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Figurine beside popcorn
Photo: Craig Cumming

Making the case for a mobility innovation testbed in Varberg municipality

Varberg Pop! will make concrete tests to manage the uncertain decisions about future mobility solutions. The process will focus on what is needed instead of what is technically possible.

Regions and municipalities stand before a smorgasbord of potential solutions and technical innovations. The emergence of, for example, shared, autonomous and electrified transport services are toppling a predictable development of mobility and logistics solutions. With a limited budget, the representatives now have to choose what trend to place their bet on. But what is the right choice? 

Varberg Pop! suggests that instead of investigating as many dimensions as possible the goal should be to test as many solutions as possible. The two main goals for the testbed method is to give the municipality a concrete and reliable basis for decisions, and to create the right circumstances for the creative center on the west coast in line with the global Agenda 2030 targets. 

The modell, or framework, Varberg Pop! is currently developed around mobility and transportation, however, it could also support other municipal functions. The common denominator is the focus on quick and small tests based on local needs. 

The preliminary process is simple and can be described with a pop-corn analogy: 

  1. The heat is turned up by someone who describes a need. For example, an issue with increased pressure on mobility and transport services. 
  2. The need description ends up on Varberg's public billboard of needs. Anyone can read, agree and turn up the heat further. 
  3. The kernel or solution to the need is provided. If the solution meets the needs it will move on to the Varberg municipal's reference group, who will approve it for testing. 
  4. POP! The idea is now applied in reality. A minimal version of the solution is tested and reactions are gathered.

Summary

Project name

Varberg Pop!

Status

Completed

Region

Region Halland

RISE role in project

Project leader

Project start

Duration

7 månader

Total budget

755 000 SEK

Partner

RISE, Varbergs kommun, EMC Sverige

Funders

Vinnova

Coordinators

Project members

Supports the UN sustainability goals

3. Good health and well-being
9. Industry, innovation and infrastructure
11. Sustainable cities and communities
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions