The number of e-commerce goods directly imported by consumers in the EU has increased significantly in recent years and is expected to continue growing rapidly, benefiting from the current customs exemption for low-value shipments (up to 150 euros). According to EU monitoring data, 4.6 billion such low-value shipments were imported into the EU in 2024. This is nearly double the amount in 2023 (2.4 billion) and more than triple the amount in 2022 (1.4 billion). This corresponds to over 12 million small items per day.

The project will map the risks associated with imported goods such as toys, electronics, and clothing that may contain hazardous chemicals. Unauthorized levels of chemical substances in products or substances banned within the EU can affect both health and the environment. Reports show low compliance with EU standards, especially for online purchases. A lack of information about chemical content leads to improper waste handling, further threatening the environment and public safety.

The project aims to build a cross-sector partnership involving various stakeholders such as authorities, industry organizations, and consumer representatives to reduce the risks of direct imports of consumer products by improving control mechanisms and increasing consumer awareness. A reference group consisting of representatives from authorities and industry organizations will identify high-risk products and target groups.

The initiative will explore how traceability and product content can be managed and will use short films to inform consumers, especially those shopping from drop-shipping companies. The films aim to simplify complex issues and promote safer choices. The project also seeks to establish a neutral platform for continued collaboration and communication. In a future phase, the network will be expanded, broader information campaigns launched, and a platform created to address chemical safety challenges with the goal of supporting a sustainable and chemically safe society.

Droppvis addresses the growing issue of water scarcity in Swedish municipalities, where climate change, population growth, and capacity limitations in water supply systems present new challenges. By combining behavioral science with local engagement, Droppvis examines how nudging, where choices are influenced by how information is presented, can help reduce household water consumption.

In a case study in Norrtälje Municipality, digital nudging interventions are tested via a digital platform. The effects are evaluated both quantitatively and qualitatively using water meter data and surveys. The project also maps household water consumption within the Norrvatten distribution area, with a particular focus on how external factors such as weather and energy prices may influence usage.

The project develops scalable methods that can be adapted to different municipalities and housing types. In the long term, Droppvis contributes to more efficient resource use, reduced strain on water infrastructure, and increased societal benefit.

The project "Village Road for Movement" aims to transform traffic environments in smaller towns and communities, with a focus on state-owned roads that pass through small urban areas. The goal is to improve the living environment and promote active travel by testing and scaling up innovative solutions based on service design and citizen involvement.

The project explores how current working methods and planning models can be developed to enable simple interventions in villages and small towns along state-owned roads, including conducting a real-world pilot test.

Many small towns are intersected by a state-owned road that shapes the local environment—affecting traffic safety, quality of life, and how people move within the area, often designed around the needs of cars. The Swedish Transport Administration holds significant authority over the design of these spaces. The project investigates whether prototyping methods used in large cities can be applied to state-owned roads in smaller towns.

By involving local residents in needs analysis and the design of interventions, the project strives to create solutions that promote gender equality and improve public health. The overarching aim is to reduce car dependency and increase accessibility for all.

The project is carried out through five integrated work packages based on the "Double Diamond" design method, which provides a structured and iterative approach to understanding problems, clarifying needs, and developing and testing solutions. The project is led by Ånge Municipality in collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration, Region Västernorrland, and RISE. The goal is to create a planning model for simple interventions that can be applied in other locations.

🔹 Long-term goal: To promote public health by increasing active travel and creating an attractive living environment, while reducing car travel in smaller towns and improving accessibility for everyone.

🔹 Project goals: To facilitate active travel and reduce short car trips for all by:

a. Identifying which measures can be implemented within the existing road space, considering current legislation and policy instruments. The project will also clarify the formal conditions for temporary interventions within the road area and adjacent land, and describe identified barriers and enablers.

b. Engaging the local population in needs analysis and the design of interventions. A prototype will be developed and tested in a real traffic environment, and the impact of the solution will be evaluated.

c. Developing a planning model for simple interventions in small towns and villages that can be scaled and applied in many other locations.

Purpose

Additive manufacturing is an innovative production method that offers opportunities far beyond traditional techniques. To fully harness its potential, companies need well-structured processes, the right materials, solid expertise, and access to the necessary equipment. With seven main manufacturing groups – in turn divided into subgroups, depending on material and energy source – navigating the technology can often be a complex challenge. 

To support the industry in its sustainable transition and strengthen its competitiveness, the Application Center for Additive Manufacturing (AM Center) was founded in 2021. The center serves as a hub for collaboration between industry, academia, and research institute, bringing together both deep and broad expertise in the field. Together, we explore, develop, and implement a variety of technological solutions.

COMPASS III aims to promote this environment to ensure long-term skills development, benefiting both member companies and other organisations – public or private – that want to leverage additive manufacturing to boost their competitiveness. The project’s activities are structured around three key areas: building expertise, networking and knowledge sharing, and further developing AM Center for long-term operations.

Challenges and solutions

Expanding the use and industrialisation of additive manufacturing can help address some of society’s most pressing challenges. Yet, critical skill gaps remain in both the private and public sectors. The AM Center works to strengthen expertise and ease the transition to additive manufacturing, which is still new to many companies. The center also supports employment by acting as an educational provider within vocational higher education institutions (YH) and offering student internships, providing valuable hands-on experience for future careers.

Emissions and climate change

Climate impact can be reduced through the opportunities offered by additive manufacturing – through lower material usage, reduced CO₂ emissions, and greater design freedom.

Global competition

Sweden’s industry is deeply integrated into the global economy, while international competition continues to grow. Therefore, it is important to develop the region’s and Sweden’s infrastructure and capabilities. The AM Center enhances the industry’s knowledge and skills in digitalisation, automation, and AI for additive manufacturing.

Uncertain geopolitical landscape

International crises heighten the vulnerability of both businesses and society, underscoring the need for effective crisis preparedness. Additive manufacturing can strengthen regional and national resilience by enabling the production of unavailable spare parts, repairing worn components, and extending the lifespan of critical infrastructure and industrial facilities. The AM Center provides an integrated, production-oriented test and demonstration infrastructure, as well as expert competence, for the region and Swedish industry.

Effects

The project is expected to have numerous effects, including:

• Strengthened supply preparedness and reduced vulnerability.
• Strengthened collaboration between industry, academia, and research institute.
• Increased international attractiveness.
• Circular transition within industry.
• Deepened expertise base within the region.
• Improved innovation and competitive strength.

The total project budget is 20 MSEK. The project is funded by Region Västra Götaland (VGR).

Region Västra Götaland has made considerable progress, but despite politically adopted goals and completed pilot projects, a critical challenge remains: scaling up efforts into a systematic integration within regular operations. This project takes on that challenge. In close collaboration with Region Västra Götaland’s planning and development work, the project will: 

1. Clarify what the vision entails
2. Identify organizational barriers to scaling
3. Develop and test new models for task allocation, working methods, and governance that can overcome these barriers.

The impact goal is for these models to be implemented in Västra Götaland and to support similar transformations in other regions. The underpinning aim is to advance the shift from regional public transport authorities to regional mobility authorities. 

Led by RISE, the project is part of the ShiftSweden lab Broadened role for public transport. It is grounded in regional conditions but addresses a national need. Through collaboration with Region Stockholm and established forums for industry dialogue at K2, the Swedish Cycling Research Centre, and the Swedish Public Transport Association, the project ensures both validation and broader dissemination. It contributes directly to ShiftSweden’s mission and pinpointed transitions by challenging existing structures and testing how public transport can be broadened in practice.

Det saknas kunskap och forskning om vilket stöd äldre kvinnor som utsatts för könsstympning behöver. Även informations- och utbildningsmaterial för yrkesverksamma inom äldreomsorgen lyser med sin frånvaro. Nationella aktörer som SKR och Socialstyrelsen erbjuder stöd riktat till personal som möter barn, unga och kvinnor i fertil ålder – men inte till dem som möter äldre kvinnor. 

Därför behövs en behovskartläggning som beskriver behoven inom den kommunala omsorgen och behoven hos äldre kvinnor som utsatts för könsstympning. Utan en sådan kartläggning är risken stor att de lösningar som tas fram träffar fel. Att en behovskartläggning saknas riskerar att orsaka dels mer lidande för kvinnorna, dels ökad frustration och känsla av otillräcklighet hos omsorgspersonalen.

Webbinarium, rapportlansering

den 17 september 2026 lanserades projektets slutrapport vid ett inspelat webbinarium. 

For managers and management teams

Innovation management for management teams – according to ISO 56001

The training gives management an understanding of how a systematic innovation management system can be built up and integrated into the organization's strategy, governance, and culture. The focus is on the role of leadership in creating conditions for innovation.

For innovation leaders

Training for innovation leaders

An in-depth training course for people responsible for driving and coordinating innovation work. Participants are given tools and methods for leading innovation processes, measuring innovation capacity, and working in accordance with the ISO 56000 series. 

For employees and support functions

Training for HR, purchasing/procurement, communication, and other support functions. The training provides an understanding of how different functions can contribute to systematic innovation work. The focus is on collaboration, supporting processes, and how standards can be applied in practice.

Important to know

• All training courses are conducted as customized training courses – tailored to your organization's needs and circumstances.
• We do not currently offer any open courses.
• The training courses can be conducted digitally, on-site, or in a hybrid format.

The project explores how households can become more flexible in their electricity use by gaining access to information about electricity prices and power tariffs in advance, giving them the opportunity to plan their electricity consumption several days ahead. Using AI models and design methodology, prototypes are developed to show how electricity price forecasts and tariff information can be combined and presented in a way that is easy to understand and use in everyday life.

Through user studies, co-design workshops, and household testing, the project creates guidelines for energy companies and service developers who want to help their customers respond to price signals. The project contributes new knowledge about how household decisions are influenced by electricity price data, and how digital solutions can support sustainable choices and more efficient use of the electricity grid.

The results will benefit energy companies, advisors, and authorities, but also households themselves. By making open forecasts, tariff information, and design guidelines available, the project can contribute to the development of new services that make it easier for households to understand their electricity costs, plan their electricity use, and make active decisions about electricity contracts. In this way, the project strengthens the role of households in the energy transition and creates the conditions for a more flexible and sustainable electricity system.

The project is funded by the research and innovation program “Design for Energy-Efficient Everyday Life,” which is run by the Swedish Energy Agency and coordinated by SVID, the Swedish Industrial Design Foundation.