Forsvik, Sweden: Towards a People–Public–Private Partnership as a Circular Governance and Sustainable Culture Tourism Strategy

Abstract

Purpose: The objectives of this study are to (a) invest adaptively in the cultural assets which play a part in generating the cultural identity manifestations, (b) review a group of sustainable bottom-up-centred and/or circular economy-based projects (CHRISTA and Västra Götaland Regional Development Policy (SE); CLIC; Be.CULTOUR), and (c) strategically support the sustainable culture tourism process in Forsvik (a Swedish industrial heritage destination) by involving the local community members. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research was carried out in Forsvik as a circular governance model adopting a people-centred approach. The research qualitatively presents its review through a descriptive analysis of the aforementioned projects. In addition, the paper consists of two in-depth individual interviews with the key governmental decision makers, as well as the experience of the 1st author as a project leader. Findings: The results show a People–Public–Private Partnership approach, as a community-driven social innovation tool, that seeks to operationalize a strategic dynamic partnership mainly among three partners: (1) people or the host community, (2) the public sector, and (3) the private sector. Originality/Value: One of the contributions of this study is to develop a corporate committee valorising and emancipating the role of community engagement in circular governance providing a sustainable people-centred cultural tourism strategy.