Barkaby

Challenges

Barkarby is subject to the currently largest on-going urban development process in northern Europe. The area will receive a new subway connection by 2025, thus requiring large-scale efforts in construction and sustainable solutions. The plan for sustainable development in Barkarbystaden III is described in a “quality programme” co-produced using participatory dialogue and knowledge exchange within Citylab Action and between the municipality, several private actors, and external experts.

Good Practice & Solutions

The establishment of a collaborative innovation platform for sustainable urban development located in Järfälla was decided in March 2017 as part of the development process. Enabling innovation is a means to realise and strengthen the objectives of each focus area within the quality programme. Researchers will co-create with private and public actors to test sustainable urban development solutions, with particular regards to mobility and smart energy; one particular example is a testbed for autonomous vehicles. The idea to form a partnership took shape during Almedalen political week in 2015 or 2016, after which a partnership gradually formed. Barkarby Science was thus realised as a private enterprise in which the expectations of all participating actors were gathered and coordinated by the municipality. Innovative sustainable solutions are considered not only essential for upcoming projects, but equally so in the existing environment. Barkarby Science is intended to become a platform to realise this innovative environment.

Related SDGs

• 11. 2 By 2030, provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems for all, improving road safety, notably by expanding public transport, with special attention to the needs of those in vulnerable situations, women, children, persons with disabilities and older persons
• 11.A Support positive economic, social and environmental links between urban, peri-urban and rural areas by strengthening national and regional development planning
• 17. 17 Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies of partnerships

Further reading

Barkabystaden 

Barkabyscience