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- Gothenburg Way to Legacy
- Om Göteborg Way to Legacy
Om Göteborg Way to Legacy
Making an impact does not have to be complicated or demand plenty of resources. It is our strong belief that it is better when everyone contributes a little, rather than only a few do a lot. Gothenburg Way to Legacy is a framework consisting of three parts: a method, a toolbox, and community support. These three components can be used together or independently. It makes our framework flexible and inclusive – the ability to adapt to different conditions and intentions.
Let us push each other in a positive direction – the Gothenburg Way to Legacy.
Benefits of our framework
We collaborate strategically with associations and organisations to ensure their events generate lasting, positive impact in the host community. Our approach aligns each event with the city’s priority sectors and development goals, as well as the purpose of the association or event organiser and local stakeholders. Impact projects are guided by city plans, using defined indicators to identify gaps and measure outcomes.
A strong tradition of stakeholder collaboration and existing networks and platforms to tap into.
At Göteborg & Co, there is a dedicated impact strategy group. Impact and legacy are an integral part of our sustainable destination development work, and part of the destination strategy.
Method
A systematic approach to creating long-term change
How do we move from outcome to impact? The Gothenburg Way to Legacy method, based on the Theory of Change, spans the time before, during, and after the event. It illustrates the cause-and-effect chain between the identified need, the desired change and the resources and activities used to achieve it. In collaboration with local stakeholders and the participating organisations, we define the vision, goals, and steps needed to create lasting impact.
Our method is supported by a strong network of legacy ambassadors from academia, industry, and the public sector, all united by a shared belief in the power of collaboration.
This part of the Gothenburg Way to Legacy framework involves five-step systematic approach in which we work together to identify needs or challenges, the change we want to achieve, the goals we want to set, activities that can contribute towards our goals, and how we will measure the impact.
1. Analysis
We start by identifying how your event can help fill a gap or meet a need in society. This involves defining the long-term effects we want to achieve and ensuring alignment between the event organiser’s vision and the host destination’s goals. Key questions include:
- What need or challenge needs to be met?
- What long-term change are we aiming for?
- Who is the target group and how will they be affected? Who are the stakeholders?
- What resources and conditions are available for the project?
2. Goal setting
In this phase, we determine the short- to medium-term outcomes that will contribute to the desired long-term impact. These outcomes may vary depending on the stakeholder. We define the project’s objectives and the indicators that will be used to measure and evaluate success. Key questions include:
- What immediate outcomes are necessary to achieve the desired long-term change?
- How will we evaluate and measure progress? Who will be responsible for monitoring these indicators?
3. Co-creation
For the impact project to succeed, a temporary working group should be formed, with clear responsibility for planning and executing the project. This group engages relevant stakeholders, ensuring that any activities align with the defined goals, and partners who can contribute with knowledge, resources, or funding. This step includes:
- Identifying stakeholders who can help achieve the goals
- Distributing responsibility for different activities
- Developing a communication plan for sharing progress and results
4. Implementation
Time to execute the activities that will lead to both short- and long-term impact. Planned activities are carried out, progress should be communicated in line with the plan, and key indicators continuously monitored. During this phase, we also encourage new ideas and approaches to ensure the project stays on track and meets its objectives.
5. Evaluation and dissemination
Long-term societal impacts are often difficult to achieve and hard to measure. Also focus on both the immediate and medium-term outcomes of the project, as they contribute to long-term change. This phase includes:
- Using qualitative and quantitative indicators to assess impact
- Sharing the results and telling the story of the project
- Reporting how the project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals
- Disseminating information about the project and its outcomes to various stakeholders
Successful implementation requires commitment and collaboration
The Gothenburg Way to Legacy method is designed for organisers who:
- Work in areas aligned with the city’s development priorities
- Are committed to creating long-term societal impact
- Are willing to allocate time, resources, and expertise to the project
- Have the necessary resources and funds, if required, to implement the project
- Intend to continue the work beyond the event to ensure lasting impact
Successful implementation depends on broad collaboration, a clear commitment from all parties, and a shared vision for change.
Toolbox
The Toolbox is designed to help you create customised activities that align with your organisation’s long-term goals and contribute to the broader societal impact of your meeting or event. Whether you are looking for strategic solutions to generate lasting change or tactical activities for shorter-term value, the Toolbox provides valuable resources and support throughout the impact planning process.
Göteborg & Co is here to assist you with innovative ideas and connect you with relevant local stakeholders.
What is included in the Toolbox?
The Toolbox is a constantly evolving resource, including:
- Inspiring case studies: Get inspired by some of the success stories from Gothenburg with several examples of the concepts and activities that can be applied to meetings and events to create a positive impact.
- Concepts developed by local stakeholders: Tap into locally-driven solutions that address real societal challenges.
- Impact Guide: To help guide you through the process of impact management. Fill in the form to order our guide here.
Examples of concepts
Local competence development – medical meetings: Leverage international medical congresses to enhance the professional skills of healthcare workers in the Gothenburg Region, benefiting both patient care and local economic sustainability.
- Public outreach: Expand your event’s impact beyond the venue through campaigns, public lectures, or visits to schools and universities, raising awareness of your research and inspiring future generations.
- International Science Festival Gothenburg: Reach out to students and teachers by integrating your scientific meeting with the International Science Festival, offering workshops or public lectures to inspire future careers in science.
- Sustainable aviation development: Offset emissions for your event by investing in sustainable aviation fuel. Work with Fly Green Fund to calculate and reduce the carbon footprint of delegate travel.
- Connect with local stakeholders: Göteborg & Co connects you with the local stakeholders and partners who can help bring your meeting’s or event’s vision to life. Whether you are looking for experts, funding opportunities, or partners in sustainability, we are here to support you.
Financial support for public events
- Support from Göteborg & Co: In some cases, the Göteborg & Co events department can provide direct support for sustainability projects tied to public events. Fill in the form to get more information.
- Local and national foundations: Numerous foundations and funds offer financial backing for sustainability-focused projects.
- Government support: Keep an eye out for government announcements regarding available resources for sustainability projects.
- Industry collaboration: Work with companies within relevant sectors to cover costs for activities and research.
Community Support
A meeting can easily contribute to a good cause and a sustainable community. We connect you with a non-profit organisation or social enterprise of your choice.
The Foundation for Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital
The Foundation for Queen Silvia Children’s Hospital raises money to improve life quality and wellbeing for children, young people, and their families at Sweden’s largest children’s hospital. They contribute with items, activities, and experiences to allow the children in hospital care to focus on having fun; and bring new strengths and joy during times of struggle.
Example of activities
- Invite families with a child in hospital care to attend your event.
- Does your event have a mascot? Pay a visit to the children unable to leave the hospital.
- Fundraisers and auctions.
The Rescue Mission
The Rescue Mission is a non-profit organisation with a Christian foundation, conducting broad social work. Their vision is “A worthy life for all”. People on the outskirts of society receive help on their own terms, with emergency efforts and long-term relationships to create a long-term change. Housing activities, children’s camps and holiday activities, women’s protection and empowerment activities, and on-the-job training are just some ofthe efforts made.
Examples of activities:
- Donate food, clothing, or gifts (e.g. Christmas packages).
- Raise funds for job training, homework help, and summer camps.
Gothenburg City Mission
Gothenburg City Mission offers emergency help and long-term support for people living in homelessness, poverty, and social vulnerability. They are a politically independent, non-profit organisation, protecting the equal value of all people, regardless of life situation.
Examples of activities:
- Donate clothes and other items.
- Fundraise or donate gifts to low-income families.
- Order climate-smart catering, or rent a conference room.
Parks and Landscape Administration
Help clean up the environment. The City of Gothenburg runs several initiatives, for example, “Take care of Gothenburg – Throw your litter in a bin”, to make it easier for us all to contribute to a cleaner world. The City of Gothenburg is a member of Keep Sweden Tidy, a non-profit organisation promoting recycling and combating litter through public awareness campaigns, awards, and environmental education.
Examples of activities:
- Volunteer to clean up public areas (materials provided and rubbish collected).
- Organise a plogging event (jog and pick up litter).
El Sistema’s Friends in Gothenburg
El Sistema uses music to create a positive social change in children’s lives. Their goal is to break alienation and include children and young people in meaningful contexts. The non-profit friend association supports the development of El Sistema, thereby contributing to a socially sustainable society, strengthening democracy and increasing integration.
Examples of activities:
- Host an El Sistema concert at your event or meeting.
Coastal clean-up with the Keep Sweden Tidy Foundation
Engage event participants in cleaning up local waterways while learning about the environmental impact of litter. Activities include magnet fishing, cleaning birdhouses, and participating in ongoing environmental projects.
