he method used builds on a previously created method, formed as a process divided into three steps, where each part leads to the next. Researchers from Karlstad University will work with four businesses and a few supporting agencies. The aim of the project is to contribute to social science as well as create practical use for rural communities. It is therefore important to involve a mix of actors from various parts of society in this type of research.
The project contains three work packages:
WP 1 Sept 2021 – Sept 2022
The first step involves an inventory of Swedish and international research as well as examples of best practices of innovative place-based solutions and processes. An in-depth study of the tow local cases Sillerud and Sysslebäck will also be conducted. This will mostly be based on qualitative interviews with entrepreneurs, residents, and visitors, about their challenges and needs.
WP 2 March 2022 – March 2023
The knowledge gained from the first step will form the foundation for the second step of the project. This is a creative phase where workshops are held with several local actors. The aim of the workshops is to jointly create different ideas of solutions that can solve the problems or fulfil the needs identified in the first step.
WP 3 March 2023 – Aug 2024
The ideas created in the second step will then be tested in the third step. This will give researchers and actors involved the opportunities to evaluate the practical use of the solutions, analyse the results of the project and contribute to a better understanding of the field.