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Maintenance is not just a technical issue; it is a key to sustainable development. By using the resources we already have in a smarter way and avoiding downtime, industry can reduce waste and environmental impact. For Henric Widén, CEO of Sustainability Circle, it’s about combining traditional technical expertise with new digital tools and a constant desire to evolve.
– Efficient maintenance is a concrete part of sustainable development. If we do more with the resources we already have and avoid breaking things or using them inefficiently, we contribute directly to a more sustainable industry, says Henric Widén, CEO of the industrial think tank Sustainability Circle.
A practical focus for sustainable development
Established in 2010, the Sustainability Circle is a network where Sweden’s leading industries and academia work together to achieve more sustainable development and create practical solutions. Henric Widén describes its purpose as offering concrete benefits to its members.
– We develop knowledge and share experiences about what is difficult and what tools are needed, and we give each other tips all the time in a very practical way. My role involves everything from organising webinars and study visits to keeping track of what’s happening in the outside world and sharing that knowledge, Henric explains.
The background to the Sustainability Circle is two ideas that came together. On the one hand, there was a need to give maintenance the place and recognition it deserves, and on the other, a desire to make sustainable development more concrete.
– Maintenance has not always received the attention it deserves, but it is central to reducing waste and maximising resource use. Efficient and successful maintenance makes a concrete contribution to sustainable development. By using the resources we already have in the right way and making sure that facilities are not idle or running at low efficiency, we can reduce both downtime and environmental impact, Henric says.
He adds that industry in Sweden is generally not fully using its facilities.
– Figures show that, on average, facilities are only half utilised. There are a lot of stoppages and disruptions for various reasons, which is a huge waste.
Maintenance and sustainability have become increasingly intertwined, and the advent of digitalisation has changed the playing field for the industry. Henric believes that digital tools are crucial to creating sustainability, but that new ways of working are required.
– Digital tools open up enormous opportunities. We’re working to help our members understand how they can use the digital toolbox to strengthen the link between maintenance and sustainable development, Henric says.
The need for continuous improvement
Addressing the skills gap is also a major challenge. Traditional knowledge is still important, but new roles and expertise are needed to address everything from IT issues to AI solutions.
– Maintenance used to be about mechanics and electricity, but today a machine can stop because a server somewhere in the network needs updating. This requires a whole new set of skills, but we can’t let go of traditional technical expertise either. We need to combine the old and the new, Henric explains.
He emphasises the importance of T-competence, a combination of deep specialist knowledge and broad generalist knowledge.
– We need to be able to collaborate with many more people within the organisation. This requires us to broaden our understanding and see our own value in a wider context.
To meet the demands of the future, individuals and organisations must also continuously innovate. Henric sees this as a central part of being competitive.
– You don’t just go to school and finish. We need to find ways to further develop ourselves, whether it’s participating in projects, taking courses or using digital platforms. It’s about being curious and willing to learn.
The Swedish Maintenance Fair – a meeting place for the future
As a partner organisation of the Swedish Maintenance Fair [Underhållsmässan], Sustainability Circle, through Henric Widén, sees it as a unique opportunity to bring together industry players and inspire change.
– The Swedish Maintenance Fair is a time-efficient opportunity to meet many people, get new inspiration and learn more. It’s where you can look at technology, participate in seminars and make contacts. It’s a meeting place for everyone in the industry, from managers to technicians.
Henric hopes that visitors leave the fair with new energy and insights that can be put into practice.
– It’s all about getting a jump start. You may not walk away with a complete solution, but you’ll get enough inspiration and instruction to take the next step.
A common direction for the industry
Looking ahead, Henric sees a maintenance industry moving towards greater collaboration and integration.
– We are increasingly talking about operational safety. It’s a common phenomenon involving maintenance, production and other functions. At the same time, we still need to have specialised expertise, but we also need to be better at interacting with those around us, he explains.
The big challenge, says Henric, will be to balance the new digital opportunities with traditional knowledge and practical application.
– Curiosity and patience are key. We must dare to explore new opportunities and accept that it will take hard work and a few setbacks before we see results. But if we get it right, we can create a more sustainable and efficient industry.