On Demand 2033 – The Future of Spare Parts, Here and Now

Imagine an industry that never stops. A world where machines keep running, production flows without interruption, and critical spare parts are always available – not because they gather dust on warehouse shelves, but because they can be manufactured on-site, exactly when they are needed. Imagine a future where long supply chains, costly transports, and downtime due to missing components are things of the past. This is not science fiction. This is what we are building today in the Swedish initiative On Demand 2033.

On Demand 2033 is a unique collaboration bringing together industry, research, and innovation environments to create a new standard for how critical spare parts are produced, distributed, and used. By combining additive manufacturing, digital inventories, and local production, we reduce dependency on fragile global supply chains, strengthen industrial competitiveness, and contribute to a more sustainable future. Our ambition is crystal clear: by the year 2033, Swedish industry will have access to its most critical components in a demand-driven, smart, and climate-conscious way – always nearby, always ready.

The background is simple but crucial. Today, critical spare parts are often unavailable when they are needed most. Production stops, delivery times become unreasonably long, and costs escalate. Traditional warehousing is expensive, tying up both capital and resources. At the same time, industry depends on complex global value chains that can be disrupted by crises, conflicts, or logistics breakdowns. On Demand 2033 is the answer to these challenges. By digitizing components and creating virtual inventories, we make it possible to manufacture spare parts locally, on demand. The result is shorter lead times, lower costs, and a greener industry.

The project is built on three pillars. First, we identify which components are best suited for on demand production, often using additive manufacturing. Second, we develop training programs and tools that allow companies to capture and digitize component data themselves. Third, we test and demonstrate these solutions in real industrial environments, together with companies that already see the value of rethinking the way spare parts are handled. By working closely with industry, we can develop methods, standards, and business models that actually work – not just in theory, but in everyday production.

On Demand 2033 is not only about technology. It is also about new ways of working, new partnerships, and new business models. Our vision is to build a holistic system where business, competence, infrastructure, and policy develop in step with technology. Change must make sense economically – otherwise it will not happen. That is why we are building an ecosystem where companies, research organizations, and innovation hubs jointly drive progress.

The initiative is run by Sustainable Steel Region, RISE Propell, Paper Province, and Sandbacka Science Park, but it is the many collaborating companies that make On Demand 2033 unique. Among our partners are major players such as SSAB, contributing world-leading expertise in sustainable steel and materials; Holmen board and paper, testing component digitalization in real forest and paper industry environments; and Triton Valsteknik, exploring how additive manufacturing can reduce downtime in heavy industry. We work with pioneers like Lasertech AB, opening its facilities as a testbed for additive technology, and with the global company Ivaldi Group, specialized in digital inventories for heavy and maritime industries. Together with RISE, Sweden’s leading innovation partner, and companies such as Enerco Mechpart, VMI, Gefertec, Begner Agenturer, SAAM and Alderholmens Mekaniska, we are building a diverse arena where knowledge and resources meet to create real impact.

For industrial companies, the advantages of On Demand 2033 are tangible. Shorter lead times increase flexibility and reduce vulnerability. Lower warehousing and logistics costs free up capital for other investments. The green transition accelerates as emissions from transports decrease and materials are used more efficiently. And perhaps most importantly: supply security is strengthened, ensuring production continuity even in times of crisis. It is about resilience, competitiveness, and sustainability – three pillars of the industry of the future.

The benefits are also visible in daily operations. A spare part that once took weeks to order can be produced locally in just a few hours. A component that previously required costly warehousing can instead be stored digitally, ready to be manufactured on demand. A production chain once dependent on global transport can instead become local, fast, and circular. On Demand 2033 shows that the industry of the future does not have to choose between profitability and sustainability – both can be achieved together.

That is why we invite more partners to join. We are looking for test pilots – industrial companies willing to try out new solutions and be among the first to see the benefits. We are looking for problem owners – organizations that want to identify their challenges and test new approaches in practice. We are looking for enablers – companies that can provide links in the value chain, from technology suppliers to maintenance partners. And we are looking for case owners – actors ready to showcase successful examples and inspire others. The more who join, the greater the impact and the faster we reach our vision.

At the heart of the initiative lies additive manufacturing, often described as 3D printing for industry. This technology enables components to be built layer by layer with precision and efficiency that traditional methods cannot match. Complex geometries can be created, worn-out parts can be repaired, and material use can be minimized. Equally important is digitalization, which allows us to build digital component libraries – virtual inventories where data and designs are stored, ready to be produced at any time. The combination of additive manufacturing and digital inventories opens the door to a completely new industrial reality.

This is not just the future of technology. It is the future of industry. And the change is happening right now. On Demand 2033 is showing the way by testing, demonstrating, and scaling up solutions. We are creating a new industrial standard for spare parts and components – one that is demand-driven, flexible, and sustainable.

At the trade fair, we want to show you how it works. At our booth, you can meet the companies already involved, explore concrete examples of on demand manufacturing, and experience discuss the possibility to digitize components. You can talk with experts in additive manufacturing, digitalization, and sustainable production. And you can discover how your company can participate in On Demand 2033 – as a test pilot, a problem owner, or an enabler.

The future is not far away. It is here and now. And it is being built in Sweden, through collaboration between industry, research, and innovation. On Demand 2033 is more than a project – it is a movement for an industry that keeps running, even in times of disruption.

👉 We invite you to visit our booth at the trade fair! Come and get inspired, meet Nordic companies, and discover how on demand manufacturing can transform your business. Together, we can build a resilient, sustainable, and competitive industry – for 2033 and beyond.