As the knowledge platform Forum for Social Innovation Sweden expands and establishes itself nationwide Forum for Social Innovation Sweden Umeå University will become one of a total of six regional hubs. The shared goal is to increase knowledge about social innovation and create a fertile ground for solutions that can address the challenges facing society. The initiative is being carried out with support from Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation agency.
In addition to Umeå University, the initiative includes Jönköping University, Luleå University of Technology, Malmö University, Stockholm University, and Örebro University. Each will host its own regional hub under the umbrella Forum for Social Innovation Sweden, a platform that began to take shape as early as 2010.
– The fact that six Swedish universities are now joining forces provides both a strong regional foundation and significant potential for national growth. Malmö University and Forum for Social Innovation Sweden already Forum for Social Innovation Sweden an important role on the national stage, and this project will give the initiative a stronger regional presence, which is a positive development. There is also the capacity to create international connections and appeal, and to make a significant contribution to the government’s strategy for social enterprises and help Sweden achieve the goals of the 2030 Agenda. The knowledge now being generated will benefit relevant stakeholders such as regional development managers, innovation promoters, and government agencies, says Judit Wefer, program manager at Vinnova.
Develop methods and tools
Anna Sandström Emmelin of the External Relations Unit is the coordinator for the establishment of the regional hub at Umeå University. She explains that the work of building and developing the knowledge platform will involve many different stakeholders—regions, innovation promoters, higher education institutions, municipalities, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The idea is to identify needs for new knowledge in the field of social innovation, share important information and knowledge, connect with research, and create meeting places.
– To address the challenges of our time—such as climate change, rising rates of mental health issues, segregation, and an aging population—we need new solutions, approaches, and partnerships. Umeå University conducts research and offers educational programs that can contribute to this effort, particularly when it comes to tackling the societal challenges outlined in the 2030 Agenda.
Innovation Conference in April
According to Anna, the work to establish the regional hub is just getting started, and she warmly encourages anyone interested to contact her.
– There is a lot happening in Västerbotten right now in the field of social innovation. As part of the national knowledge platform, we are eager to help strengthen this area, in collaboration with other stakeholders.
There’s already an opportunity to come together on April 25 in Luleå. On that date, Umeå University will host the “Social Innovation in the North” conference in partnership with Luleå University of Technology and Coompanion, in collaboration with Forum for Social Innovation Sweden, municipalities, and regional authorities. Anyone interested in learning more about how we can contribute to a socially sustainable society is welcome to attend.
“There will be free round-trip buses to Luleå throughout the day from Umeå, Skellefteå, and Piteå,” says Anna Sandström Emmelin.
Learn more about the Social Innovation in the North conference