This project explores how academic policy can better support social innovation in the transition to sustainable societies.

 

Recognising the importance of social innovation—defined as the development and establishment of novel social practices, relationships, or structures aimed at social goals— in transforming systems, the project seeks to redefine and redesign the role of academia in sustainable transitions. It aims to support the shift from ‘the entrepreneurial university’ with a focus on technology transfer and commercial entrepreneurship to ‘the engaged university’ and ‘the developmental university’ with a focus on addressing societal challenges, by strengthening academia’s capacity to support, engage with, and co-create social innovation.

 

Activities

 

The team will analyse strategic policy documents of the partnering universities regarding their support of academic engagement in this field and map international best practices. The results will be used as a basis for co-creating practical guidelines at local policy labs and a visionary roadmap at a national re-imaginatorium.

​

​

Project partners and stakeholders

​

This project is a collaboration effort among the six Swedish universities within the Forum for Social Innovation Sweden (FSIS):

• Malmö University (project owner)

• Örebro University

• Jönköping University

• Umeå University

• Luleå University of Technology

• University of Borås

​

Following an interdisciplinary and participatory approach, the project actively engages:

• Researchers, top managers, and support staff from the six FSIS universities.

• Societal stakeholders from civil society, the public sector, and industry.

​

Benefits and impact

​

​The project provides knowledge and inspiration for the current reorientation towards a broader and deeper societal engagement among Swedish universities. This will help university leaders redesign and refine their strategic management approaches supporting societal relevance and impact of research, education and collaboration. It will also benefit researchers and support staff by improving the preconditions for their engagement in novel approaches to societal challenges. Beyond academia, the project will benefit civil society, public sector and industry stakeholders by making academic knowledge and innovation more inclusive and relevant to their needs.

​

Project lead​​

​

Malin Lindberg, Malmö University.