Lighting Metropolis now has two innovation managers, Catja Thystrup from Denmark who joined the project back in November at Gate 21, and Markus Mårtensson from Sweden who joined the Secretariat in early June, at Innovation Skåne. We took the opportunity to ask them both some questions.
Welcome to the project Markus, what made you choose this particular project?
“Thank you! I have always tried to be involved in projects that encourage change and that can make a difference and this project has great potential and sounded both fun and inspiring.”
And congrats Catja to your new colleague – you’ve been looking forward to a sparring partner, how come we have two innovation managers?
“Thanks, and yes – it feels like a long wait, but great to have Markus here now. There’s a lot to catch up with, but on the other hand the timing is actually quite good as the actual innovation process is just starting in earnest now. Due to the sheer scale and ambition of this project, with 25 partners and over 20 planned demonstration projects – all with a strong innovation focus; having two innovation managers will help to meet our goals by the end of 2018.”
Our innovation managers Catja Thystrup & Markus Mårtensson, at the main Secretariat at Gate 21.
How will the work be split between you and the demo projects?
“The aim is to work cross-region and cross-projects but it also makes sense for Markus to be the first point of call for the Swedish projects and for me to for the Danish projects. But we will of course work closely together and raise the bar together.” (Catja)
How do you complement each other?
“Markus has more of the technical and scientific experience, whereas I have more knowledge and experience of lighting installations and lighting design.” (Catja)
Markus – as a new comer to the project, what will be your first priority?
“First of all I am going to find out more about the project and the context in which we operating. It is important to get everybody to feel part of the project and to build an understanding of what we are trying to do and where we are going together.”
What particular aspect of innovation are you mostly excited about?
“Since I have a technical background I am excited to learn more about the technology behind many of the innovations that now are being implemented all over the world, within the area of smart city and lighting in particular. Also I am curious to all the numerous new innovations that I hope to see as an outcome of this project.”
Finally – what can our partners look forward to now that both innovation managers are in place?
“We want to be more ‘present’ and have more time to meet and help the many projects that are involved in Lighting Metropolis. We also encourage our partners to communicate with us and fellow partners actively, whether for support, ideas or guidance along the way.” (Catja & Markus)
LinkedIn profiles:
Catja: http://bit.ly/28MAG9A
Markus: http://bit.ly/28MAM10
