The seminar is entitled “Vem formar framtiden?” [Who shapes the future?]. What is it about?
“The challenges of the future are complex and will require a diversity of perspectives and people to develop new ways of working, methods, products and services. With an inclusive approach to the innovation process, the solutions that take shape will be better adapted to the needs of the target groups. But the question is how to involve more people in developing the solutions of the future. Are there structural barriers we need to break down so that more people see that it is actually possible for them to contribute? What norms do we need to challenge? These are some of the questions we want to highlight.”
Who is the seminar aimed at?
“We welcome anyone who is curious about making their research and knowledge useful in society, who is interested in innovation and innovation development, and who wants to learn more about how increased gender equality and inclusion will pave the way for new insights and better solutions for everyone.”
What will happen at the seminar?
“The agenda is packed full, with both a lecture and a panel discussion, so there will be opportunities to learn new things, be inspired, and join in the discussion. For the lecture, we have invited Malin Lindberg, Professor of Gender and Technology at Luleå University of Technology, where she researches how innovations and organisations can be developed in an inclusive way. The panel discussion will include three researchers from different disciplinary domains at our own university – Sara Mangsbo, Ida-Maria Sintorn and Nazar Akrami, all of whom have experience in developing innovative solutions based on research and a strong commitment to utilisation.”
Why has UU Innovation chosen to highlight this particular theme?
“With the amazing breadth Uppsala University has to offer, there is a unique opportunity to contribute innovative solutions in many areas. However, in our daily work we only have a chance to meet a small portion of all the potential that we want to support and turn into reality. We believe that innovation is for everyone, women and men, social scientists and natural scientists, and we want to contribute to making innovation relevant to more people. If more researchers saw themselves as the potential innovators they are, more perspectives would have a voice in shaping the solutions of the future.”