Smart Living Challenge
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Eskilstuna Jernmanufaktur AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 455 000 |
| Project duration | October 2013 - August 2014 |
| Status | Completed |
Purpose and goal
The aim was to generate ideas for a sustainable lifestyle in urban environments. A total of 34 workshops were conducted, partly via Swedish embassies in 14 countries in collaboration with local partners and partly in 7 cities in Sweden. Estimated total of workshop participants: over 800. In all, along with contributions submitted to smartlivingchallenge.com, 308 ideas from 27 countries were generated. Almost 1 500 people registered at the website and contributed over 500 comments. The jury selected 15 winners from 12 countries in 5 continents. The matching process is now under way.
Results and expected effects
It is too early to specify the outcome of results and effects since this requires lengthy study, but something can be said about the initial impact. Since Smart Living Challenge attracted 70 actors in the shape of universities, cities and large companies, there is a good chance that the anticipated synergies will be realised. All embassies and consulates have declared their willingness to continue taking part in 2015. Studies undertaken after the workshops showed that 9 out of 10 participants had become more interested in finding ways of tackling lifestyle-related environment issues.
Approach and implementation
The organisational principle in Smart Living Challenge was based on commitment at every level, with the emphasis on joint planning and implementation. The combination of a well-considered challenge, physical encounters and a digital structure was crucial in ensuring and managing this commitment. The BrightIdea platform for idea management greatly facilitates the assessment and matching work, and the Basecamp project tool made communication with all concerned much simpler. Close cooperation with the Swedish Institute helped ensure a strong international presence.