Innocities - smart and sustainable community development through innovation and cooperation

Purpose and goal:

The goal was to offer a systematic innovation process and method for smart and sustainable development. "Innocities" partnership model included clusters where municipalities could participate and offered support. The collaboration involved municipalities, business, academia and civil society. The project emphasized navigating uncertain situations, building innovation culture, developing strategies and balancing management and innovation.

The innovation partnership consisted of network clusters and adaptable cooperation programs for each municipality´s needs. Expected results and effects:

The goal was to offer systematic innovation for smart, sustainable development. "Innocities" included the develop a cluster where municipalities participate. The collaboration included municipalities, business, academies and communities. The project highlighted managing uncertainty, building culture, balancing governance and innovation.

The partnership included clusters and customizable programme for each municipality, thus being able to address both common needs and the municipalities´ individual needs. Approach and implementation:

A project group from all over the project organization developed the "Innocities" program. In addition, a reference group from ten Swedish municipalities was involved. Their input and expertise were combined with the project group´s experience to create an innovation program that supports small and medium-sized municipalities in the transition towards sustainability and favorable conditions for business and citizens. "Innocities" is based on a Norwegian model developed by Smart Innovation Norway, but has been adapted for Swedish conditions and partners.