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This website was created by the OECD Observatory of Public Sector Innovation (OPSI), part of the OECD Public Governance Directorate (GOV).

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Out of work Swedish airline workers are offered medical training by university.

Innovative response

Sophiahemmet University College in Sweden is offering a basic medical training to workers of the SAS airline who are currently out of work. Airline workers are often used to working in high-pressure situations with difficult-to-manage customers, and so theoretically have a calm nature and people-skills that might make them suitable workers for a crisis like coronavirus.

Specific issues addressed and anticipated impact

The public health system in Sweden, as everywhere, is under immense strain. At the same time, many people are unable to work because of new regulations in place to manage the transmission. As such, this solution mobilises some of the out of work people, employing their skills in possibly new and helpful ways for society.

Organisations/institutions involved

Sophiahemmet University College; SAS airline

Level(s) of government:
  • Private Sector
  • Non-Profit/Civil Society

Issues being addressed:

  • Resource management and mobilisation
  • Public service delivery under new circumstances

Date Submitted:

24 March 2020