How can Swedish universities support the application of academic knowledge through innovation that benefits society?
In 2025–2026, Forum for Social Innovation Sweden a learning initiative focused on so-called “impact labs,” where researchers and other academics receive support in applying their academic knowledge to create innovations that benefit society. The labs included in the initiative are the Social Impact Lab at Örebro University, the Societal Impact Lab at Malmö University, the Social Impact Lab at Lund University, and the Healthcare Implementation Lab at Linköping University, as well as planned labs at Linnaeus University, Umeå University, and Luleå University of Technology.
The webinar will present and discuss the results of the learning process, focusing on the role that this type of lab can play in supporting innovation where social and societal benefits are prioritized, and where these benefits determine the design, organization, funding, and dissemination of solutions. A report will also be launched, providing an overview of what characterizes these labs, why they are needed, who participates, and their perceived benefits for participants, higher education institutions, and society at large.