Sweden has strong access to water resources, but climate change, urbanisation and population growth are reshaping the reality. Meeting these challenges requires more than technical solutions – we need system innovation that includes behaviours, regulations, business models, organisation and culture. Scaling up solutions and understanding what drives success is essential.
Mission-Driven Innovation
Mission-driven innovation focuses research and development on a clear, socially important goal – a mission. It brings together policymakers, researchers, businesses, the public sector and civil society to solve a concrete problem within a set timeframe.
Both the EU and Sweden are defining water missions, such as Water4All at EU level and Water Wise Societies – Sustainable Water for All nationally.
Testbeds – Technology in Real Water Environments
Testbeds provide controlled, real-world settings to trial new technologies and methods. Examples include:
- Källby Water Workshop, Lund – testing new drinking water analysis techniques.
- Ellinge Testbed, Eslöv – evaluating sludge biochar for future circular systems.
- RecoLab, Helsingborg – developing systems to recover nutrients and water from source-separated wastewater streams.
Living Labs – Research Meets Everyday Life
Technology alone is not enough. We also need to understand people’s needs and behaviours. Living Labs are real neighbourhoods where solutions are co-created with residents. By involving people early, we develop solutions that work – technically and socially.
Examples in Skåne include Oceanhamnen, Sege Park and Brunnshög, all serving as living labs for smart, decentralised water solutions.
Transition Labs – A National Initiative
As part of Water Wise Societies, one of five national Impact Innovation programmes, we also run Transition Labs. These experimental arenas bring together companies, municipalities, researchers and civil society to test new ideas and methods for a sustainable future.
Our network includes water utilities, innovation companies, municipalities, businesses, researchers and students. We offer access to facilities, laboratories and expertise from leading specialists and stakeholders.
