"Social License to Operate" and social sustainability in industrial establishments beyond the licensing process

The issue of socially sustainable industry is central to the development of society as a whole and is particularly urgent in light of the large investments being made for the green transition. How can local residents be involved in industrial establishments and changes in land use in a way that creates meaning and long-term values for the host community? How can permit processes be conducted in a more inclusive way, where local people feel they have real opportunities to influence?

Welcome to a webinar on February 26 on local anchoring and social value creation in industrial establishments! During the webinar, conclusions from a Vinnova-funded project that ran during 2023 will be presented, with the aim of mapping both social challenges and needs in sustainable industry and exploitation. 

What does the research say? Eva Alfredsson, researcher at KTH, and Scott Cole, senior environmental economist at WSP Sweden, have made a literature review and research summary on SLO - "Social License to Operate". Eva and Scott present the concept, what we can learn from SLO and its challenges, and eight factors for a socially sustainable industry.

Also participating is Pontus Westrin from Vinnova, who shares his reflections on the project and Vinnova's next steps. Vinnova sees potential in developing the area, not least through more mobilizing activities such as the collaboration arena. One of the initiatives launched this spring is a guide for socially sustainable communities and industries in the transition.

If you missed the webinar, you can watch the recording here: "Social License to Operate" and social sustainability in industrial establishments beyond the permit process