We tame your wicked problems
The Institute for wicked (INVI) is a non-profit, independent think tank that helps governments, municipalities, foundations, and organizations navigate the complex problems created by an uncertain world. We bring together policy, strategy, and practice through collective insights—fostering new approaches to change. That is why our advisors possess a unique set of skills ranging from politics, anthropology, and design thinking to data science and artificial intelligence.
News
Create change with INVI
When we collaborate with organizations on wicked , the journey toward change rarely looks the same. Some need to better understand a problem before they can take action. Others are ready to make decisions but lack a solid foundation of knowledge to build upon. And still others are in the process of implementation and want to know if it’s working. We have experience meeting organizations where they are and tailoring our projects accordingly.
What do we do?
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We conduct analyses that provide direction in complex problems—from needs assessments to potential analyses. We work systematically to identify underlying drivers rather than merely symptoms. With INVI’s digital infrastructure— Involve —we unlock new insights into familiar challenges. This makes it possible to uncover hidden patterns and overlooked connections. We always combine qualitative and quantitative data in innovative ways. And our analyses are action-oriented—often linked to barriers to implementation.
Read more here.
Contact:
Sofie Burgos-Thorsen (sofie@invi.nu)
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We provide a whole new layer of insights with the wicked Problems Model. When the same problems crop up year after year in your strategy - you need to ask new questions and incorporate new methods.
Contact us
Sigge Winther Nielsen
Janne Bram Hemphrey (janne@invi.nu)
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INVI serves as the backbone secretariat for major initiatives by foundations and organizations, ensuring they have a solid foundation for implementation. Furthermore, INVI tailors masterclasses and workshops to strengthen your strategy. Using our Model for wicked , we identify the right tools for your complex challenges based on a unique combination of our collaboration with universities and our practical experience.
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Kristine Fisker (kristine@invi.nu)
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We enable the wicked Problems model to create feedback loops between your strategy and execution. We take the pulse of the frontline so your plan can be adapted in time.
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Frederik Langkjær (frederik@invi.nu)
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We create an overview of your portfolio of initiatives with Model for wicked Problems - and find the projects that support your strategy. We make recommendations on what can be scaled and what should be closed.
Contact us
Esben Dahl Sørensen (esben@invi.nu)
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We measure impact with the Model for wicked Problems in the areas that are difficult - but crucial. We make it possible to measure progress in your long-term projects by scraping people's understanding of a problem. This reveals if you're on the right track, preferably several years before behavioral changes appear in traditional impact measurements.
Contact us
Sofie Burgos-Thorsen (sofie@invi.nu)
Masterclass
Use missions to tackle problems
At INVI, we have experience using missions to solve complex societal problems by setting ambitious yet tangible goals that are worth striving for. Read about how INVI uses missions to drive social change:
Our tools
Part of INVI’s mission is to develop tools for wicked of the 21st century. We do this both by creating digital tools for engagement and analysis and by compiling the most innovative policy and strategic approaches into a toolkit that points to new paths forward for a given problem. See an overview here and click to learn more.
Involve
A platform for digitally engaging a wide range of voices through qualitative input.
Learn more here.
Model for Wicked Problems
An AI-based ethnographic analysis tool for mapping complexity.
Learn more here.
Atlas
A collection of strategies for systemic change and leadership in the face of wicked .
Learn more here.
Is your problem really bad?
The term " wicked " originates from the research on wicked problems pioneered by Professors Horst Rittel and Melvin Webber in 1973.
Together with 1,000 practitioners, experts, and researchers, INVI has made the concept of wicked more tangible. Together, we have developed a compass to help you navigate this complex landscape in a way that makes sense for you and your organization.
North: Uncertainty regarding the causes of the problem
East: Proposed solutions point in all sorts of directions
South: The problem spans multiple sectors and levels
West: There is significant controversy surrounding this issue.
In short: The more corners of the world your problem touches, the more complex it is—and the more important it is to choose the right tools. wicked are rarely solved using traditional approaches.
INVI has developed new methods specifically designed to help you manage complexity. And this is far from an academic exercise. It is the first step toward taking the right action.
Read more in the article here
Founder
Sigge Winther Nielsen is CEO of INVI. He holds a PhD in Political Science from the University of Copenhagen and has lived in the US for several years as a Fulbright Visiting Scholar at Columbia University, New York and University of California, Berkeley. In 2021, he published the book Entreprenørstaten.
Sigge has previously hosted DR2's news show Deadline and been a political analyst at Dagbladet Politiken. He has also worked as director at Djøf and as a civil servant in the Ministry of Finance.