The underrated catalyst for social innovation

2024-10-10

Why is it that field trips has got a reputation as breezy social events, offering a participants a break from the daily work and change of scenery? When in fact they are in fact powerful arenas for transformative social innovation, enabling participants to engage with real-world challenges, collaborate across diverse groups, and cultivate new ways of thinking that drive societal progress. Swedish Mining Innovation has supported this through themed tracks for graduate students, PhD students, mining district public officials and industry R&D professionals.

– In a time where the world faces increasingly complex problems, field trips offer a powerful method for cultivating the mindset, skills and communities needed to drive transformative change. Through immersive learning, participants not only broaden their perspectives but also leave with a renewed sense of possibility, equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow, says Niclas Dahlström, senior project manager Swedish Mining Innovation.

Finding the future

One of the main purposes is to spark ideas and conversations between individuals and actors from diverse backgrounds and roles. For graduate students and PhD students the trips are also a means to connect young professionals with the inspiring challenges and leading players in the field.

– One of the key objectives is to give a broader perspective of the industry, and the role of mining in society. We want to create meetings places for PhD students from all universities and mining-related research topics in Sweden, regardless of if it is Natural, Engineering, or Social Sciences, says Nils Jansson from the PhD Network.

As part of a larger project, non-profit Georange has led the tour aimed at municipal organisations and public officials in mining districts. The purpose is to support municipalities in their work to ensure that mining and mineral projects contribute to positive community development and welfare.

– I think it is important to meet others in the same situation, especially for municipal representatives. Not least for having an exchange of experience with others and find other skills that you may need and can contact for help, Anna Kumpula, Georange and project lead.
FacebookTwitterLinkedInEmail

More news

SOCIETAL SUSTAINABILITY

Value Chains for a Circular Economy

SOCIETAL SUSTAINABILITY From designers through material sourcing providers, manufacturers and retailers – the Trace4Value project brings together stakeholders to tackle the complex challenge of transforming global value chains to be more sustainable, climate-neutral, and…

2024-10-02

SOCIETAL SUSTAINABILITY

How can Sweden contribute to a sustainable supply of critical raw materials?

This is not just a technical or economic issue, but a complex societal issue. The The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences (IVA) has therefore produced a solid knowledge base with facts, analyses and…

2024-08-27

INNOVATION DRIVERS

The innovation idea competition – a pathway for SMEs to win new ground

In Swedish Mining Innovation’s annual Innovation Idea Competition, an international jury of experts seek out the most promising innovations in Sweden. The winners goes home with SEK 600 000 in funding to commercialize…

2024-08-27