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Transition Lab Forum 21: Place-Based Innovation for Climate-Neutral Cities
Welcome to Transition Lab Forum 21 Live in Skellefteå on June 3, 2026
Theme: Place-based innovation for inclusive and climate-neutral cities by 2030
Hosts: Viable Cities and the City of Skellefteå
It is in local communities and neighborhoods that the climate transition takes shape. In blocks, streets, districts, and rural areas, goals are translated into action, where innovative solutions are tested and developed based on local needs and specific challenges. In an era of increasing climate impact, geopolitical tensions, and uncertainty in global systems, the importance of place becomes paramount. When global flows are challenged, we need to rely more heavily on local conditions and communities.
The climate transition presents a strategic opportunity to strengthen innovation capacity, competitiveness, and quality of life. Reducing dependence on fossil fuels, developing circular flows, and investing in sustainable infrastructure drive the creation of long-term sustainable societies. Through place-based innovation, solutions can be developed within their specific context, where technology, urban planning, and people’s daily lives intersect. It is also here that new ways of working can be tested, adapted, and scaled up.
At Transition Lab Forum 21 in Skellefteå, we will deepen our understanding of the role of place in the climate transition. Together, we will explore how local leadership and new ways of working can help accelerate the transition and create competitive and attractive communities.
Participants in the live event include: Chief Architect Lennart Andersson, Lars Brånn from Ramboll, Viktoria Wistemar from Hej Främling, Director of Development Mikael Brändström from the City of Umeå, Anna-Karin Lindqvist from Luleå University of Technology, and Anna-Britta Åkerlind, Chair of the Municipal Executive Board in Örnsköldsvik. Evelina Fahlesson from the host city, Vice Chair of the Municipal Council in Skellefteå, as well as Olga Kordas and Anders Wijkman from Viable Cities will also participate. The event will be moderated by Helena Godotter Karlberg.
The mission of Viable Cities is to achieve climate-neutral cities by 2030, ensuring a good quality of life for everyone within the planet’s limits. As part of this initiative, 48 Swedish cities are collaborating to lead the way in the transition. The Transition Lab Forum serves as a central platform for this shared learning, where we not only share knowledge but also strengthen our ability to act together.
Register for Transition Lab Forum 21 Live here
Program
10:00 AM Welcome – with Olga Kordas, Program Director, Viable Cities, and Evelina Fahlesson, Municipal Councilor and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Skellefteå Municipality
10:10 AM Climate Transition, Preparedness, and Places, with Olga Kordas, Viable Cities; Evelina Fahlesson, Skellefteå Municipality; and Lars Brånn, Ramboll
10:20 a.m. How do we create places where people actually want to live, work, and stay? with Lennart Andersson, Chief Architect at Boverket, Olga Kordas, Evelina Fahlesson, and Lars Brånn
10:30 a.m. Skellefteå’s transition journey, with Karin Degerfeldt, Director of Community Development, Skellefteå Municipality, Johan Linder, Jörniverse, and Viktoria Wistemar, Hej Främling
10:50 AM BREAK
10:55 AM How do cities rally around place-based innovation with the help of major events? with Suvi Aho, Vaasa, Sofia Lagerlöf Määttä, Kiruna, Mikaela Bondesson, Skellefteå, and Ari Heikkinen, Oulu
11:15 AM Climate-adapted, equitable, and smart places for climate-neutral and sustainable living environments, with Karin Lundgren Kownacki, SMHI, Mikael Brändström, Umeå Municipality, and Marco Lucisano, RISE
11:25 Outlook: A fair transition of the transportation system, with Ulrika Runblom,Swedish Transport Administration
11:30 Green Travel Plans – launch, with Anette Olovborn, Viable Cities, Charlotte Hauksson, CoAction Lund, and Anna-Karin Lindqvist, LTU, Luleå University of Technology
11:45 a.m. From unsustainable transportation to fair and competitive alternatives, with Maria Schnurr, Shift Sweden/RISE, and Marie Larsson, CEO of Skellefteåbuss
11:50 AM Reflections on the day with Anna-Britta Åkerlund, Chair of the Municipal Executive Board of Örnsköldsvik Municipality, and Anders Wijkman, Chairman Cities
11:57 AM Closing Remarks and Welcome to Transition Lab Forum 22 in Malmö with Christian Björneland, City of Malmö
Moderator: Helena Godotter Karlberg
