Vinnova's vision is to make Sweden a world-leading country in research and innovation, as well as an attractive place for investors and entrepreneurs. At present, the company is running seven specific anti-bias projects to "develop innovative solutions that are inclusive and accessible." In total, the projects will receive 16 million SEK (roughly $2mln) in government support, Swedish news outlet Fria Tider reported.
"By taking more things into perspective and questioning what is often taken for granted, new solutions can be developed, therefore we focus on innovation linked to criticism of the norm," Sophia Ivarsson, administrator at Vinnova, said in a press release.
Developed for the long-haul transport requirements of the future! https://t.co/KyDluTycO1 pic.twitter.com/XEyD72SMZA
— Volvo Trucks (@VolvoTrucks) 20 октября 2016 г.
Another project, characteristic of the Swedish obsession with reaching total equality, involves "norm-critical" banking by Luleå University of Technology.
Yet another instance of good intentions gone somewhat ridiculous involves introducing innovative design solutions which are expected to lead to more equal and inclusive firefighting. The project Future Inclusive Rescue Service which is run by Halmstad University (HH), Södertörn firefighting unions, Carlstedts Architects, Gulins à la carte, Hallandia Innovation AB and Stockholm City has been allocated 2.4 million SEK (roughly $300,000).
A telltale instance of this campaigning is the 2014 decision by Gothenburg Municipal Cultural Committee to name more streets after women to "reflect a more multicultural Gothenburg." The committee tightened its rules after it was revealed that only 14 percent of Swedish streets were named after women.