International collaboration
Wexsus' international activities build connections between stakeholders in West Sweden and sustainability actors around the world. Through research, networks and knowledge exchange, we support sustainability transitions at the local level and contribute to efforts to address complex global sustainability challenges. Our international work also gives us opportunities to learn from others.
Wexsus promotes co-creation and interdisciplinary approaches in international sustainability efforts. As a collaborative platform, we create opportunities for researchers and other stakeholders in West Sweden to participate in global networks and contribute to international policy processes and collaborative initiatives. We make it easier to build connections, contribute to knowledge reviews and engage in initiatives with a global reach.
An important part of this work is hosting several international activities and collaborations. Through initiatives such as the Sida Helpdesk for Environment and Climate Change, SDSN Northern Europe and Focali, Wexsus brings together researchers, experts and stakeholders to address sustainable development issues from a global perspective.
Many of these collaborations involve researchers from Chalmers University of Technology, the University of Gothenburg and University West. Wexsus contributes by developing structures for collaboration, building connections between research and stakeholders across society, and sharing and further developing knowledge in international contexts.
West Sweden in a global context
In an interconnected world, local decisions and consumption patterns have consequences far beyond national borders. At the same time, global decisions, international agreements and economic systems influence the scope for action at the local level.
This is particularly evident in the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution, where causes, consequences and responsibilities are unevenly distributed across the world. Economies, resource flows and knowledge development are also closely interconnected.
For a region such as West Sweden, this means that sustainable development cannot be addressed solely as a local or national concern. Regional priorities, production and consumption also affect opportunities to achieve sustainable development in other parts of the world.
There is also considerable potential in bringing experiences, innovations and approaches from West Sweden together with international perspectives through mutual knowledge exchange.