This research project explores how local conditions and perspectives can help policy makers support sustainable competitiveness and development through labour market dynamics.
Well-functioning labour markets are key for economic growth and international competitiveness, but also for individuals to thrive and for regional businesses development. A high employment rate is also one of the cornerstones of the Nordic welfare model. The Nordic labour markets are however changing at an accelerating pace, driven by the green transition, digitalisation, AI and rising geopolitical uncertainty.
While the green transition promises local jobs, this does not necessarily match with place-based realities such as skills available. Better understanding of the changing labour market dynamics is needed, along with how new needs for education, re-skilling and up-skilling can be met in different place-based contexts.
Project focus
This project draws on previous research on the labour market, such as regional skills ecosystems, remote work, labour market shortage and labour market mobility.
Through eight case studies in the Nordic countries, this research project explores how local conditions and perspectives can help policy makers support sustainable competitiveness and development through labour market dynamics.
Objectives
The aim of the project is to increase knowledge about changing labour market dynamics in different place-based contexts. The objective is to actively involve key stakeholders, providing them with regional insights and expertise, resulting in cross-Nordic learning and support for informed policy development.
Project structure
The project is divided into 4 steps.
1. Building the knowledge base
In the first step, we will identify and define the key concepts used, by examining previous research related to the role of labour market dynamics for sustainable competitiveness and development
2. Exploring labour market dynamics from a place-based perspective
Conducting 8 case studies to gain in-depth knowledge about how labour market dynamics is played out across the Nordic Region.
3.Analysis and validation of results
A cross-case analysis and policy recommendations building on the results of the project and a workshop with key stakeholders,
4. Sharing the knowledge
Final report summarizing the findings of the study.
The research project is a part of the thematic group for green transition and competitiveness, which is a platform for regional policy co-operation between expert networks across the Nordic Region. The Nordic thematic groups contribute to the Nordic Co-operation Programme for Regional Development and Planning 2025-2030 under the Nordic Council of Ministers’ Committee of Senior Officials for Regional Policy (EK-R).
