Making the case for a mobility innovation testbed in Varberg Municipality
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | RISE Research Institutes of Sweden AB - RISE ICT Viktoria |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 400 000 |
| Project duration | November 2018 - May 2019 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Test beds for society´s challenges |
| Call | 2018-02475-en |
Important results from the project
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 Varberg in line with the global Agenda 2030 targets.
Expected long term effects
Regions and municipalities stand before a smorgasbord of potential solutions and technical innovations. The emergence of 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 the trend to place their bet on. The model, 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.
Approach and implementation
The preliminary process is as simple as making popcorn: 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. Anyone can read, agree and turn up the heat further. 3. The kernel or solution to the need is provided. If this 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.