The role of collaboration and solutions on the ground
Firm news|July 3, 2026
Addressing complex societal challenges requires collaboration. At House of Many Voices in Almedalen, speakers highlighted both the strength of local solutions and the persistent challenge of bringing them to scale.
Throughout the conversations, collaboration emerged not as an ambition, but as a necessity. Speakers emphasized that no single organization could address the complexity of the challenges at hand.
“None of our organizations can do this on its own; what matters is that we do this together,” said Michel Lancha, Deputy Chief of the Södertälje Local Police District, during a discussion about the Rätt Kurva collaboration program with Beredskapslyftet and social services.
That same spirit of collaboration also shaped the discussions about social innovation and long-term societal change.
Speakers also made it clear that the problem is not a lack of solutions. Across Sweden and beyond, social entrepreneurs, civil society organizations and local initiatives are working actively to address real needs.
Sofia Breitholtz, CEO, Reach for Change“It’s not that there’s a lack of solutions”
The challenge lies in helping successful initiatives grow. As highlighted across sessions, fragmented responsibilities, short-term funding, and a lack of long-term structures often prevent proven solutions from moving beyond the local level. As a result, initiatives that work well in practice rarely become part of broader systems.
Another recurring theme was the importance of involving the people affected by these challenges. Approaches developed with those affected, rather than for them, tend to be more relevant and sustainable. This shifts the perspective from implementation to participation. The question becomes not only what works, but how it is developed and who is involved.
Ultimately, the conversations pointed to the need to move beyond isolated initiatives and build systems that enable collaboration, continuity and scale.
Read more:
Societal challenges in focus at House of Many Voices in Almedalen 2026
Every child’s right to a strong start
When systems shape outcomes
Prevention instead of reaction
A changing childhood