Skellefteå selected for unique EU project to create innovation-friendly communities

Skellefteå is one of eight European cities awarded funding in the EU project SHIFT-R – Shaping Innovation-Friendly Territories (Rural Edition). From over 20 applicants, Skellefteå has been selected for its work on green industrial transition and inclusive innovation.

This is an important recognition of Skellefteå's innovation work. Through the collaboration within SHIFT-R, we strengthen our ability to innovate together with other European cities – and show that even smaller cities can drive large-scale change, says Anna Marklund, Business Development Manager at Skellefteå Science City.

Through SHIFT-R, Skellefteå has the opportunity to collaborate with cities throughout Europe on how to strengthen vitality and participation even in smaller towns.

The project is led by Fundão in Portugal and brings together eight partners from all over Europe, where Skellefteå is the only Swedish city. The work is based on Fundão's award-winning model for developing local innovation environments, such as co-working hubs, Living Labs and digital training centers.

SHIFT-R is funded under the EU program URBACT IV and will run from 2025–2028. Skellefteå participates by developing new ways to create innovation-friendly environments in sparsely populated areas and small communities, with a particular focus on youth and sustainable development.

It's about creating structures where people, ideas and resources come together, in line with our long-term societal transformation and Society Expo 2026, says Anders Lindgren, International Partner Manager, Society Expo 2026.

We are pleased to welcome Skellefteå to the SHIFT-R network. The city was selected for its impressive experience in green industrial transition and inclusive innovation. We look forward to learning about Skellefteå's journey and sharing our own experiences of how smaller cities can drive sustainable development through collaboration, creativity and community. Together, we can strengthen the network and develop new models for resilient and inclusive growth in Europe's cities, said Micaela Gil, Program Director, Fundão.

Facts:

The project SHIFT-R – Shaping Innovation-Friendly Territories (Rural Edition) was approved by the URBACT IV Monitoring Committee on 8 October 2025, following the recommendation of the External Assessment Panel (EAP). Out of 39 applications submitted, 25 networks were approved, with SHIFT-R scoring "Very Good" in almost all criteria and "Excellent" in project management – a testament to the strength of the partnership and Fundão's experienced coordination.

The participating cities are Fundão (Portugal), Żory (Poland), Kimi Aliveri (Greece), Macouria (France), Nykarleby (Finland), Skellefteå (Sweden), Mostar (Bosnia & Herzegovina) and Trostyanets (Ukraine).

Find out more on the URBACT website:
https://urbact.eu/news/urbact-welcomes-25-transfer-networks External link.

For more information, please contact:

Anders Lindgren, International Partner Manager, Society Expo 2026
anders.b.lindgren@skelleftea.se,