Thesis clusters for sustainable transition – For organisations

Thesis clusters for sustainable transition are carried out in dialogue with public, civil society, and private-sector organisations in West Sweden that are working towards a more sustainable society. By participating, you contribute perspectives and experience related to current societal challenges while gaining access to students' analyses and new approaches.

The initiative creates a framework in which several independent master's theses address the same overarching challenge from different perspectives.

What does participation involve?

As a participating organisation, you:

• contribute to the dialogue around the development of themes and challenges
• provide context, experience, and perspectives
• meet students through joint activities and events
• are invited to attend the final presentations

Your role is to act as an advisory partner and facilitator of insight and access, rather than as a client or commissioner.

The students' theses are independent academic projects that are assessed within their respective degree programmes.

What types of organisations can participate?

The thesis clusters are developed in dialogue with organisations that:

• work with sustainable transformation at a systems level
• represent the public sector, business sector, or civil society
• have an interest in deepening knowledge of complex societal challenges

The themes have a clear focus on West Sweden but can be explored from a variety of perspectives.

What are the benefits for your organisation?

• New perspectives
  Gain access to analyses from students with diverse disciplinary backgrounds and methodological expertise.
• Deeper knowledge
  Several theses address the same overarching challenge, providing a broader and more nuanced understanding of the issue.
• Connections with academia
  Participation strengthens relationships with the universities and creates opportunities for continued dialogue and collaboration.
• Contributing to future competence
  You will meet students who may become future colleagues or employees while helping to strengthen the connection between academia and society.

How much time does participation require?

The time commitment is limited and designed to fit alongside your organisation's regular activities.

Participation typically involves:

• contributing to discussions during the theme development process (in the spring preceding the thesis period)
• attending one or more joint activities during the thesis period
• participating in the final presentations

Wexsus is responsible for planning, coordinating, and facilitating the process.

Do we have influence over the students' research questions?

Participating organisations contribute input and context regarding the overarching challenges. However, each student develops their own research questions in dialogue with their academic supervisor.

This is an important part of maintaining the academic independence of the theses.

Are the theses tailored to our organisation?

The theses are based on broad themes rather than individual assignments. As a result, the findings are generally relevant at an overarching level and can serve as a basis for reflection, analysis, and further development.

How are confidentiality and sensitive information handled?

Master's theses are generally public documents. Confidential information should therefore not be shared within the framework of a thesis cluster.

Any questions regarding information management should be discussed with Wexsus at an early stage of the process.

Is co-funding required?

No. Participation does not involve any financial contribution. Your contribution consists of engagement, dialogue, and knowledge sharing.

How do we express interest?

The dialogue for upcoming thesis clusters typically begins during the spring preceding the thesis period.

Please contact Wexsus to express interest or to learn more about the process.