Innovative capacity within social services in sparesely populated areas - how is it best taken advantage of?

Purpose and goal

The project aim was mainly, together with the relevant actors, to build a model / structure to take advantage of proposals and innovative ideas within social services in sparsely populated areas. The goal was that the model that was developed would also be tested against the need for changed working methods, and preferably lead to concrete proposals. Directors för social service in the eight participating municipalities have actively participated in the process, but employees, politicians and users have also been involved. The project´s way of engaging actors has been very rewarding.

Expected results and effects

The project has resulted in the development of a generic model that the municipalities´ IFO can use for their continued development work for alternative, innovative ways of working. For collaboration across municipal boundaries, the need for a tailor-made digital platform has been identified. Design and content within the platform has been jointly developed. A joint "competence staircase" for eight municipalities is under development and cooperation in several other areas has been strengthened. The climate that is created is expected to continue even after the end of the project.

Planned approach and implementation

Eight municipalities participated in the project. A survey on "innovation climate" provided basic data, as well as participants at the first project conference submitting a number of proposals for possible changes / improvements within IFO. Results of these and other data collections have been returned to the municipalities and analysed in workshops. Project members have continuously participated in meetings with directors från social services, where development processes have taken place. Annual conferences have also had impact. The research approach has been appreciated.