What happens when a municipality invites citizens, local businesses, researchers and innovation experts to shape its future? In Hagfors, the municipality has chosen an innovative way to drive the town’s development. Behind the initiative is Bruksort 2.0.
– When people feel proud and have their backs straightened, they also dare to do things together,” says Lars Sätterberg, Head of Development in Hagfors Municipality.
A society built on co-operation
Population decline and skills supply are two of the biggest challenges facing Hagfors. But instead of trying to solve the problems themselves, the municipality is choosing a different path: building the future together.
– A municipality doesn’t develop by itself – it’s done by residents, associations, businesses and other actors in society. We must benefit from each other,” says Lars Sätterberg.
An important part of this work has been to involve Uddeholm AB – the town’s largest employer – in the development of the local community. There is now an active dialogue between the municipality, the company and the residents.
– Uddeholm is part of our identity. This work has become a way of meeting and collaborating on the future of the town.
A permissive culture as a foundation
The experimental approach means that results or methods are not given from the start. This places high demands on the internal culture.
– We’ve been clear from the start: we don’t know exactly where we’ll land. But we’ve built a culture where it’s okay to test. That’s crucial,” says Lars.
The trust between politicians and civil servants has been built over many years, including through previous community engagement programmes. This foundation makes it possible to work in new ways even today.
Citizen engagement is key
Success requires commitment from more than just the municipality. And Hagfors has found a model for this.
– It starts with local ambassadors who are already trusted – in the community, in business, or in the municipality. They carry the work forward and get more people to want to be involved. It must not become a municipal project, or we will lose momentum.
– Here, it is not hierarchies that rule, but people with genuine commitment.
In smaller municipalities, proximity to the people is an advantage, says Lars. And the awareness that the locality is facing change increases the willingness to act.
Tips for other mill towns
What is Mr Sätterberg’s main advice to other municipalities?
– Recognise that you cannot do it alone. Identify the parties that need to be behind the work – and be open about the fact that you don’t have all the answers. This is how commitment grows.
Do you want to know more about Bruksort 2.0 or how Hagfors works with local development?
Feel free to contact Lars Sätterberg, Development Manager Hagfors Municipality.
lars.satterberg@hagfors.se
More information on the Bruksort 2.0 initiative can be found here.
