This research project explores how Nordic countries and regions manage green industrialization processes and value chains. It looks at enabling and hampering factors for these processes and how they contribute to local and regional competitiveness.
The Nordic region is undergoing a sustainable transition towards a greener economy. However, the green transition faces several challenges: from global shifts in trade relations to regulatory barriers and the commercialisation of innovation.
At the same time, The Nordic Council of Ministers presidency programme calls for Nordic businesses having the capacity to innovate and compete in global markets by increasing cooperation in sustainable solutions. With this as a backdrop, there is a need for increased knowledge about whether, and how, sustainable industries can support regional competitiveness. There is also a need for effective learning tools to help policymakers support these industries throughout the transition.
Project focus
Through eight case studies, the project will identify the necessary conditions and effective policy support measures to foster the growth of sustainable industries. It will also identify ways to ensure that sustainable industries make a meaningful contribution to both the green transition and to regional and local competitiveness.
Objectives
The aim of this project is to identify the necessary conditions and effective policy support measures to foster the growth of sustainable industries. The aim is also to ensure sustainable industries meaningful contribution to both the sustainable transition and regional as well as local competitiveness in the Nordics.
Project structure
The project is carried out though 3 steps.
1. Knowledge overview
The first step focuses on identifying case studies and relevant regional and local stakeholders in the Nordic countries. In this step Nordregio will also collect and provide a thorough review of existing policy support measures to foster growth of sustainable industries and support their meaningful contribution in the respective case study areas.
2. Case study analysis
Case studies from eight Nordic countries and autonomous regions will be analysed to highlight emerging or transforming sustainable industries and circular value chains. This will be based on interviews with public and private actors.
3. Online workshop
Step 3 will include an online workshop based on the case study results, to develop practical tools for local and regional authorities as well as industries. Stakeholders will provide input and engage in a co-creation process to design a learning tool for local and regional policymakers to support industries in the sustainable transition.
