Problem addressed

High and prolonged unemployment among newly arrived immigrants and other foreign-born individuals, particularly women, is a significant problem for both the individuals and society at large. If the challenges related to workforce development are not addressed, both economic growth and social welfare are at risk. 
Some of the underlying causes of these issues include insufficient Swedish language skills, often limited educational backgrounds, and a lack of alignment with labour market demands. 

Additionally, the various actors responsible for supporting the target group in their integration operate under different regulations, with insufficient collaboration and coordination between them. To meet the demands and expectations of authorities and employers, the target group requires tailored and coordinated support, which is currently lacking in the existing system. There is uncertainty about how municipalities and the Public Employment Service can effectively collaborate to address the needs of this group. 

The consequences of this problem include underutilization of individuals' capacities, low expectation on their ability to become self-sufficient, and a lack of social inclusion. Women are particularly affected by this problem. 
There is also a risk of mistrust developing between groups in society and towards society as well. This situation leads to increased costs for both the state and municipalities.

Innovative solution

• Etableringslyftet addresses social sustainability in an innovative manner, where the perspective of the target group is the foundation for all activities and initiatives. 
• Etableringslyftet aims to accelerate the integration of foreign-born individuals into society and the labour market, as well as to reduce segregation. With tailored and holistic support that is based on the individual's needs, individuals are given opportunities to get into the labour market. The support given to the participants is composed of language and cultural aspects and incorporates elements of the case management method.
• The project connects actors who otherwise would not meet or reach each other, fostering innovative solutions through effective collaborative processes. In this way, new approaches to complex societal challenges are developed.
• In its collaborations with other authorities, the project consistently seeks intersection points where a win-win outcome is pursued. The foundation for this approach is an understanding of the other actors' conditions and incentives.
• Etableringsyftet has identified previously unmet needs. 

Key results and benefits

• At an organizational level, the project creates an effective structure for cooperation between municipalities. In the long term, the project results in more individuals from the target group establishing themselves in the labour market, improved workforce development, and reduced segregation.
• The majority of the project's participants are women.
• 76% kvinnorna har gått ut i jobb eller studier.
• 66% män gick ut i jobb eller studier
• Inter-municipal cooperation
  By collaborating across three municipalities, several advantages are achieved. Among these is a larger pool of candidates for employers to recruit from. It also enables the Public Employment Service to allocate employees allowing them to be co-located one day a week, thereby reaching all three municipalities.
• Language and Cultural Awareness – By providing language and cultural support, the target group can gain essential knowledge to enter the labour market, even if they have not yet learned Swedish. Trust is a crucial component of Etableringslyftet's work. Information can also be tailored to their individual backgrounds. This ensures that more individuals can benefit from other societal initiatives. 
• Proximity to Employers – Smaller recruitment events are regularly organised with the region's employers, often focusing on simpler jobs. Other municipal actors are also involved in the recruitment process.
• Team-based work – The method used at Etableringslyftet is flexible, agile, and dialogue-driven. We believe in the potential of the target group and see them as individuals with valuable skills to contribute to society.

Potential for mainstreaming

Etableringslyftet has demonstrated significant potential for scaling up, owing to its innovative approach and proven impact within the participating municipalities. The project's foundation on cross-municipal collaboration enables a broader reach and creates a robust framework that can be replicated in other regions facing similar challenges. By uniting multiple municipalities, Etableringslyftet maximises resources and offers a larger pool of candidates for employers, making it an attractive model for other regions seeking to enhance workforce integration.

Moreover, the project's flexible method—tailored to the specific needs of foreign-born individuals—allows it to adapt to different contexts, making it highly scalable. The success of Etableringslyftet lies in its ability to foster close collaboration among key stakeholders, including municipalities, the Public Employment Service, and local employers. This collaborative approach ensures that the support provided is comprehensive, addressing language, cultural, and employment barriers simultaneously.

The project's capacity to scale is further supported by its focus on sustainable outcomes. By prioritising the integration of foreign-born individuals into the labour market, Etableringslyftet not only reduces unemployment but also strengthens social cohesion and economic growth. The model's emphasis on understanding the unique conditions and motivations of all involved parties creates a win-win scenario that can be attractive to other municipalities looking to address similar social challenges.

In summary, Etableringslyftet's success in promoting social sustainability through targeted, collaborative, and adaptable strategies highlights its strong potential for expansion, offering a viable model for other regions committed to improving labour market integration and reducing segregation.