Norm critical innovation for resource efficiency in household recycling system.
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | SP SVERIGES TEKNISKA FORSKNINGSINSTITUT AB - Energiteknik, Sektion för Systemanalys |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 300 000 |
| Project duration | November 2014 - August 2015 |
| Status | Completed |
Important results from the project
The aim was to make a norm-critical analysis of the waste system in the neighborhood Norrby in Borås. The analysis showed technical flaws, and that the effects of these are blamed on groups of residents. Consequences are both a less effective system and discrimination. The objective was to involve key groups in the development of possible solutions. This was done in a workshop where residents developed a possible solution based on social enterprise and service innovation. This has led to an application for an implementation project. Thus, the goals of the pre-study have been fulfilled.
Expected long term effects
The result is both an analysis and an illustration of how the waste system is based on partially excluding norms. The study has also resulted in proposals for more inclusive solutions developed together with residents and other key stakeholders. With this, the planned results of the pre-study have been met. Ultimately, we believe that the hoped for impact in the form of a more efficient waste system can be achieved, in part through the development of the planned service innovation that has been taken on to the application for funding for an implementation project.
Approach and implementation
The project followed the plan as a whole, with the initial norm-critical analysis and then an idea generation phase together with key persons. However, we chose to adjust the focus of the application´s emphasis on the potential differences between groups of residents, which was seen as a potentially discriminating, and also unjustified when research shows that such differences are marginal. Instead an analysis of the flaws of the technical system was focused. We also chose to apply the Gender Lab method kit for norm-critical innovation, instead of developing our own framework.