How AI can help generate new ideas and solutions

A total of four workshops were held, two online, including one in English, and two in person. Participants worked on real challenges and tested how AI could help them understand problems, develop ideas, challenge assumptions and explore possible solutions by creating different prototypes.

“It was a fun and straightforward way to explore how AI can help solve a problem. What I found interesting was that AI didn’t come up with solutions on its own. We made the decisions ourselves and used the technology to bring our ideas to life,” says Josefin Lundmark, Skellefteå Municipality.

From theory to hands-on experimentation

Rather than attending traditional lectures, participants had the opportunity to try different ways of working with AI and learn from one another. The focus was on how the technology can offer fresh perspectives, speed up analysis and support the development of new ideas and solutions.

An important part of the workshops was also exploring the limitations of AI and understanding the role that human experience, knowledge and creativity play in the process.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see participants move from initial scepticism and frustration to that moment when everything clicks. Suddenly, they recognise the value of a new way of working. Many had probably never built a prototype before. Others had never challenged an idea so objectively and thoroughly until AI helped them question their assumptions using our metaprompt,” says Jimmy Antonsson, Skellefteå Science City.

Participants’ experiences help shape the next steps

The workshops were not about finding ready-made answers, but about experimenting, evaluating and sharing experiences. More than 70 people took part in the four AI workshops. Their reflections on what works, the challenges they encountered and how AI could be used in their own organisations will provide valuable input for the next stage of the project.

“Even though we all had the same task and access to AI, the groups came up with completely different solutions. It really shows how important human creativity and collaboration are to the outcome. Working alongside people with different backgrounds and expertise was both inspiring and stimulating,” says Sven Burman, Visit Skellefteå.

Turning insights into a practical guide

The workshops are part of a broader initiative in which Skellefteå Science City is exploring how generative AI can support innovation. The work began with interviews with people who lead and support innovation processes and has now progressed to practical testing.

The next step is to bring the findings together in a playbook, a practical guide featuring methods, examples and approaches that others can apply in their own organisations.

“Many people want to use AI in their innovation work but don’t know where to start. The guide is designed to make that easier. It’s based on what actually worked in the workshops, rather than just theory. My hope is that more people will feel confident enough to give it a try, while keeping humans firmly in the driving seat,” says Jimmy Antonsson, Skellefteå Science City.

The results and the playbook will be presented on 10 December at an event hosted by Skellefteå Science City’s AI Network.

The workshops were organised by Skellefteå Science City in collaboration with innovation consultancy Point.