Art: Ways of working across boundaries - policy lab for climate adaptation work in relation to changed precipitation patterns

External members; Flen Municipality:

Zahra Ahmadi, zahra.ahmadi@flen.se
Sanna Almqvist, sanna.almqvist@flen.se
Sara Branegård, sara.branegard@flen.se
Martina Cöster, martina.coster@flen.se
Anna Dejerud, anna.dejerud@flen.se
Denise Karlsson, denise.karlsson@flen.se

Background

Climate adaptation related to changing precipitation is prioritized because of the vulnerability this change entails, especially in terms of the risk of flooding. Flen municipality is a typical case where changes in precipitation poses major challenges. Climate adaptation work has begun, but new ways of working across organizational boundaries are required to involve all stakeholders in this complex work. Research shows how traditional work practices can stand in the way of this type of work.

The municipality of Flen and Mälardalen University participate in the project. A 2-year policy lab is conducted under the guidance of an experienced moderator. The progress in the lab is planned and followed up in joint workshops in an agile and design-driven process. Researchers from Mälardalen University follow the work in real time and contribute relevant knowledge from the research front. In addition, all municipalities in Västmanland and Sörmland are invited to take part in the project's progress and results. In this way, good conditions are created for shared learning.

Overall purpose:

The purpose of the project is therefore to develop and establish ways of working for climate adaptation, related to changing precipitation, which span over the various administrative units in the municipality.

These include tools for dialogue and decision-making supporting long-term perspectives, involving appropriate stakeholders, managing possible goal conflicts and designed based on current state of knowledge.