Analysis of the program Utmaningsdriven Innovation

On behalf of Vinnova, Ramboll Management Consulting has carried out an analysis of the Challenge-driven innovation (UDI) program. The aim of the analysis is to understand the projects' innovation journeys as well as the projects and the program's imprint, ie if and how the overall project portfolio and program contribute to system change and the global sustainability goals in Agenda 2030. The assignment was completed during the period January 2018 to December 2021. This is the final report for the assignment and reports a comprehensive analysis of the 44 case studies that Ramboll has carried out of completed project up to and including February 2020.

The analysis shows that the UDI shows the benefits of a systems perspective for developing relevant and functional innovative solutions. Testing new solutions under realistic conditions is important and this approach should, in addition to technical aspects, also include the system of regulations, user behaviors or business models that surround the solution. The collaborative projects that receive funding in the program result in both concrete innovations for sustainable development and strengthened innovative capacity of the participating organizations. The projects contribute to strengthening the conditions for system innovation in the long term. By opening up to authorities and other public actors, the UDI has particularly influenced the view of the role of the public sector in enabling system innovation.

In the projects, broad constellations of companies, public enterprises, universities and university colleges as well as organizations in civil society collaborate long-term to meet extensive societal challenges. The program concept with step-by-step funding is successful and has continuously contributed to identifying the need to strengthen capacity and the ability to innovate in various sectors. The analysis also highlights the importance of active portfolio management and a clear common direction as a complement to the broader sustainability goals.

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