
Unexpected — arts and science innovation forum 2025
Unexpected is a forum that approaches innovation in a different way, and in 2023 the first event was held. On June 4, 2025, Unexpected returns to Mejeriet in Lund. This is an opportunity when art, science, business, creative industries and philosophy come together to shape the future. The aim is to enable stakeholders to build an inclusive innovation ecosystem guided by both ethics and aesthetics, and where the cultural and creative sectors and industries are shown their capacity to play a leading role in addressing complex societal challenges.
In today's complex world, innovation isn't just about new ideas — it's about rethinking how we solve challenges in the human, natural, societal and digital spheres.
With Unexpected once again being staged at the Mejeriet in Lund, one of the main theses is that the cultural and creative sectors and industries have the capacity to play a leading role in addressing complex societal challenges. That's why art, science, business, creative industries and philosophy come together to shape the future.
At Unexpected, cross-innovation is explored with the cultural and creative industries as a base for building investable innovation portfolios. During the forum there is an opportunity to take part in real case studies and proven methods and connect with a community of like-minded leaders
On the program:
Performing Arts and Cross-Innovation
How advanced live streaming technology can bring culture to a wider audience
Storyfied Archaeology and Immersive Technology
How to breathe new life into the past to make history more accessible and relevant
Fashion and craft-driven innovation
Explore real-world examples and new market opportunities driven by transparency and circularity
Policy corner
What are the future policy areas for innovation with the cultural and creative industries?
The event is implemented with the support of the team, the European Commission, Lund University and Future by Lund.
Here you will find articles related to the event:
*Unexpected — Innovation Forum for a Creative Tomorrow
The IPA Project
Innovation by Production/Performing Arts
*Innovation by production* KKN: Pioneering solutions but little innovation
*The circus as an innovation arena The circus as an innovation arena
*The Ghost at Canterville Theatre set gives linguists new opportunities
Storyfied Archaeology and Immersive Technology
*Be Here Then — storytelling as an innovation tool
Fashion & Craft Driven Innovation
*'The DPP will mean all steps in the chain must be transparent'