2G OST: The East Link and Strategic Asset Management in Municipalities

Background

Multi-level governance exists in virtually all countries in some form, and with it follows multi-level financing, which is particularly evident when it comes to infrastructure assets and large-scale government sustainability investments. Decisions regarding investments in a municipal context are directly or indirectly influenced by how higher-level bodies—such as the state and the EU—act in terms of investment decisions, allocation of financial resources, and/or changes in laws and policies.

In this research project, we are specifically interested in the national sustainability investment Ostlänken (The East Link) and its impact on the strategic asset management of streets, roads, and water and sewage systems (VA) in two affected municipalities: Nyköping and Linköping. According to the Swedish Transport Administration, Ostlänken is a 160-kilometer double-track railway between Järna and Linköping. The project will enable more trains and more sustainable transport, including smoother and safer journeys. Nyköping and Linköping are faced with extensive investments and must strategically plan for long-term maintenance. For example, in Linköping, important VA pipelines and the wastewater treatment plant are affected. Additionally, central streets are also impacted. In this context, maintenance, as well as technical and financial lifespan, become crucial.

Purpose

The main purpose of the study is to highlight and discuss municipal strategies related to strategic asset management in the context of large-scale sustainability investments and multi-level financing. As described in the background, the central investment in question is the East Link project. A secondary aim is to describe the context of the East Link and the dynamics of multi-level financing. Beyond these aims, the project will also contribute with a pragmatic model for classifying investments and maintenance in the context of sustainability investments and multi-level economic governance.

Goals and Outcomes

The final outcomes will include a scientific article, a microlearning module, and a written summary aimed at politicians and public officials.