Meet the People of WISE Networking Days 2026: Måns Ranåker on Building Competitive Solutions for the Future

Could you briefly introduce yourself and explain what brings you to WISE Networking Days 2026?

My name is Måns Ranåker, and I’m responsible for the product portfolios and R&D in the Powder Metallurgy (PMT) division at Höganäs AB. We have collaborated with WISE on several projects over the years and see it as a great foundation for developing the people and capabilities we need, both as a country and as a company.

What are the main challenges and opportunities for industry in sustainable materials and materials technology?

I believe companies and academia already have the capabilities needed to address sustainability challenges, and that doing so is an important part of developing competitive solutions for the future. The main challenge is aligning progress with market demand and maturity, ensuring that we drive the transition while maintaining healthy businesses. Not all parts of the supply chain move at the same pace, and customer adoption varies across markets, product segments and over time.

Why is collaboration between industry and academia valuable, and what makes it successful?

I believe innovation requires a dual-track approach. First, we need to listen to markets and customers and find solutions to their challenges. Second, we need to develop technologies that customers don’t yet know they need, based on new research and technological breakthroughs. This is where academia and fundamental research play a significant role.

The greatest benefits arise when academia and industry collaborate on concrete challenges, bridging the gap between research and commercial products. This creates value not only through successful products but also through shared learning.

What research areas or expertise are you most interested in connecting with at WISE Networking Days?

Naturally, I’m particularly interested in areas closely related to Höganäs’ core business, such as metallurgy and materials science, especially metal processing and alloying, with a focus on sustainability. However, I’m also interested in learning about developments in other areas of materials research. There are always parallels to draw and new methods to apply, even in fields that may not initially seem relevant or related.

What should researchers and PhD students understand about industry’s needs and priorities today?

Pace and the ability to manage it. In most industries, time to market is crucial, and the pace has accelerated continuously since the early days of industrialisation. In this environment, protecting and prioritising fundamental research becomes even more important. At the same time, we cannot ignore practical realities and expectations for results. Finding the right balance will be an important task for future leaders in both industry and academia.

What developments in materials science and sustainable technology excite you most over the next five to ten years?

Materials are the building blocks of everything we produce, either directly or indirectly. They are also among the most challenging areas in which to achieve sustainability. This makes materials science such an interesting field to work in, with the potential to make a real impact. I’m excited to see how we can drive this progress forward and how far we can go in the coming years.

If you’d like to join us at WISE Networking Days 2026, please register here

https://lyyti.events/p/wise-networking-day-2026