Work is important for people's individual economic situation, and it is crucial for a sustainable welfare state.
Moreover, meaningful work strengthens individuals’ competences, belonging, networks and mental- and physical health. Work has a positive effect on trust and solidarity in society.
Two paths to work
There are two paths to work: To be employed or to establish one’s own business (through entrepreneurship). The aim of this project is to develop new knowledge about the interaction between the actors involved in the process of work inclusion of migrants.
Work inclusion research to date has focused only to a small extent on the interaction, collaboration and connections between migrants' and their experiences and resources, the various public support programs, and employer’s experiences / ideas / needs.
These actors, in what we call the working life ecosystem, often operate separately and are researched separately. The ecosystem for integration and employment concerns complementary services and actors who work together to create welfare in this relevant area. An ecosystem can be deficient or well-functioning, in the case of work inclusion, it is largely deficient.
About the project
In this project, we will develop insights and methods for how collaboration and co-creation can be improved so that migrants are better included in working life either as an employee, or by creating their own job through entrepreneurship. Values and knowledge in the field of co-creation (co-creation / co-production) represent sources of such knowledge.
The project has a relational perspective. Several methodological approaches will be used. This provides opportunities to study co-creation from different angles; institutional ownership and anchoring (public / private), networking, organization, and management.
The project will result in new knowledge about challenges and opportunities and, not least, proposals for better co-creation between migrants, employers, and public support programs. We will develop methodological, theoretical and practice knowledge for increased innovation in local and regional inclusion work.
The results will provide new understanding and new practice for better inclusion of immigrants in working life. This knowledge will also have value for other wicked problems in the welfare state. Moreover, the project actively contributes to meeting the challenges set out in UN Sustainability Goal 10; to reduce inequality.
