Welcome to Transformation Forum by RISE in Gothenburg, August 26–27

An invitation to you who lead in a time of change

Transformation Forum by RISE is the meeting place for those of us who want to help shape the future. During an intensive 24 hours, we gather 100 researchers and experts from RISE – in transformation, resilience, digitalization, facilitation, learning, and design – together with 100 leaders and change-makers from across society.

The theme for 2025: RESILIENCE

We explore how to build resilient systems – in organizations, communities, and at the policy level. Through inspiring keynotes, concrete demos, and workshops tailored to the participants’ most pressing questions, we create new interfaces for collaboration.

What’s in it for you?

• Gain new insights from real-world transformation cases
• Meet other leaders eager to drive systemic change
• Explore collaboration opportunities with RISE and other actors
• Build trust and long-lasting relationships

Transformation: when the game board is reimagined

Some changes are gradual. Others shake everything up. Transformation is about the latter – when the logic of entire systems shifts. It changes how we organize, what we value, and how we understand our role in the world. In a time when change is happening across sectors and levels, we need new ways of thinking, leading, and acting.

This is where we come together to shape the future.

SELECTED PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:

Building resilience through the power of culture

Keynote
MARLENE A. JOHANSSON, Senior Researcher, RISE
ALBERT EDMAN, Internationalization Strategy Researcher, Viable Cities/RISE

Meet two of Sweden’s most experienced voices at the intersection of the creative sector, social sustainability, and urban planning. Their work demonstrates how cultural participation can strengthen community, trust, and belief in the future – from local neighborhoods to Brussels.

Resilience in society begins with its people

Keynote
CATRIN HUSS, Head of Unit Capability Development, Swedish Psychological Defence Agency

How do we protect democracy in an era of disinformation and psychological influence campaigns?
Catrin Huss demonstrates how collaboration between societal actors – and our own awareness – is crucial for building a strong and resilient total defense.

Digital resilience for turbulent times

Keynote
CARL HEATH, Focus leader Digital Resilience, RISE

Digitalization is fundamentally reshaping our societal functions. Carl Heath offers a sharp analysis of why digital resilience is crucial for safety, trust, and democracy – and how we can build it together.

Explore and reflect together

Demos and workshops
Join us in an open and welcoming space, designed for curious conversations. Meet researchers and explore how technology, people, and organizations can come together to drive development and build resilience. Here, you’ll not only get a feel for the future – you’ll have the chance to shape it.

Book launch: Researchers’ emerging guide to systemic transformation

Meet some of the authors behind a work that sets the tone for a new field of knowledge. A relaxed opportunity to get inspired, ask questions, and explore the ideas behind the book.
Featuring: Lisa Carlgren, Katarina Pietrzak, Nina Bozic, and Peter Ljungstrand (read more below).

Transformation Forum isn’t a conference – it’s a catalyst.

For ideas. For action. For the future.