A stronger ecosystem for social innovation in the north

SESIN

The SESIN project aims to change perceptions of innovation and strengthen the support system for social innovation in Norrbotten and Västerbotten. We do this by:

• Work to ensure that the innovation support system is expanded to include more types of innovations.
• Highlight social innovation through practical examples and a broader understanding of what social innovation can entail.
• Support social innovation through workshops, tools, and expertise.

Today, innovation support remains heavily focused on technical, commercial, and urban innovation. We want to change this and highlight that innovation can also be social and local. It’s about developing solutions that benefit society, whether they emerge in a city or in rural areas. By including more perspectives in innovation efforts, we’ll get more stakeholders involved, more ideas generated, and more solutions that can contribute to societal development.

We start with the challenges facing local communities, with the goal of achieving a sustainable and inclusive societal transformation in the north. By harnessing people’s drive and initiative, social innovations can emerge and take root in society. To make this possible, a supportive ecosystem is needed, consisting of committed actors and networks, knowledge and methods, as well as guidance, funding, and meeting places, among other things.

Activities

• We are assessing the current situation—what is working today, and what is missing? Assessment and dialogue on the framework conditions for social innovation in northern Sweden. Development of the regional ecosystem for social innovation with links to the EU.
• We share knowledge about social innovation with stakeholders in the innovation system.   
• We foster networking and collaboration among stakeholders to build long-term partnerships.
• We are exploring the feasibility of establishing an incubator program for societal impact in northern Sweden, drawing inspiration from the lessons learned and outcomes of the Social Impact Academy at Coompanion, the Social Impact Lab at Örebro University, the Societal Impact Lab at Malmö University, and similar initiatives.
• We conduct workshops, dialogues, surveys, and innovation workshops where we test new solutions to societal challenges. Co-created and co-owned local development through mission-driven innovation.   

Contact

Marita Holst

Network Coordinator Forum for Social Innovation Sweden Luleå

marita.holst@ltu.se 0920-49 22 89

Martin Englund

Coordinator Forum for Social Innovation Sweden Umeå

martin.englund@umu.se 090-786-68-29