Entry Hub - a network driven cooperative model for smarter integration in the labour market
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | We Link Sweden AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 485 581 |
| Project duration | November 2016 - June 2017 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Challenge-Driven Innovation – Stage 1 initiation |
Purpose and goal
The goal was to refine Entry Hub, a model enabling Swedish inhabitants born outside Europe to reach the labour market, and plan for physical places in Umeå and Stockholm. Insights were drawn from six interactive seminars with a cross-sector constellation of 35 stakeholders, and six innovative test activities with five employers in Umeå, Stockholm and Gothenburg with 76 participants from 15 countries, of which 10 women. The world’s first Entry Hub will open in Umeå in the fall. We have ongoing dialogs with municipalities in Stockholm. The model is presented as a good practice globally.
Expected results and effects
A majority of the participants found that their networks had expanded and that they were supported in formulating the next step. 20 newly arrived are offered employment. Relations with 40 stakeholders were strengthened. The employers developed new methods and reached new talents, and want to strengthen the collaboration. An employer platform is being established for innovative knowledge exchange and diversity based methods for employers in the private sector. Entry Hub will be tested as a physical place in Umeå, with support from the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth.
Planned approach and implementation
Individuals with personal experience of settling in Sweden have been involved to a high extent in identifying and developing the solutions in interactive collaboration with the employers. A continuous analysis of external developments in our field and knowledge exchange at a local, national and international level has contributed to our networks, to analyzing strengths and weaknesses and building trust among individuals, employers, public and other cross-sector stakeholders. An increased focus on local strategies for reaching women in particular is necessary in the next step.