials, specialized components, and large-scale recycling solutions. Large actors such as Arla Plast and Svensk Plaståtervinning as well as SMEs like. Inplastor and Teknoplast, all in or close to Motala, contribute to a dynamic value chain ranging from polymer sheet production and precision manufacturing to advanced circular material flows.

At the system level, Svensk Plaståtervinning in Motala plays a national and increasingly international role in driving circularity in plastics. Operating the world-leading Site Zero facility, the company manages large-scale sorting and recycling of plastic packaging, enabling high material recovery rates and supporting Sweden’s transition towards a circular plastics economy.

Linköping University strengthens this industrial landscape through research in polymer chemistry, functional plastics, thin-film materials, and sustainable material systems.