Recreation and tourism in wind farms, knowledge and inspiration through a household utility app, and proactive collaborations with businesses and sports clubs — these were some of the creative solutions proposed when students from Karlstad University and the Vocational College in Arvika tackled the issue of local public attitudes towards the energy transition in a CRE8®.
What Can a Municipality Do to Improve Public Knowledge and Understanding of the Energy Transition? This was the central question when Arvika Municipality and its technology company, Teknik i Väst, participated in a CRE8® session at Karlstad Innovation Park in mid-February. CRE8® is Karlstad University's method for creative problem-solving in a competition format, where students present innovative solutions to a challenging issue faced by a company or organization.
Emotions and Resistance Are Common in the Energy Transition
Representing Arvika Municipality, Anders Norrby, CEO of Teknik i Väst, presented the challenge to the students.
– For a municipality, the energy transition entails necessary decisions regarding investments, infrastructure, and behavioral changes—decisions that residents often perceive as expensive, unnecessary, counterproductive, or inconvenient, said Anders Norrby.
The energy transition is a major challenge for society at large, both in Sweden and globally. In Värmland and Arvika, it involves a significantly increasing demand for electricity, the need for more local renewable energy production, limited grid capacity, the phase-out of fossil fuels, and the electrification of transport and industry. However, when investments in electric vehicles or the establishment of wind power are proposed, they are often met with negative reactions rather than public understanding.
– The energy transition evokes strong emotions and resistance, as seen in public opinion and debates on the establishment of local wind power production, said Anders Norrby.
Students Suggest Citizen Dialogue
The CRE8® event brought together students from various fields, including computer science, energy technology, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, urban planning, communication, and public relations. They were divided into interdisciplinary teams and given four hours to come up with creative solutions—without using mobile phones or computers.
When the teams presented their five-minute pitches, it became clear that all ideas revolved around communication and citizen dialogue. One suggestion was a mobile app that would allow the municipality to reach all residents with useful functions while also spreading knowledge and interest in the energy transition. Another proposal focused on collaboration with local businesses and sports clubs, as well as new educational initiatives for children and young people, to turn resistance into inspiration and curiosity.
Potential for Experiences in Wind Farms
The competition jury, consisting of representatives from Karlstad University, Glava Energy Center, and Teknik i Väst, ultimately selected a winning team. The winning idea aimed to foster a sense of community, pride, and opportunities for place development and tourism in connection with the energy transition.
– It's time to put energy and environmental issues on the public agenda! We need to create a sense of belonging and pride, where residents want to be heroes rather than opponents, said team member Kajsa Esbjörnsson, an energy technology student at the Vocational College in Arvika.
The team advocated for proactive and positive local public engagement, inviting residents to co-create solutions. Regarding wind farm developments, for instance, residents could be involved in designing the area as an integrated part of the forest, incorporating elements of recreation, experiences, and tourism.
– We particularly like the creativity of transforming a negative narrative about wind power's impact on nature into added value for both locals and visitors, said Lisa Gärdt, Sustainability Coordinator at Glava Energy Center and jury member for the CRE8® event.
The CRE8® event was organized as part of the EU-funded ARIES4 project, which aims to promote innovative exchanges between universities, vocational colleges, businesses, and the public sector in four European regions (Värmland, Southern Denmark, Gabrovo, and Navarra). Anders Norrby, CEO of Teknik i Väst, was very pleased with the experience.
– The CRE8® format enables creativity in a way that we, as an organization, are not used to. We have received several ideas and approaches that we can take further, he said.
About CRE8®
A CRE8® session benefits both the challenge provider and the problem solvers. Students gain valuable experience in teamwork and problem-solving—skills that are highly useful in working life. The participating organization receives fresh perspectives and innovative ideas on complex issues.
– The company or organization posing the question gains radically new perspectives on its operations and future opportunities, said Patrik Bångerius, Innovation Advisor and CRE8® organizer at Karlstad University.
CRE8® was developed by the Grants and Innovation Office at Karlstad University, with funding from Vinnova, Sweden's innovation agency. The first workshop took place in 2017, and since then, Karlstad University has organized CRE8® events tackling challenges from researchers, startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, large corporations, and public sector organizations.
Learn more about CRE8® on Karlstad University’s website.
