Södertörn University Invests in Social Innovation for Youth in Flemingsberg

Södertörn University has announced that they have been granted funding from the Swedish ESF Council to establish a competence center for social innovation. Flemingsberg continues its development as an innovation hub as researchers, students, and various stakeholders engage in efforts to combat social and economic vulnerability among young people in Södertörn.

Flemingsberg has long been regarded as a competitive innovation environment, blending higher education, research, knowledge-intensive companies, healthcare, and a major urban development project. The establishment of a competence center for social innovation adds another tool to Flemingsberg’s innovation toolkit by supporting new innovation-focused initiatives.

“The aim of the project is to create a regional platform for cross-sectoral collaboration and innovative co-creation. The project will focus on combating social and economic vulnerability among young people in Södertörn through practical, cross-sectoral collaboration. We hope to develop and implement methods that can be disseminated within the region and even to other parts of the country,” says Johanna Tollbäck, Head of External Relations at Södertörn University.

Innovation Hub Strengthens Urban Development
The project will be led by Södertörn University in partnership with organizations such as SE Forum, Reach for Change, and Changers Hub over a three-year period. It has been awarded approximately SEK 8.7 million in ESF funding, supplemented by public co-financing to a total of SEK 9.2 million. The physical location for the project will be Innovation Station at Södertörn University—a hub for innovation, coworking, and cross-sector collaboration focusing on challenge-driven innovation.

“Flemingsberg is currently the site of one of Sweden’s largest urban development projects, where a competence center for social innovation can contribute to local and urban development with a focus on social and economic vulnerability in the area. Moreover, this initiative will create even better conditions for entrepreneurs and startups in social innovation to take their ideas to the next level,” says Johnny Högberg, CEO of the Flemingsberg Science Foundation.

Partnerships That Make a Difference
The initiative involves several stakeholders and will be run as a partnership between Södertörn University, SE Forum, Reach for Change, Changers Hub, and Fabege, in collaboration with Flemingsberg Science, municipalities in Södertörn, and Huddinge Municipality.

“At the Flemingsberg Science Foundation, we are delighted to be a collaboration partner and to have had the opportunity to participate in the application. This is exactly what Flemingsberg needs to broaden its innovation capacity and make a real difference—for both individuals and society,” concludes Johnny Högberg.

The Swedish ESF Council (The Council for the European Social Fund in Sweden) is the authority responsible for managing the European Social Fund. The European Social Fund+ (ESF+) is a tool used by the EU to create opportunities for developing regions, individuals, organizations, and businesses across Sweden. ESF+ comprises six program areas where local, regional, and national actors can apply for funding to run projects that contribute to an inclusive labor market.

Social innovations are new ideas that address societal needs, foster social relationships, and create new collaborations. These innovations can take the form of products, services, or models that more effectively meet unmet needs. (socialinnovation.se)
Published On: 23 January 2025

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