This is what LEADER in Sweden contributes to!

A new compilation based on over 3,000 Leader projects shows how local initiatives create long-term development throughout Sweden!

3000+ projects.
Stronger local communities.
This is LEADER in Sweden.

 

Local Development Sweden has commissioned the consulting company WSP to review, summarize, and analyze the various evaluations that have been made regarding LEADER. The study is based on a broad foundation from the period 2016–2025. The report clearly shows the difference LEADER makes – both locally and nationally. By analyzing over 3000 projects and a large number of evaluations from Leader areas across Sweden, a comprehensive picture of results, effects, and added values emerges.

🧩 More than individual projects

LEADER's contribution is not primarily about individual efforts, but about how thousands of locally anchored projects together create change over time.

The results are visible both in concrete improvements:

  • New meeting places
  • Strengthened local economy
  • Developed services

…and in more long-term effects:

  • Increased community and trust
  • Strengthened collaboration
  • Improved local capacity

💡 A central insight is that the projects often become starting points – where the effects continue long after the project ends.

🔍 What does the analysis show?

The study is based on a broad foundation from the period 2016–2025 and points to four clear result areas:

✔️ Stronger local communities through meeting places and participation
✔️ Increased economic activity and more local initiatives
✔️ Complemented services where the public sector does not suffice
✔️ More attractive places to live, work, and visit

At the same time, values are created that are harder to measure – but crucial in the long run: 👉 social capital
👉 networks and collaboration
👉 local action capacity

⚙️ The method makes the difference

What distinguishes LEADER is not just what is done – but how:

  • Bottom-up perspective (local needs in focus)
  • Low thresholds for participation
  • Strong local presence
  • Collaboration between public, private, and non-profit sectors

This allows more actors to contribute – and that the results are largely carried forward after the project ends.

🇸🇪 What does it mean for Sweden?

LEADER's combined contribution is greater than the sum of the projects:

  • Creates both concrete and long-term values
  • Strengthens local capacity to drive development
  • Links EU policy to people's everyday lives
  • Contributes to increased resilience and preparedness
  • Complements other development efforts

💡 Conclusion

LEADER shows that many small efforts, through the right method, can have a large impact.

It's not just about project results –
but about strengthening the community's own ability to develop over time.