The Future Administration – Systematics and learning to scale up good practice

Purpose and goal:

The city of Gothenburg strives to become a leader in sustainable development and to enable sustainable living in economic, social and ecological dimensions. Despite initiatives to create a fossil-free and sustainable city, the transition is slow. The project´s objective is to create dialogue and a sense of urgency around scaling up sustainable solutions. A Future Management and a Scaling Lab will serve as meeting places where residents and actors can participate in shaping the city´s future.

Expected results and effects:

The project is expected to increase the scalability of sustainable initiatives through structured learning and scaling up, explore a Future Management to drive sustainability projects and activate the city´s "spaces" as meeting places for residents. The effects include faster transition towards sustainability, innovative solutions for the city of the future, improved collaboration between actors and long-term sustainable urban development in Gothenburg.

Approach and implementation:

The project uses strategic foresight to identify trends and future scenarios that affect Gothenburg´s development. In collaboration with local actors and already ongoing initiatives, speculative design is used in workshops to explore alternative futures and challenge established thought patterns. This helps the participants imagine new ways of living and organizing the city. Together, these methods strengthen the city´s ability to prepare for long-term, sustainable change.