Västerbotten's First Regional Strategy Lab for Social Innovation

On September 11, 2024, Region Västerbotten hosted its first-ever regional strategy lab for social innovation. The event brought together key stakeholders to discuss the necessary conditions for adopting social innovation as a development model on a broader scale.

Engaging Stakeholders Across Society

To kickstart the region’s initiative with strategy labs for social innovation, participants were invited from various sectors, including civil society, private enterprises, public institutions, and academia. This cross-sectoral invitation aimed to provide a comprehensive perspective on how different societal actors perceive and currently utilize social innovation within their respective fields.

Stakeholders’ Relationship with Social Innovation

Many attendees had prior experience with social innovation, though several noted that they do not explicitly use the term “social innovation” in their work. One participant described their connection to the concept, saying: “It’s about energy, passion, and drive—a desire to improve the world.” The discussions revealed that the relationship with social innovation varied depending on the platform or organization the participants represented.

Regional Strategies Supporting Social Innovation

Part of the session was dedicated to exploring existing EU, national, and regional strategies that promote and support social innovation. In Västerbotten, social innovation is highlighted in the Regional Innovation Strategy (RIS), where it is noted that the region lacks support structures for social innovation. The Regional Development Strategy (RUS), on the other hand, uses broader language, focusing on social sustainability and welfare. Many participants emphasized the potential for improving how upcoming regional strategies address social innovation.

A Growing Network

Region Västerbotten envisions an organically expanding network that includes more enterprise-promoting organizations, municipalities, and civil society groups as awareness of social innovation grows in the region. Social innovation is regarded as a critical model for enhancing the region’s capacity to address current and future societal challenges.

Programme Manual Online

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