Sustainability in the Savings Bank Boards
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Luleå tekniska universitet - Institutionen för ekonomi, teknik och samhälle |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 600 000 |
| Project duration | October 2018 - August 2021 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Innovation management - research for increased innovation capability |
| Call | 2018-02185-en |
Important results from the project
The purpose of the project "Sustainability in savings bank boards (HISS)" was to develop, test and implement methods for innovative sustainability work for savings banks and their corporate customers. The project´s objective was to achieve innovative sustainability work for business development of SMEs through tools for savings bank boards, towards the UN Gobal goals 2030. This was delivered based on the savings banks´ already ongoing sustainability work. The focus shifted to digital tools and methods due to the covid19 pandemic, which meant increased innovation height.
Expected long term effects
The project has delivered visible results in the participating savings banks and with their corporate customers in the form of tools for enhanced sustainability dialogue. The project has also resulted in a clearer connection to the 17 global goals, both internally, in the board of the bank and its operations, as well as externally, with customers and in the local society. Another outcome is that the dissemination of results to Sparbankernas Riksförbund resulted in specifically interested savings banks in other regions wanting dialogue on further development and implementation.
Approach and implementation
The project was led by a steering committee consisting of the researchers and the CEOs of the 4 savings bank. The project activities were based on and anchored in the banks´ board work. Initially and along the project a "benchmark" study was carried out of sustainability work in boards in general and in the banking sector, and savings banks, in particular. Workshops were held with "principals" (representing the local society since the bank has no owners), bank boards and staff, and customers. Tools, strategies and the offering were developed both together in workshops and for each bank.