Flexible transition for sustainable innovation

In the project, researchers are working with small and medium-sized enterprises in Gävleborg to enhance their knowledge and ability to adapt to flexible work forms.

In the project Flexible transition for sustainable innovation in Gävleborg, the University of Gävle and the innovation hubs Propell and Sandbacka Science Park collaborate with small and medium-sized enterprises to enhance the knowledge and ability of SMEs in Gävleborg to adapt to flexible work forms that contribute to increased attractiveness and innovation capacity. With boundary bridging collaborations and exploratory working methods between business, academia, innovation promoters and the public sector, the project aims to contribute to long-term sustainable solutions.

Results seminar

The project's first results seminar on innovation and attractiveness took place on May 22, 2024. You can watch a video of the seminar here. The video is in Swedish.

What do companies and researchers get out of the project?

After the project, companies and researchers have increased their knowledge of flexible working arrangements and identified solutions for sustainable flexible working, which can lead to increased attractiveness and innovation capacity. The project gives all companies in the region the opportunity to learn from the experiences of other companies and organizations. The companies actively participating in the project have the opportunity to receive individual coaching and support based on their specific conditions, which can help the company develop new ways of organizing work. The project also strengthens collaboration between companies, innovation promoters and universities, which contributes to joint learning and opportunities for continued development in the region.

In the project, doctoral students and senior researchers collaborate with companies and innovation promoters to produce new research-based knowledge. The new knowledge contributes to regional benefits and knowledge enhancement in Gävleborg and is disseminated nationally and internationally.

Why flexible transition in small and medium-sized enterprises?

Research shows that flexible working arrangements benefit companies, while there are challenges related to the size of the company and the type of industry. Flexible working arrangements are often requested by employees as they allow for a better work-life balance. Therefore, companies that offer flexibility can increase their attractiveness as an employer. Attractive companies find it easier to recruit the expertise they need. Flexible working arrangements can also help more people to enter or remain in the labor market.

In addition to contributing to increased diversity, research shows that flexible work increases the capacity of SMEs to innovate by encouraging autonomy, creativity, new ideas and openness among staff. Flexible work is not only about the possibility to work remotely, but also about how work can be organized in a more flexible way.

Structure of the project

In the project, researchers and doctoral students work with small and medium-sized enterprises to map the opportunities and challenges of flexible work. The mapping is followed by workshops. Companies can also receive individual coaching based on the results of the mapping and existing research.

The project also organizes seminars on flexible work from different perspectives.

• Mapping of how work is organized in companies and the opportunities and challenges with flexible work forms.
• Seminars where researchers present what is known today about flexible work based on existing research.
• Workshops on the opportunities and challenges with more or different flexible working arrangements in companies.
• Workshops to develop solutions and models that can work in the business.

Mer information

Here you can find articles about the project.

Here we provide tips on webinars, seminars and events in the field of flexible work.