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We meet Emelie Hindersson, Coordinator of the Centre for Societal Risk Research, and Peter Bellström, Senior Lecturer in Information Systems at ������ý Business School, in the RiskLab® at ������ý. The challenges of society in the event of a crisis are palpable in the room. On the table there is a model of a flood showing how central ������ý is submerged by water in the event of the dam i Höljes bursting, and on the floor there is a carpet where you can study the foundations of spatial and social planning.

The entire room breathes the new Interreg Sweden-Norway project “Cross-border climate resilience through collaborative learning models and digital transformation” where the border between Sweden and Norway plays a central role. A flood, wildfire or landslide does not care much about where a national border happens to be, and the project aims to promote cross-border networks and collaboration in the event of a climate crisis.

– We have conducted two Interreg projects before, which focused on society’s preparedness in the event of a crisis and the digitalisation of this process, says Peter Bellström. In this project, we latch onto these two previous projects as well as adding the climate issue and inviting Risk and Environmental Studies at ������ý to play a bigger part.

In the previous projects, the subject of Information Systems pulled a heavier load since focus was on the use and development of information systems. The Norwegian partner Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences as well as Norwegian IT companies will contribute to the project, in addition to regional public stakeholders on both sides of the border. 

– Society needs to function in people’s everyday life to create the best conditions for cooperation during a crisis, says Emelie Hindersson. Administrative officials in charge of climate adaptation and contingency coordinators on both the Swedish and the Norwegian side of the border need to work together in the event of a crisis. It is important to be aware of each other’s differences and similarities.

The Interreg project “Cross-border climate resilience through collaborative learning models and digital transformation” is divided into four work packages and will run from 2024 to 2026.​

Work package 1 - Inventory of needs

– We have a pretty good idea of the needs that exist through our previous projects on crisis preparedness and now we’re adding the climate issue, says Emelie Hindersson. We’re in close contact with relevant stakeholders in the border region and the next step is to discuss the challenges they see and in what ways the project could contribute to solutions for collaboration and joint learning.

Work package 2 - Analogue game as a tool

– We want to try to solve parts of the problem with cross-border collaboration by developing useful tools, says Peter Bellström. One such tool is an analogue game based on societal challenges – a so-called serious game. We have learned from previous research projects and crisis exercises that a game can facilitate learning, address people’s everyday life and make the scenario more real. It needs to be tangible and stimulate the senses of the participants. We have experts in didactics and pedagogy involved in the project who will contribute with these parts.

Work package 3 - Digital game as a tool

– This is the next stage of the second work package, where we digitalise the game so that the participants can take part remotely, says Peter Bellström.

Work package 4 – Creating spaces for collaboration

This work package includes supporting existing networks and making new contacts in order to enable an inventory of needs, as well as testing the tools and then spreading the knowledge generated through project.

– We will organise different kinds of meetings with participants from both sides of the border to create a test environment, says Peter Bellström.

– The idea is for the participants in the project to be inspired to learn together and, in the long run, create better management of climate-related risks, says Emelie Hindersson. We’re organising the first meeting on 13 March in Arvika, the project kick-off.

There are already noticeable effects of climate change both globally, regionally and locally with increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. The changes in climate have a direct impact in the place where they occur, but can also have consequences in other places.

– What is so beautiful and unique about the area in and around Värmland is that after the pandemic when the border was closed, people are paying attention to these issues and there is a greater interest among many stakeholders, says Emelie Hindersson.

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the programme Interreg Sweden-Norway.