vettvangs

Vettvangs is a Norwegian term used to describe spaces—physical venues or digital environments—that function as arenas for interaction, exchange, and collaboration among participants such as government bodies, businesses, researchers, civil society, and the general public. The central idea is that a vettvang is defined by its function as a place where processes of dialogue, negotiation, and decision-making can occur, rather than by a specific location or format.

Vettvangs can be physical, such as conferences, town-hall meetings, symposiums, or workshops, or virtual, such as online forums, webinar platforms, or collaborative workspaces. They may be organized by public institutions, private companies, or non-profit organizations, and can be standalone events or ongoing platforms.

Design and governance are important aspects of vettvangs. Successful vettvangs address accessibility, inclusivity, and safety; they establish clear rules for participation, moderation, and conflict resolution; they safeguard privacy and data use; and they define goals, agendas, and methods for evaluating outcomes.

Impact and uses of vettvangs include support for knowledge exchange, civic participation, consensus building, and innovation. They can inform policy, drive collaboration across sectors, and enable communities to articulate needs and priorities.

See also: public forum, platform, open innovation, stakeholder engagement.