HELLO THERE! Henric Johnson – new rector at Blekinge Institute of Technology

He is a professor of computer science and has spent part of his working life in the United States. Among other things, as a diplomat and head of research, innovation and higher education at the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. But after longing to return to Sweden and the archipelago of Karlskrona, he landed once again at Blekinge Institute of Technology, BTH. On September 1, Henric Johnson took over the helm as rector.

Congratulations on your appointment! Was it obvious to say yes?

– Thank you very much! Yes, absolutely, when the position was advertised I immediately felt that my background in internationalization, research and innovation is right for the role.

Based on your experience and in your role as Rector of Blekinge Institute of Technology, what would you like to contribute to the Swedish innovation system?

– Academia has a central role in the innovation ecosystem. In my role as Vice-Chancellor, I will capitalize on the global connection I have with a focus on academic excellence and innovation. At BTH, we want to work with important societal challenges and deliver results around them. Innovation is about making an impact in society. And I’m convinced that BTH can continue to do that in our areas of excellence. We will not do everything, but we will be really good at what we do.

– What I can also contribute to the innovation system, via BTH, is the link between the civil and defense parts. There is a lot of innovation thinking in that. Nations that combine defense efforts with civilian efforts, in the form of research and innovation, have come a long way. In this context, NATO will create new opportunities for the Swedish economy.

– I also see that Blekinge Institute of Technology can play an important role in strengthening Sweden’s investment in STEM by offering education and research that combines technology, science and engineering with practical applications. By collaborating with industry and the public sector, BTH can help develop innovative solutions and drive technological progress. Our profiled areas provide both students and researchers with the tools and knowledge needed to meet future challenges in STEM.

How will Blekinge Institute of Technology notice that they now have a rector who is strongly anchored in research and innovation issues?

– I have an ability to move from vision to concrete initiatives. Our researchers, teachers and students at BTH will deliver results in key societal areas where we have our profile.

– What is happening in industry and at the university in Karlskrona is on a par with the industrial investments taking place in northern Sweden. In marine technology alone, 5,000 individuals will soon be needed in industry and academia. Of course, we have an extremely central role in developing future services and products.

Apart from working, what are you most looking forward to about continuing to operate in Karlskrona?

– Karlskrona is a magical place to live with family. The proximity to the continent and the beautiful archipelago is quality of life.

More about Henric Johnson
Henric Johnson was from 2013 to 2017 Pro-Vice-Chancellor at BTH and was previously Global Head of Research and Innovation at Business Sweden. He has a broad international work experience as an expert for the European Commission, diplomat in the United States where he was head of the unit for research, innovation and higher education at the Swedish Embassy in Washington D.C. He has also been a visiting professor at Stanford University.