Most read in 2025: Innovation a common denominator for many

What problems are worth solving, stuck in old ruts, culture clashes and good working environment. These are the topics of some of last year’s most read articles. Here are the top 10 on esbri.se.

Researcher’s 5 tips | Municipalities fail to innovate – “This is what you should do instead“
Swedish municipalities risk getting stuck in old ruts when trying to solve segregation, climate change and other major societal challenges. So what is needed for municipalities to succeed in innovation?

The universities with the most theses in 2024
In 2024, 35 theses were published in the field of innovation, entrepreneurship and small business. Two of the top three most ambitious universities in 2023 dropped sharply last year – and one remains in the lead.

A good working environment drives innovation
A good organizational and social working environment is a key factor in encouraging employees to contribute innovative ideas. And the actions and priorities of management play a crucial role.

‘Daughter effect’ brings more women to CEO positions
Despite decades of gender equality policies, only one in ten CEOs of Swedish listed companies are still women. But new research shows that personal experience can play an unexpected role in increasing gender equality in small and medium-sized companies.

When schools become ‘business’ – researchers warn of the consequences
An upper secondary school with an entrepreneurship profile has been the focus of a multi-year study at Stockholm University. The clear profiling affects both students’ learning and the view of education in general, the research shows.

Culture clash hinders innovation in government projects
Public authorities want to innovate to meet climate goals, but find themselves in culture clashes with consultants who think outside the box. But is it resistance that is the problem?

New professorship in art and innovation: “We don’t need more ideas – we need to find meaning“
Innovation is no longer about solving problems, but about understanding which problems are worth solving. In a world overflowing with ideas, Professor Roberto Verganti highlights art as a powerful tool for creating meaningful innovation.

New research shows the way to stronger rural areas – focusing on skills, collaboration and innovation
How can Swedish rural areas meet the skills challenges of the future and at the same time strengthen their innovative capacity? This was the main question during a webinar on 11 November, organized by Esbri and the Kamprad Family Foundation.

New circularity metrics can give small businesses a head start in the transition
Two new circularity metrics can make it easier and cheaper to demonstrate the benefits of circular business models. For small businesses, it can be a valuable tool – both for winning tenders and strengthening their competitiveness.

Venture builders: startup factories creating the companies of the future
Starting your own business is often associated with high risk and lonely work. But a fast-growing model could be about to change the rules of the game for how startups are built and grow.