3.6 Campus Sundsvall, Mid Sweden University, Sweden

Located in central Sweden on the eastern coast, Sundsvall is surrounded by mountains and lies along the coast of the Baltic Sea. As of 2022, Sundsvall municipality had a population of 99,361 residents, with an average age of 42.8 (Sundsvalls kommun, 2022). In Sundsvall, both traditional industries and digital sectors are prominent. Sundsvall has maintained a major forest industry since the 20th century and continues to be a crucial industrial and manufacturing hub in Sweden (Visit Sweden, 2021). It is one of the key pulp and paper-producing regions in Northern Europe and also features some engineering and aluminium plants (Britannica, n.d.). Sundsvall has a strong ICT sector, with innovation and digitalisation supporting national and local industries (Interview 1). Lastly, Sundsvall has a well-developed public sector and is home to several national public agencies (Interview 2). Nevertheless, since the region is facing a declining labour force, a broad range of skills is needed for further development of the region (Interview 1). To address these issues, Västernorrland region’s Regional Development Strategy (Den regionala utvecklingsstrategin) places a strong emphasis on attracting and retaining people (Region Västernorrland, 2024). 

Established in 1993, Mid Sweden University has two main campuses, in Östersund and Sundsvall, serving around 24,890 students in total (2023). Of these, 6,000 students attend the university physically and are evenly distributed between the two campuses. The university employs over 1,200 staff members, with 700 based in Sundsvall (Mid Sweden University, n.d.). 

The origins of the Sundsvall campus date back to 1842, when a sea navigation school was founded near Sundsvall (Gunmo, 2003). The educational institution first applied for full university status in 1997, partially achieving it in 2001 for natural sciences and in 2005 for the entire Mid Sweden University (Gunmo, 2003). The establishment of the Sundsvall campus was driven by demand from businesses and the public sector for a more vocationally oriented higher education institution. As a result, the University of Sundsvall/Härnösand (HS/H) was created, with Sundsvall serving as the main campus, focusing primarily on technical education (Gunmo, 2003). In 2013, the university board decided to transfer all activities from the Härnösand campus to Sundsvall by 2016 (Mid Sweden University, 2013). 

Mid Sweden University offers diverse programmes in fields including computer science, engineering, media, applied sciences, languages, social sciences and humanities. The Sundsvall campus specialises in technical and natural sciences at bachelor's, master's and postgraduate levels (Mid Sweden University, n.d.). This is complemented by extensive online courses that attract both local and international students (Email correspondence, University, 2024). 

Currently, around 60% of the education at Sundsvall is delivered online, with the remainder taught physically on campus (Interview 2). Remote learning offers numerous benefits, including broader outreach for the university and a steady flow of funds. However, following the 2025 budget and discussions with the national government and local authorities, the university has shifted its strategy to expand on-site programmes and strengthening marketing activities to attract international students. This is anticipated to boost on-campus student presence without leading to a reduction in the number of students studying online. 

(Interview 2)

The university will attempt to attract 900 on-campus students across both locations(Interview 3). The student union supports this shift, citing challenges in engaging online students. The business community also welcomes this initiative, anticipating it will draw more potential workers to the region (Interview 3; Interview 1).  

Public authorities and the campus are discussing ways to create a more attractive environment in the city for young people to stay in. One key aspect that motivates students to relocate is the guaranteed housing that the students receive when moving to Sundsvall (Interview 3). Nevertheless, attracting students to the region is an ongoing challenge. 

The Sundsvall campus primarily attracts younger students from the local area and across Sweden, often enrolling soon after secondary school. The distance learning alternative also draws international students, who may not currently reside in Sweden (Email correspondence, University, 2024). 

One interviewee explained that while some might choose Östersund for its beautiful scenery, Sundsvall appeals to individuals due to its education and job opportunities. 

(Interview 2) 

Regarding daily life on the campus, a student interviewee described the atmosphere as modern, personal and welcoming (Interview 3).

“University buildings are typically large and imposing, designed to be impressive. But here they are small and cosy, almost like a village. The campus feels very welcoming, with short distances between buildings […] Everything is newly renovated, giving it a fresh and clean feel, with a strong focus on indoor greenery."

(Interview 3) 

The university is actively engaged with the local student union, which represents students from each programme, not only on the university board and in various departments but also nationally through the Association of Student Unions in Sweden (Interview 3). Strong support from the university provides the Union with financial and administrative resources, enabling collaboration on various projects (Interview 3). 

The campus encourages student involvement in shaping a more appealing space for current and future students. For instance, one design programme gave students the opportunity to plan improvements to the campus area and implement more green spaces instead of car parks (Interview 2). 

The Sundsvall campus collaborates closely with local actors. The campus is vital for regional development, providing the young workforce that is essential for the region’s growth. Additionally, the university serves as a research hub for surrounding institutions requiring specialised field analysis. Such synergies have developed through close collaboration between the university and local stakeholders, including businesses, public actors, networks, hospitals and government agencies (Interview 2). Notable successes include lifelong learning initiatives and upskilling courses, particularly in electronic equipment (Interview 1). Since 2014, Sundsvall Municipality and the university have partnered on 70-80 joint projects, addressing student engagement, research, education and regional growth (Focus group interview). 

Furthermore, the campus supports regional development and drives innovation by facilitating connections between students, researchers and industries through innovation clusters like Bron Innovation, the local Chamber of Commerce and Samling Näringsliv (Interview 1; Email correspondence, University, 2024). 

(Interview 1) 

The process of building connections between students and industry begins early in the education process, such as through job fairs, study trips to local companies, internship opportunities and a range of support programmes (Interview 2). One initiative specifically supports female ICT students by providing mentorship and networking opportunities (Interview 1).  

However, interviewees point out that these efforts are not consistent across all programmes. High-demand fields like engineering and economics benefit from greater engagement and employer ties, while fields such as teaching and nursing have less interaction with local labour market representatives. A more structured and comprehensive system is needed to build connections across all programmes to ensure all students, regardless of their field of study, have access to consistent support measures that strengthen their relationships with the labour market (Interview 3). 

Nevertheless, the university in Sundsvall has a formal agreement with the local and regional authorities responsible for healthcare. Through this, the campus establishes contacts with the local hospital, which can help, for example, nursing and psychology students, to find jobs or sponsorship for their scientific research at the university.  

Despite efforts to increase the on-campus presence in the coming years, uncertainty persists about the long-term ability of the campus and city to attract and retain students. This is shaped by multiple factors, including the appeal of the programmes offered, the attractiveness of the location and local job opportunities. Like other regional campuses across the Nordic Region, the Sundsvall campus faces challenges in attracting and retaining top-performing students and staff, particularly those with specialised expertise who are willing to relocate (Interview 2; Interview 1).  

The rapid pace of global trends, such as digitalisation and the evolving nature of jobs and skills, is placing increasing pressure on educational institutions to adapt and align their programmes with the emerging demands. The local business community has expressed concerns that current educational programmes may not sufficiently address these developments, highlighting the need for the deeper integration of AI into the curriculum and teaching practices (Interview 1).   

Successfully adapting to labour market changes and addressing these new demands often requires reallocation of resources – which may involve scaling down or discontinuing other programmes, despite them still being relevant. This presents a challenge, slowing down the university’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to emerging labour market trends (Interview 1, 2024). Moreover, competition for national research funding against more established universities adds further pressure (Focus group interview). 

Strengthening international research and teaching, expanding partnerships and attracting EU funding and innovation investments are seen as key to future success. Such efforts are viewed as crucial for fostering innovation, enhancing competitiveness, supporting regional growth and talent retention, as well as enhancing the quality and appeal of education for students (Interview 2; Interview1). 

Mid Sweden University has established strong connections between students and potential employers through various support measures. The university's active involvement in local business and IT clusters has reinforced its active role in regional affairs, attracted research support and aligned its goals with regional needs. Expanding these practices across all study programmes and formats, both remote and on-site, could offer opportunities for further development (Interview 1).