För-orten - a national decentralized network - How do we realise it?

Purpose and goal:

The purpose of the pilot was to validate the conditions for establishing a national network for innovation environments that support innovators and other change makers from economically disadvantaged areas in Sweden.

During implementation, we understood that if we are to contribute to resilience in the current innovation ecosystem we need to focus on supporting cross-sector collaboration in local areas as innovation environments, not individual organisations. We presented this proposal for system innovation to our stakeholders and confirmed a high level commitment from them.

Expected results and effects:

With the revised solution on place, we were able to tick off the remaining project goals. With this project we took important steps towards achieving our desired long-term effects: - More people from economically disadvantaged areas have the ability to solve the challenges that affect them - The innovation environments that are active in economically disadvantaged areas increase their

lifespan and ability to support innovators and other change makers - More innovative companies start up in economically disadvantaged areas Approach and implementation:

A team consisting of 5 employees (50% dedicated to project) conducted dialogues, workshops & interviews with over 200 individuals & organizations that in some way work in or for economically disadvantaged areas in Sweden. - A board with co-applicants met once the month. - 5 knowledge-enhancing meetings were held irl/online with Swedish and international experts and thought leaders

- A conference was held with approx. 80 participants from various sectors and cities from around the country. In a follow-up survey (with a response rate of 40%), everyone answered that the Network is needed.