A clear trend for policy development internationally within the EU as well as the OECD is the focus on global societal challenges and increased efficiency and productivity in business, for example by taking advantage of the opportunities of digitalisation. One important aspect to cope with this is that SMEs become more innovative, more internationalised and more anchored in the global value chains. The SMART ARENA project for innovation is a development of the overall innovation system built up by Fiber Optic Valley for more than 10 years. The project is separated from RISE Acreo’s collective activities and efforts (only dealing with certain parts such as SME Development and the node in Hudiksvall with focus on optical fibres). At the same time, the project benefits from access to the entire RISE Acreo structure in terms of competence and the ability to shift R & D and business ideas. The project will work towards the following goals. Overall objectives: Increased innovation capacity and innovation in the region among SMEs, idea carriers and innovators as well as in the public sector. This is to create the conditions for long-term sustainable growth for the business community and in the region at large. The goal of the project: Develop working methods and ways of working for a SMART ARENA for innovation based on a broad and inclusive approach that builds on and develops the experience and expertise available at FOV, propell and RISE. This means that more companies and ideas can benefit from relevant and effective support in the development of an idea for an innovation that can be commercialised. Sub-target 1: An increased flow of ideas that lead to innovation. Sub-target 2: An increased start-up by a SMART ARENA that offers effective support to idea carriers and innovators. Sub-target 3: An increased number of innovative and internationalised SMEs. Sub-target 4: Clearly identifiable, strengthened innovation capacity in the public sector through collaboration with SME in functional procurement that increases quality and efficiency in public services. Sub-target 5: An established and cohesive and implemented way of working for an open and inclusive way of working that makes it easier for more actors to develop innovations and establish companies. Sub-target 6: A SMART ARENA established that is positioned regionally, nationally and internationally. Sub-target 7: A measurably strengthened FoI environment with international technology cutting edge through developed collaboration within RISE and the institute sector as well as universities and higher education institutions, including MIUN and HIG, which also strengthens former member organisation with a strong focus on technology. Sub-target 8: Measurably strengthened collaboration with actors in the regional innovation system where the SMARTA arena serves as a learning example. The project’s expected results after the project period are of three kinds: 1) Results linked to innovation activity in the region, companies and ideas. Where the project will result in an increased innovation activity in the region that is expressed in an increased inflow and outflow of ideas and innovations as well as increased innovation activity in existing SMEs. 2) results linked to the ability in the region to effectively support the innovators and idea carriers from idea to commercialisation and acceleration. 3) that the operations conducted under the brands FOV and propell and which since 20170101 have been part of the Rise Group have been a permanent structure (SMART ARENA). The work against small and medium-sized enterprises is a priority part of Rise’s operations and one of the nodes within Rise can be found in Hudiksvall. Expected long-term effects The results will be used by SMART ARENA in the continued work after the project ends with establishing and permanent the SMART arena and becoming an established innovation node in the local and regional innovation system.