Behind the initiative is the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness (CWWH) at the Stockholm School of Economics, in collaboration with Stockholm Business Region, the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce, and the Department of Regional Planning and Development at Region Stockholm. The center brings together researchers and experts in fields such as economics, psychology, public health and the social sciences, with the mission to understand, measure and promote human wellbeing – at the individual, organizational and societal level.

The ambition is to broaden the general view of development and growth – to complement traditional success metrics with insights into how people are actually doing in everyday life. By making wellbeing part of the decision-making process, the initiative seeks to contribute to a more human and sustainable Stockholm.

Wellbeing is also a central pillar in the ongoing work to define Stockholm’s identity – a shared vision for how the city should be experienced and developed. That identity is built on values like openness, innovation and quality of life, and ultimately aims to create a Stockholm where more people feel good, thrive and feel at home.

– We need to think bigger about what growth is, and what it can be. When people feel well, society works better. Wellbeing isn’t the opposite of growth. It’s both a fundamental goal in economics, politics and society, and a precondition for every form of growth, says Micael Dahlen, professor at the Stockholm School of Economics and founder of CWWH.

As a first step, CWWH will begin continuously measuring the wellbeing of Stockholmers – scientifically and across multiple dimensions. The aim is to build knowledge and create a shared foundation for future actions and priorities.

– This is a shared responsibility. All of us who live and work in and for Stockholm have a role in shaping a society where more people feel well. By listening to people’s everyday lives and acting together, we hope to support our common ambition to make this region as attractive as possible. To live in, work in and visit, says Dahlen.

For more information, please contact:

John Karsberg, Business Director at the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness

E-mail: john.karsberg@hhs.se 

Micael Dahlen, founder of the Center for Wellbeing, Welfare and Happiness

E-mail: micael.dahlen@hhs.se