Smart ideas will get flesh and blood
During an intensive day in Sundsvall, the framework for the continued work within SustainGov was chiseled when representatives of the participating organisations met for the first time. A kick-off that was characterized by expectations, energy and humility in the face of the challenge.
"I am full of energy and confidence after two days of wise conversations and lively discussions," said Mariell Juhlin, Programme Director for SustainGov and affiliated with Mid Sweden University.
Around 60 representatives from the public sector, academia and business from north to south were on site on 24-25 April to start work on one of Sweden's five new strategic innovation programmes. A large and important part of the meeting was about getting to know each other and the input values that each organization brings into the work. Together, they also went through the process up to now to get a common picture of the current situation.
"The problem with previous projects has been that the public sector has been invited late. Now it will be interesting that the public sector will drive the change itself," said Klas Danerlöv, Swedish Association of Local Authorities and Regions.
"The best thing that can happen is that we find new ways of working that solve all problems. That we get new tools that can be used directly and that research can become more participatory, be part of the process and that we become better at working across organisational boundaries," said Fredrik Fernqvist, SLU.
Representatives from Vinnova were also present to clarify their role and the expectations that exist for the innovation programs. The work within SustainGov will take place in five different work packages and divided into 11 initiatives led by representatives of the County Administrative Board of Västerbotten, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, Region Västernorrland, SLU, DIGG, Södertörn University, SKR, Societal Benefit Karlstad University, Skellefteå Science City and Mid Sweden University.
During the kick-off, the participants in the various groupings had a first opportunity to discuss challenges and opportunities with the work that is now being initiated.
"There is no shortage of challenges in working mission-driven and system-crossing. Since it involves a certain amount of uncertainty, it can clash with established working methods that are based on detailed planning and clear boundaries. Our way of working places high demands on the organizations and individuals who are involved in daring to let go of control and contribute to the work without having the results clear from the beginning," said Mariell Juhlin.
The participants at the kick-off also noted that the support around SustainGov is an important resource with a "scientific board" consisting of many prominent and relevant researchers and a "mission sounding board" with forward-leaning and interested politicians. It was decided that an annual conference will be held within SustainGov for exchange of experience and reconciliations, but that much of the operational work will also be communicated via steering group meetings, progress reports and other contexts.
One of the initiators, the County Governor of Västerbotten County Helene Hellmark Knutsson, summed up the days as follows:
"Now I want to see all the smart ideas get flesh and blood. There are many of us here at the kick-off and will open up for many more. We must dare to invite people to strategic projects and then hold on to the assignment we have been given. There are very high expectations of us, use it as energy," she said, among other things.
Mid Sweden University's Vice-Chancellor Anders Fällström thanked for his committed participation and stated:
"Working interdisciplinary in academia is difficult enough, even more difficult across different authorities and organisations. Therefore, we need to meet and discuss. Our work will be challenging, but I believe we will succeed and it is important that we are all able to be open to working in a new way and with a broad perspective.