Human-centred innovation challenges "business as usual"

Much of the innovation taking place today is about finding ways to continue with business as usual. Perhaps this is because humans are evolutionarily programmed to seek security and predictability, or because short-term incentives in the form of quarterly reports and terms of office set the framework. Is it possible to innovate for a better future where people live as good a life as possible, rather than driving innovation with the aim of reducing the damage we cause to the climate and health?

"Today, we look back at innovation. We look at what we have and try to make fossil-free versions of the same thing. Instead, we need to look at how we can live better lives and avoid emitting greenhouse gases. Sweden is very poor at this; we are still talking about who is reducing their emissions the most", says Dennis Pamlin, innovation expert at RISE, and continues:

"Cutting emissions isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it's definitely not enough. It doesn't really encourage the kind of innovation we need to make sure everyone can live a good life. We often jokingly refer to this as the 'fossil-free typewriter tactic' to illustrate why it is pointless to create new versions of technology that is fundamentally outdated or no longer meets people's real needs."

New Year's resolutions to break bad habits

Contributing to flourishing lives for all requires human-centred innovation work. In the Flourishing Lives 4 all project, RISE is working with partners such as the OECD, the Swedish Energy Agency and the UN Climate Change Global Innovation Hub (UNFCCC) to investigate what is needed for eight to twelve billion people to live flourishing lives on a flourishing planet.

Seniortorget – where collaboration creates value for the whole community

So what does human-centred innovation look like in reality? In parts of Africa and Asia, small-scale solar cell systems have enabled people in areas without electricity grids to access electric lighting, charging and digital services. It did not start as a climate project, but as a way to give people better living conditions. At the same time, the project led to reduced emissions, better health (through reduced inhalation of soot from kerosene lamps) and a stronger economy.

Sweden also has international leaders in human-centred innovation. In Umeå, Seniortorget combines digital platforms, physical meeting places, intergenerational programmes, rural collaboration and preventive health strategies. These programmes demonstrate measurable benefits for both well-being and the climate in Umeå.

"Seniortorget has been in existence since 2021, when the elderly care administration in Umeå Municipality created the concept together with senior citizens. Seniortorget is a place that, through internal and external collaboration, offers information and inspiration that contributes to the health and enrichment of the lives of Umeå's senior citizens", says Camilla Jägerving Isaksson, development strategist at Umeå Municipality and responsible for the development of the Seniortorget concept, and continues:  

"It is remarkable how naturally new ideas and initiatives arise that benefit not only senior citizens, but society as a whole."

One example is that participants and staff from Aros Film, which is a daily activity within disability care in the municipality of Umeå, contribute with equipment and live broadcast production. Through this collaboration, more seniors can take part in the lectures that are offered, while the participants from Aros Film get to develop their skills and be a valuable resource in the organisation.

"We are proud that the concept has now spread and is available in several municipalities. There is considerable interest both nationally and internationally."

In Umeå, "399 years of blossoming life" is being created

The initiative in Umeå has so far led to the avoidance of emissions equivalent to approximately 355 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents through the promotion of healthy lifestyles and target group-specific services. Reduced healthcare needs and increased use of digital tools lead to less travel. Seniortorget has also created 399 Flourishing Life Years (FLY) for participants, partly by reducing loneliness and increasing participation in social activities.

"If these solutions can be exported, it will be even more interesting. Even with cautious assumptions, the concept developed in Umeå has the potential to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 50 million tonnes and contribute to 10 million years of healthy life," says Dennis Pamlin.

Several Swedish cities have set themselves the goal of achieving a fair transition that will lead to a better life for their residents. There are also many examples from around the world of when such synergy effects occur. It is about so much more than reducing carbon dioxide emissions, even though it is easy to start with what is understandable and tangible, says Maja Manner, Business Development Manager for Urban Transition at RISE.

As more cities and companies place people at the centre of innovation and also involve shell companies with their sights set on international expansion, Sweden can become an exporter of solutions that both reduce emissions and create prosperous lives.

"We hope that more people will join us on this new journey of innovation towards a future that is not just less bad, but much better for both people and the planet," says Dennis Pamlin.