Accompanying research of System demonstrators for climate neutral cities – phase 3

Purpose and goal:

As part of broader efforts to support and accelerate system transformation, Vinnova and Viable Cities have launched a new policy instrument “System demonstrators for climate neutral cities”. This accompanying/action research has the aim of following, drawing insights and facilitating mutual learning on the functioning of the instrument, while having increased focus on a structured process for reflexive monitoring/learning processes as an ongoing part of system demonstrator implementation.

Expected results and effects:

This accompanying research project is expected to contribute to: formulation of hypotheses for 1-3 system change pathways for each system demonstrator; insights and documentation of progress from reflexive monitoring processes with system demonstrators; insights from reflection sessions with policy instrument team (governance processes, implementation progress, system demonstrators in policy mix); summary learnings from experience exchanges nationally and internationally; and a final report.

Approach and implementation:

The project implementation is structured in four work packages: WP1: Establish “following frames” (the theory of change and targeted system change pathways for each system demonstrator); WP2: Facilitate reflexive monitoring routines with system demonstrator initiatives; WP3: Facilitate reflexive sessions with system demonstrator instrument team; and WP4: Share experiences (yearly national dialogue sessions, participation in other relevant national and international events, a final report).