EIT CC had a chance to visit Herning, Denmark, in the end of September for a workshop organized by the University of Århus and VIA University College, focused on governance in creative fields. The event took place in Birk Centerpark, a central hub for the region’s creative industries and a key site in the city’s textile business history.
In Mid-Jutland, where Herning and Århus are located, there is a lively community of creative industries, educational institutes, small and medium-sized enterprises, and industry representatives. Both in Herning and Birk Centerpark, the legacy of the textile and fashion industry is visibly present, with the university’s textile labs housed in the beautiful surroundings of an old textile factory. In these labs, the university develops new sustainable materials and production methods, enhancing recyclability and promoting nature-friendly consumption.
The whole area embodies the ideology of repurposing existing facilities in new ways. The campus buildings, once home to an innovative production facility, are a tremendous example of Danish design. They are surrounded by parks and include a former dormitory for factory workers who studied at a “folk high school” – now serving as a hotel. The building retains its unique and original design from the 1960s.
The area is also home to industry organizations such as Danish Fashion & Textile and the government-supported Lifestyle & Design Cluster. The presence of these industry representatives, alongside the educational institutions, strengthens the ecosystem’s cohesion. In the city center, you can also visit a textile museum, where you can learn about the region’s industrial and cultural heritage, as well as the history of Danish fashion since the early 1900s. Beyond textiles, the region is also known for its strong event culture, expertise in furniture design, and as the birthplace of Bang & Olufsen, the global consumer electronics company based in Struer.
Local ecosystems play an essential role in developing regional competitiveness and supporting livelihoods. It is crucial for ecosystem players to work together to build better circumstances for businesses and skill-development, know each other and look for ways to co-operate within the region. In Herning, it is evident that the local industrial heritage is not only appreciated but also used as a platform to build the future on. The cities of Herning and the neighbouring Århus are actively involved in developing sustainable ways to do business in different areas of industry – both now and for the future. All this strengthens the local identity and provides a “homegrown backbone” to ecosystem players as they expand into wider markets.
Text & photos: Kati Uusi-Rauva, Director of CLC North
