Water is a vital resource for sustainable societies but is under pressure from growing demand, climate change, water scarcity and deteriorating quality. At the same time, economic signals that reflect the true value of water are often missing. Water Wise Societies is now funding projects that develop new and more appropriate price and value models.
To meet the increasing demands on water resources, models are needed that create incentives for smarter use, increased circulation and long-term investments. The purpose of the call is for stakeholders to work together to develop concepts for innovative price and value models that strengthen the mission of Sustainable Water for All. The models should be able to contribute to a more sustainable use and management of water in Sweden. The call is part of the Water Wise Societies program, which is part of Impact Innovation, an initiative in which the Swedish Energy Agency, Formas and Vinnova bring together actors to solve our major societal challenges through innovation and collaboration.
What can you apply for?
To collaboratively develop new conceptual and/or practically applicable models for how water is valued and priced that contribute to one or more of the Water Wise Society’s missions. The project will also plan for testing and further development of the models in a Swedish context.
Who can apply?
Multi-party project with knowledge and influence over price and value in the source-to-coast system, consisting of a minimum of two and a maximum of six parties.
At least one project partner must represent business, the public sector or civil society and at least one partner from a university, college or research institute where the state has influence, which is also the fund manager.
How much can you apply for?
You can apply for up to SEK 1.5 million for projects lasting a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years.
The total budget for the call is SEK 10 million. The maximum aid intensity for economic activities is 65%.
Important dates
Book a guidance meeting
Would you like to discuss how your idea fits into the program’s framework and get tips on how your application can meet the call’s expectations? Book an individual guidance meeting to get support in the application process.
→ Book an appointment with Anna Maria Sundin
Read more about the call and apply here
Background information
The program’s mission Sustainable Water for All 2050 means that water should be available in the right quantity and quality to create good conditions for people, the environment, ecosystems and business – even in a changing climate. To accelerate the transition, it is strategically important to understand and develop the economic drivers that incentivize the sustainable use and management of water in line with the Water Wise Societies mission.
Sweden is facing a major industrial transition, with the expansion of water-intensive sectors such as fossil-free steel production, battery manufacturing and data centers. At the same time, the pressure on water systems is increasing due to climate change, with droughts and torrential rain, ageing infrastructure with significant reinvestment needs, and generally growing demand. Current systems lack economic incentives to promote conservation and circularity, making long-term sustainable management of water resources difficult. This development is intensifying competition for water and highlights the need to highlight the value of water as a societal resource. To strengthen Sweden’s competitiveness and resilience, economic models that support efficient, sustainable and circular water use are needed.
Sweden’s current models for pricing and valuing water have worked well historically, but they are not designed for the challenges of the future and the growing demand for water, not least in water-intensive activities. Therefore, new models are needed – or models adapted to Swedish conditions. The call aims to develop new conceptual and / or practically applicable innovative price and value models that can strengthen the mission of Sustainable Water for All. An important part of this is to strengthen knowledge about how different price mechanisms and value models can contribute to a transition that is in line with Water Wise Societies’ mission. For example, this may involve more circular processes, increased water conservation, use of water of the right quality for the right purpose, and increased willingness to invest at all levels of society.
We are looking for projects that contribute to solving the challenges addressed in the mission of Water Wise Societies and that fit fully or partly within the system dimension “Money and Value”.
