This thesis investigates the integration and belongingness of refugees in the Norwegian region of Trondelag Southwest, within the framework of Public Service Logic (PSL) through a systemic design approach. Drawing upon the service ecosystem perspective, there search emphasizes the importance of understanding the interactions among multi-stakeholder networks in delivering inclusive services.

In recent years, due to different humanitarian circumstances, as well as geopolitical crises, the number of immigrants and refugees entering Norway has substantially grown. As of 2024, 16.8% of Norway's population comprises foreigners, and 4% of the population is Norwegian-born to immigrant parents (Statistisksentralbyrå, 2024). In 2023, 31.9% were registered as individuals with refugee backgrounds among all immigrants, meaning, 5.1% of the population had refugee backgrounds (Statistisksentralbyrå, 2023). Moreover, it is important to highlight the impact of the full-scale invasion Russia launched on Ukraine in February 2022, on the increase of Norway’s refugee rate. By 2023, 72.000 (UDI, 2024).

Consequently, the importance of effective integration measures becomes increasingly crucial states the IMDi, the Directorate of Integration and Diversity of Norway (IMDi, 2023). Facing challenges such as language barriers, cultural differences, employment and housingsettlement; integration strategies aim to facilitate foreigners' inclusion in the labour market as well as their incorporation into a common social life.

The paper showcases a workshop methodology for a process that integrates an understanding of services and design for services. This exploration was conducted through small-scale pilots in three rural municipalities: Hitra, Heim, and Skaun. The participants involve local Norwegians, including volunteers from the volunteer centre for refugees and workers from the Norwegian Labor and Welfare Administration (NAV), in collaboration with Ukrainian refugees. The workshop presents a co-creative practice driven by a socio-material approach to reflect and discuss what makes residents belong and integrate into the community. This workshop was designed for data collection of the existing services as well as an awareness-based practice that opened a meeting arena for discussion among stakeholders residing in the same municipality.