Let us face facts – it is not just progressives in Britain who have been having a tough time at the ballot box. Right across Europe, and beyond, traditional parties of the centre-left have been losing ground. The hope that the crash of 2008 would see a swing to the left has given way to a fear that populists peddling easy answers and holding out the prospect of a ‘better yesterday’ will seize the day.

This week’s lucky escape in Austria sums up the challenge all too well. Which is why it is more important than ever that progressives talk to each other. And by talk to each other I do not mean stuffy formal conversations at gatherings of party big-wigs. Instead we need frank, and at times robust, exchanges of views based on the reality of the political mountain we face.

Which is where progressive governance conferences come in. Despite the rather grandiose name, the aim is simple: to provide a space where policymakers and politicians can make real connections and have real conversations about future economic and political trends ‒ and how progressive parties can navigate them.

From Oslo to Dublin, Santiago to London, for years Policy Network has partnered with social democratic parties and their thinktanks to bring together the widest possible group of progressives. What makes the events unique is the sheer range of progressives we bring together. Not just geographically – although this year those taking part will be coming from New Zealand to Chile, and most points in-between. But also in terms of experience and expertise. These are gatherings where you are as likely to see a European cabinet minister chatting to a Brazilian blogger as you will an Aussie youth leader talking to a Canadian professor. What matters is the enthusiasm for new ideas and how we can learn from what is going on beyond our own borders.

It could not be more appropriate that this week we gather in Stockholm. Together with its fellow Nordic partners, Sweden has long been a beacon of hope for progressive politics and European social democracy. But Swedish Social Democrats know their unparalleled record of electoral success will only continue if they can translate their values into action that equips their society for the pace of global and technological change. Which is why Prime Minister Löfven and his team have been relentless in their focus on education since returning to power in late 2014 and so our theme this year is ‘Knowledge is Power: Education, jobs and equality in the 21^st century.’

As progressives we cannot hold back the pace of change. Indeed as progressives why would we want to? But we can empower citizens to meet it. Which is why we will look at what works across the globe – from Flemish early years to innovative high school reform in some American states.

And it’s a conversation we need to have with a group far beyond those able to join us in the land of Abba. That is why we are launching a new website to begin a process that makes this a year-round conversation. To begin this we have launched the hunt for a ‘killer idea for progressives’. We are told by voters, whatever language they speak, that they think politicians do not speak their language. Our answer – think a cross between ‘Progressives got Talent’ and ‘Dragon’s Den’ (or perhaps that should be Draknästet) – is to ask for a simply expressed idea that sums up a progressive approach. And we need your votes, in true Eurovision style, the votes online will be combined with those of the judges in Stockholm and a winner crowned. So get ready to cast yours.

This may be a bit of a fun but its point is serious. We need bigger, bolder and more clearly expressed ideas if progressives are to recapture the public imagination. And those ideas can only come from listening, learning, arguing and analysing with thinking from across the globe. #PGC16 is one way of having those conversations and we need you to be part of it.

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Mathew Laza is director of Policy Network and a former adviser to Ed Miliband

You can read more about Progressive Governance 2016 and sign up to find out more about future events here

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