Capacity – a national programme for future system leaders

"An important resource for the transition to a more sustainable society", says Magnus Bårdén, Development Manager for Science Parks at SISP and Board Member of iHubs. Read more in this interview.

12 May, 2025 Project

Through the new Capacity programme, SISP and iHubs Sweden want to promote practical systems innovation in Sweden and build a strong network of systems leaders who together drive the transition. “An important resource for the transition to a more sustainable society,” says Magnus Bårdén, Development Manager for Science Parks at SISP and Board Member of iHubs, who tells more about the initiative below.

As more and more complex challenges emerge in our society, we need leaders who can facilitate innovation that changes and develops systems that help society develop in a sustainable way.

What made SISP and iHubs Sweden want to create a programme that focuses on practical systems innovation?
– There are many theories, methods and processes developed but fewer examples of how to use them in practice. We are convinced that we need to learn by sharing experiences, daring to test new paths and exploring leadership in practice. We believe that a new profession is needed and we want to stimulate a strong network of system leaders in Sweden.

Capacity will focus a lot on experience sharing, why is it particularly important in the work around transition and transformation?
– It is a challenging leadership, there are few examples and no given success factors so we need to learn by doing and sharing experiences.

What is the long-term goal of the programme?
– The goal is to create a strong base of skilled system leaders who can be resources for the whole society when complex challenges arise and transformation is required.

What do you personally hope participants will take away from the Capacity Programme?
– Mainly a strong network of leaders who can share experiences in the long term and establish collaborations across borders. Of course, I hope that everyone gets a good picture of how different processes, methods and tools can be used and that everyone develops their leadership skills.

About Capacity
Read more about the Capacity programme.

Questions?
Magnus Bårdén – magnus.barden@ihubssweden.se
Annica von Ahn – annica.von.ahn@luleasciencepark.se