International Exchange of Experiences as a Delegation from Japan Visits Society Expo

How do we build sustainable communities when conditions are changing rapidly? And what can communities in different parts of the world learn from one another?

This week, Society Expo is hosting a delegation from Japan, along with representatives from Region Västerbotten and local stakeholders. The visit is part of the VRISP project and aims to strengthen innovation, collaboration, and the international exchange of experiences regarding future societal development.

The delegation includes representatives from Okayama University, Biztech Inc., and Okayama University Junior High School. During the day, the group will visit several organizations in Skellefteå to learn how the municipality works with social sustainability, education, and societal transformation.

A particular focus of the visit is on issues related to demographics and social sustainability. In Japan, the term “smart shrinking” is used to describe how communities can manage a situation where the population is declining while people are living longer. The delegation is therefore interested in exchanging experiences on how communities can remain attractive, inclusive, and sustainable even as conditions change.

During the day, the delegation will visit Boliden School, among other places, to learn more about how Skellefteå works with children and young people aged 12–16 who are struggling in school for various reasons. After lunch at Nordanågården, the visit will continue at the Skellefteå Museum and the Society Expo Exhibition before moving on to Science City and other attractions in Skellefteå.

For Society Expo, the visit is a clear example of why international collaboration is important.

Society Expo is not just about showcasing solutions. It is also about creating encounters between people, ideas, and experiences. When different perspectives come together, the opportunity to find better solutions to shared societal challenges increases. Whether it concerns the supply of skills, social sustainability, or optimism about the future.

Skellefteå’s societal transformation is now attracting interest far beyond Sweden’s borders. Through international collaborations and knowledge exchanges, Society Expo aims to contribute to both learning from others and sharing experiences from Skellefteå’s development. The goal is to create new partnerships and strengthen efforts toward sustainable societies—locally, nationally, and globally.

Meet people. Shape the future.