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.