Strengthened Capacity to Address Complex Societal Challenges

Complex challenges such as climate transition, workforce development and social inclusion can rarely be solved by a single organisation. They require collaboration among multiple stakeholders and an understanding of how different parts of society influence one another. This is the foundation of systems innovation, an approach focused on transforming entire systems rather than developing individual products or services.

Recently, Annelie Viksten and Jimmy Antonsson completed the iHubs Capacity Program for System Leaders, which provides tools and methods for leading change in complex environments.

“Systems innovation is about understanding the dynamics that shape societal development and identifying where change can create the greatest impact. It is not only about developing new solutions, but about creating the conditions for entire systems to move in a more sustainable and desirable direction,” says Jimmy Antonsson.

The knowledge gained through the programme is highly relevant to Skellefteå Science City’s mission of bringing stakeholders together, fostering collaboration and contributing to sustainable development in the face of complex societal challenges. This is particularly important in contexts where many actors are interdependent. By applying a systems perspective, it becomes possible to identify barriers, establish shared direction and develop approaches that create long term impact.

Methods for Mobilising Change

In his work within the Skellefteå Co-creation Hub, Jimmy is already applying methods from the programme to mobilise stakeholders around complex societal challenges such as climate transition, mental health and social exclusion. By testing solutions on a smaller scale and gradually developing them further, conditions are created for change that can generate impact at a systems level.

“I am taking away a clear systems perspective and a deeper understanding of how multiple leverage points can be used simultaneously to drive change. The programme has also strengthened my ability to turn analysis into action and to test, learn and develop new approaches in real world contexts,” says Jimmy Antonsson.

A Holistic Perspective on the Future of Aviation

For Annelie Viksten, Business Developer at Arctic Aviation Hub, the programme provides new tools for addressing the complex transition taking place within aviation. The future of sustainable aviation requires collaboration between a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, the public sector, energy companies, research organisations and government agencies. A systems perspective makes it easier to identify which enabling conditions need to be developed in parallel to create meaningful change.

“Several major transitions are taking place within aviation at the same time. The programme has given me tools to understand how different parts of the system influence one another and how we can bring stakeholders together around shared goals. To succeed in this transition, we need not only to develop new technologies but also to create the right conditions across the entire system,” says Annelie Viksten.

For Skellefteå Science City, this new capability creates greater opportunities to move beyond individual projects and contribute to change across larger systems. It strengthens the organisation’s ability to bring stakeholders together around shared challenges, improve coordination between initiatives and develop solutions that create lasting value for both the region and society as a whole.