Contributing to Industrial Transformation – Together

The unit, which currently consists of 13 employees, works with process evaluation, techno-economic analysis, system analysis, and project management. The focus is on evaluating and developing industrial processes for the conversion of biomass and waste, as well as processes related to industrial hydrogen, carbon capture, and recycling - areas that are central to both competitiveness and the climate transition.

– Our role is largely about quantifying processes - so that we can evaluate them, understand how they function from a broader systems perspective, and provide a basis for strategic decision-making in development.

The main focus is on the bioeconomy and industrial transition, but the unit’s expertise and methods have a much wider range of applications:

–  We’re not tied to any specific facility or technology. Instead, we can analyze costs, environmental impact, and system effects across many different contexts where we can make a real difference.

A journey in two phases 

Johan joined RISE in 2021, first as a researcher and later as a focus area leader. With a PhD in Industrial Energy Systems from Chalmers University of Technology, he already had a clear focus on techno-economic and system analysis related to various bio- and e-fuel processes. 

After a couple of years, Johan took the next step and moved to an energy company to work in business development. However, his connection to RISE remained strong:

–  I gained an external perspective and realized what a highly respected organization RISE is. We play an important role in society, and many stakeholders want to collaborate with us. When the opportunity to return in a business development role arose, it simply felt too exciting to turn down.

After returning to RISE, Johan quickly moved on to the next step. When the Sustainable Processes and Systems unit was established, he had the opportunity to take on the role of Director - something he had long been curious about.

–  I knew I wanted to try taking on a management role. It sounded both exciting and challenging, and I felt confident in the organization, having worked so closely with it before.

Leadership as an enabler

Today, Johan’s leadership is strongly characterized by a clear focus on business development. His calendar is filled with client dialogue, project development, and strategic work—an approach that suits him well.

–  I’m driven by developing ideas and seeing them become reality. At the same time, it’s incredibly motivating to work with people, build teams, and see colleagues grow. When someone takes a new step in their development, I truly feel that the work matters. You shouldn’t take credit for others’ growth, but being part of it is very rewarding.

Johan often describes his leadership using a team-based metaphor, shaped by his background in team sports:

–  I’ve always enjoyed building the team. This isn’t about competing against each other, but about building on each other’s strengths. Everyone excels at different things—some are stronger in structure and project management, others are more visionary or skilled in dialogue. When you complement each other in that way and work together, you get better results - and the work becomes more enjoyable.

At the same time, Johan believes that it’s not only the big milestones that matter.

–  I feel proud of what we accomplish together pretty much every day. We have an incredibly strong organization, and I’m constantly impressed by how skilled the people at RISE are—and by what we can achieve together.

Why RISE? 

If Johan were to choose one thing that makes RISE a particularly attractive employer, the answer is clear: 

–  Here, you’re essentially only limited by your own capacity. If you have an idea that aligns with our mission, you have great opportunities to make it happen. It’s extremely stimulating - and quite unique.

The desire to make a difference is a strong driving force for many people working at RISE, shaping both the way of working and the organizational culture: 

–  The most common answer when you ask people why they work at RISE is that they want the opportunity to contribute to a better society. That’s something I believe is reflected in everything we do. We are curious, open, and highly competent. It’s a privilege to lead and work alongside such colleagues, in an environment where societal impact and quality are at the center every day.