Publications

This report offers new insights into the challenges, strengths and opportunities of Nordic cities in their climate efforts. It highlights future measures for local, regional and national governments to take. It is the culmination of the Nordic Climate Neutral Cities (NCNC) project, which examines how cities in the Nordic Region are striving to achieve climate neutrality through spatial planning. Based on a multilevel governance approach and in-depth analysis of nine case studies – Aarhus and Vejle (Denmark), Tampere and Oulu (Finland), Reykjavík (Iceland), Trondheim and Kristiansand (Norway) and Lund and Växjö (Sweden) – the report provides new insights into governance challenges, financial constraints, regulatory barriers and spatial planning trade-offs. The report also highlights Nordic cities’ leadership, strong climate commitments and innovative local solutions. The findings underscore the need for improved governance coordination, stronger financial support and policy adjustments to accelerate climate action. While Nordic cities have demonstrated strong commitment to sustainability, they also often grapple with outdated national regulations that limit their ability to implement ambitious climate policies. Key takeaways for action include: Overall, achieving climate neutrality will require Nordic cities to unite the efforts of diverse stakeholders, align frameworks and incentives with a shared vision, address knowledge gaps and collaborate closely with other levels of government.

One particular feature distinguishing the Nordic countries from the rest of the industrialised world is the wage-setting system. The Nordic model has traditionally involved strong trade unions and strong employers’ associations. Despite its recent decline, union density is still higher in the Nordic countries than anywhere else in the world. Membership of employers’ associations is also high. As a result, contracts negotiated between the labour market parties cover the vast majority of the workforce. This issue of the Nordic Economic Policy Review examines the contemporary issues of Nordic labour markets in five articles. Lars Calmfors: The article provides a comprehensive review of how these systems operate in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and Finland, examining their theoretical underpinnings, practical implementation, and economic impacts. Antti Kauhanen: The article analyses the impacts of extending collective bargaining agreements in Nordic labour markets. Mette Ejrnæs and Astrid Würtz Rasmussen: The article provides a comprehensive analysis of public sector wage-setting in the Nordic countries, with a particular focus on Denmark. Anders Kjellberg: This article provides a detailed analysis of union density in Nordic countries. Harald Dale-Olsen: The article examines the multifaceted impacts of labour unions on workers, firms, and the broader economy, with a particular focus on comparing evidence from Norway and the United States.

In recent decades, Nordic cities have witnessed a general trend towards increased urban segregation, which has led to a wide range of policy and planning interventions addressing these issues across the Nordic countries. Against this background, this report examines how Nordic governments and cities address challenges of urban segregation through various policies, strategies, and plans that seek to foster greater social inclusion. The report also explores how the state and municipalities interact, as well as how public sector organisations and other actors work together to tackle segregation and foster social inclusion. The study focuses on four main themes: The study relies on a multi-case study approach, investigating 13 city cases across the five Nordic countries.

It is time to transition to a more sustainable energy future, opening up new opportunities to own energy locally, together. Uppsala University and Nordregio have jointly produced this guide, which is aimed at those interested in creating projects for locally owned energy, as well as decision-makers or financiers who want to understand how you can support citizens in realising these projects. There is great potential in co-creating and owning energy at the local level: lower costs for residents, resilient communities and robust energy systems. Interest in community-owned energy projects is growing steadily, but there are still many questions and the process is difficult to navigate. This practical guide offers three steps to help communities move from concept to implementation, with practical lessons learnt from case studies, and references to resources. Despite a clear political will to support this transition, both at the EU and national levels, clear structures and political support are lacking. The guide, therefore, concludes with six recommendations for administration and policymakers at the local, regional, and national levels to help local energy projects flourish. This guide has also been published in Swedish, access it here.

As Nordic countries look to tourism for regional development, especially in rural areas, there is a growing need to ensure that the benefits of tourism are broadly shared—and its social consequences better understood. This publication is the second in a two-part series on Socially Sustainable Rural Tourism, commissioned by the Nordic Thematic Group for Green, Innovative and Resilient Regions. The first report established a conceptual and policy-based understanding of social sustainability in tourism. This follow-up turns to practice, presenting eight case studies from across the Nordic Region. Through interviews and field visits, the research team explores how tourism policies are being implemented on the ground. What emerges is a mixed picture: community engagement and sustainability are frequently cited in strategies, yet implementation is often uneven. The report identifies governance structures, seasonality, and local participation as crucial to making tourism a tool for social sustainability. Key insights from the Nordic case studies Cross-cutting recommendations for policymakers

This report aims to illustrate how ‘Industrial Symbiosis’ (IS) can be a useful concept and model to accelerate the transition towards the green and circular economy. As a point of departure, this report poses the question: ‘Why industrial symbiosis’? To answer it, the concept is unwrapped in connection to related concepts such as circular economy, green economy and valorisation. Furthermore, the report presents a snapshot of the development of industrial symbiosis in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), followed by more in-depth case studies in selected regions. The report, then, provides conclusions reflecting on the key factors that play a role in forging symbiotic connections between relevant stakeholders, and ends with a list of recommendations. Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, this report contributes to the implementation of the EUSBSR PA Bioeconomy. External project consultant – Maija Kāle, Research Consultant at Nordregio, Research Fellow at the Baltic International Centre for Economic Policy Studie (BICEPS)

Det är dags att ställa om till en mer hållbar energiframtid, vilket öppnar upp för nya möjligheter för att äga energi lokalt, tillsammans. Uppsala universitet och Nordregio har tillsammans tagit fram denna guide, som riktar sig till de som är intresserad av att skapa projekt för lokalt ägd energi, samt till dig som är beslutsfattare eller finansiär och vill förstå hur du kan underlätta för medborgare att förverkliga dessa projekt.  Det finns stor potential i att gemensamt skapa och äga energi på lokal nivå: lägre kostnader för invånarna, resilienta lokalsamhällen och robusta energisystem. Intresset för lokalägda energiprojekt växer stadigt, men frågetecknen är fortfarande många, och processen svårnavigerad. Denna praktiska guide erbjuder tre steg för att hjälpa lokalsamhällen att gå från idé till genomförande, med praktiska lärdomar från fallstudier, och hänvisningar till resurser. Trots en uttalad politisk vilja att stödja denna omställning, både på EU-nivå och nationellt, saknas tydliga strukturer och politiskt stöd. Guiden avslutas därför med sex rekommendationerna till finansiärer samt beslutsfattare på lokal, regional och nationell nivå, för att hjälpa lokala energiprojekt att blomstra.

This final report captures four years of accumulated work by the Nordic Thematic Group for Green, Innovative, and Resilient Regions (2021–2024). Research topics include green innovation systems, remote work post-pandemic, competence mobility, socially sustainable tourism, and collaborative leadership. A wide range of outputs, from policy briefs to case studies and webinars, have been delivered during the course of the programme period. The collaborative approach has enhanced knowledge-sharing and policy-making, supporting the Nordic Council of Ministers’ vision to make the Nordic Region the most sustainable and integrated in the world by 2030. BackgroundThe thematic group operates under the Nordic Co-operation Programme for Regional Development and Planning (2021–2024), with the following objectives: Participants included Nordregio researchers and national, regional, and cross-border representatives, who developed insights aligned with Nordic regional goals on competitiveness, labour markets, and freedom of movement. Research conclusions: ImpactThe group facilitated over 100 knowledge-sharing activities, including at the Nordregio Forum, webinars, and a roadshow of local and national level presentations. Outputs such as reports and case studies enhanced policy discussions, supported regional strategies, and advanced Nordic added value through shared learning and best practices. The work not only advances the Nordic vision but also strengthens networks and capacity for regional development, showcasing the strategic importance of collaboration across sectors and countries.

As regional challenges grow increasingly complex, successful collaboration becomes more vital. This report investigates the drivers, obstacles, and enablers of collaborative leadership, essential for addressing regional socio-economic challenges and fostering sustainable development in the Nordic region. This results of this report are grounded in the cooperative work of Nordic Thematic Group for Green, Innovative and Resilient Regions 2021-2024. Our research expands the concept of collaborative regional leadership, narrowing the focus on how regional institutions and stakeholders practically work together both currently and, in the future, to develop more effective policies, implement strategies, and drive forward ambitious projects. The study identifies factors that either enable or hinder collaboration and proposes a new model for fostering long-term, sustainable partnerships. Using data from a Nordic-wide survey and four in-depth case studies, the report zooms in on:   The research reveals that what often triggers collaboration – crisis, shared regional challenges, and policy shifts – there are critical common factors that frequently curb progress – limited resources, weak leadership, and fragmented policy frameworks. Successful collaborations rely on strong networks, clear leadership, and a culture of cooperation. Our findings emphasize the value of engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering trust to achieve sustainable outcomes. This report’s recommendations include creating long-term platforms for regional collaboration and investing in leadership development to strengthen multi-stakeholder initiatives. By synthesizing the experiences of Nordic regions, this report provides a practical framework for building resilient, collaborative ecosystems that support both regional development and the broader Nordic Vision 2030.

This report provides insights into the regional economic effects of the green transition across the Nordic countries. Through a series of country- and sector-specific chapters by Nordic experts, the report explores the regional challenges and opportunities associated with advancing the green transition within key sectors and achieving ambitious climate goals in the Nordic Region. Key issues covered include analyses of the economic shifts in sectors such as agriculture, forestry, tourism, oil and gas, and green industries, examining how these changes affect labor markets, regional economies, and national strategies. Questions addressed include: This report is a source of inspiration for policymakers, regional planners, researchers, industry leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the socio-economic dimensions of the green transition in the Nordic Region. It offers practice-based perspectives into addressing the challenges of decarbonisation while fostering regional development and inclusivity.

Latest research and implications for planners and policymakers This report examines how remote work is reshaping urban and regional development in the Nordic Region, highlighting remote work’s influence on residential preferences, mobility, workforce distribution, and the attractiveness of rural areas. Six thematic areas are identified as having a spatial impact: transportation, urban-rural linkages, digital nomadism, co-working spaces, housing, urban cores, and polycentric cities. Exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has changed how people live and work. Since 2021, Nordregio has studied the tools and policies used in Nordic countries to support remote work. This report aims to discuss the research results within Nordregio’s Remote work and multilocality post-pandemic project and the latest international literature exploring the spatial implications of remote work. In doing so, we understand how remote work can be integrated into urban and regional development, planning, and policymaking within the Nordic Region. We identified six thematic areas in which remote work practices are making a spatial influence on urban, rural, and regional development: (1) challenges and opportunities for transportation, (2) urban-rural linkages, (3) digital nomadism, co-working spaces, and third places, (4) attractive and affordable housing fit for work-live arrangements, (5) impacts on urban cores, and (6) polycentric cities and the 15-minute city ideal. The report provides a discussion of planning and policy implications, categorised under three areas: transportation, the built environment, and sustainability. The report highlights several recommendations, such as to safeguard public transport, support investments in measures to boost small-town and rural attractiveness, encourage development according to work-live (mixed-use) designs and 15-minute city principles, promote a diverse and affordable housing supply, enable access to digital infrastructure, plan for residents who also do not have the possibility to work remotely, and reconsider research frameworks and data collection based on the unique spatial patterns of remote work.

This report explores strategies to alleviate rural labour shortages across Denmark, Finland, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, and Åland. It includes an overview of trends driving rural labour shortages, country-specific national outlooks, and a thematic review that highlights commonalities and differences in rural workforce challenges across the Nordic region. In addition to the full report (links above), you can download an extended summary of the report in Nordic languages. The key questions tackled in the report include: Based on the analyses, the report introduces six strategies for addressing rural labour shortages in the Nordic region: These strategies emphasise the need for tailored, region-specific approaches to meet varying local labour market needs. The report is an outcome of the Nordic ‘Strategies to Address Nordic Rural Labour Shortage‘ project, which aims to fill knowledge gaps concerning strategies for addressing rural labour shortages, their regional variations, and the sectors particularly affected by such shortages. The project has been carried out in the framework of the Nordic Thematic Group on Green and Inclusive Rural Development (2021-2024). Strategies to address rural labour shortages and the key insights from the report are also discussed in a webinar on 15 January: Tackling rural labour shortages: challenges, strategies and solutions. Register to participate live or catch up with a video recording afterwards.

Gender disparity in the Nordic healthcare sector has significant social, cultural, and economic implications in societies that prioritise equality. Despite their progressive stance, Nordic countries continue to grapple with the persistent overrepresentation of women in healthcare, reflecting a broader gender division. This report provides findings from the “Share the Care” project on gender segregation in healthcare, particularly in nursing. This gender segregation is a persistent issue that affects the composition and dynamics of the healthcare workforce. Despite efforts to promote gender equality, nursing remains largely female-overrepresented, with men facing barriers to entry and career progression. Recruitment strategies and measures to address this imbalance are crucial to fostering a more gender-diverse workforce in the healthcare sector. This report begins with a background literature review focused on gender segregation in healthcare. Following the overview of the current literature, the report continues with a section devoted to the Nordic perspective on gender in nursing. The results present the project outcomes and recruitment strategies. It focuses on the implementation of the project, detailing recruitment efforts and other measures taken to address gender norms. The report concludes with reflections on limitations, biases and recommendations for the future.   This research will help policy-makers, health sector workers, and educators in their endeavors to achieve more equal and gender-balanced societies in the Nordic countries.

The green transition involves different economic, social and territorial impacts that have been explored in the four year research project “Not Just a Green Transition – Examining the path towards a socially just green transition in the Nordic Region” (short name: NJUST). The result is the Nordic Toolbox for a Just Green Transition, which contributes to a transition towards a climate neutral Nordic Region that is socially just.   The comprehensive and interactive toolbox offers guidance for Nordic policymakers to navigate challenges, listen to those affected, and get inspired. The toolbox highlights six priority areas for enabling a just green transition, and offers policy memos from four socially at-risk groups: older adults, youth, people with disabilities and those at risk of unemployment. Through practical tools and examples, a structured checklist, policymakers can gain insights into how to take action for a transition that is not only green – but equitable too.  We want your feedback! Answer this short survey with your thoughts and feedback on the Toolbox.

The Nordic countries are considered to be global front-runners in creating sustainable societies. Although we get a lot of things right, big tasks lie ahead if we are to reach our vision to be the most integrated and sustainable region in the world by 2030. The Sustainable Living programme, running from 2021 through 2024, is a response to this challenge and a call to action. It has explored what a sustainable Nordic lifestyle entails and formulated concrete guidelines and tools for policy and business development. It has demonstrated public impact through the spread of information and inspiration, the development of new business areas that can be ecolabelled and the demonstration of necessary behavioural and cultural changes. In this Sustainable Living Hub, you can access all our projects’ resources in one place. From survey results and research reviews to practical guidelines, teaching materials, webinars, and policy recommendations.

This report analyses experiences of young people in Nordic nonprofit organisations from a gender and climate perspective. It identifies clear patterns and obstacles and considers key approaches to enabling more inclusive youth movements.  Studies have shown that young people tend to worry about climate change to a greater degree than adults and are often more committed to sustainable development. Young people are vital agents for a just green transition, but participation varies across social identities and backgrounds. However, there seem to be differences in involvement between girls and boys that roughly reflect the patterns between women and men. Men and boys tend to be less interested in both sustainability and gender equality. How can nonprofit organisations strengthen the conscious and committed, while also bringing underrepresented voices to the table?

Measuring sustainable tourism doesn’t just mean looking at the natural environment. Travel destinations have to be livable and functional for the permanent residents who help make them so attractive in the first place. This report examines the integration of social sustainability within the national tourism policies of the Nordic countries, focusing on how these policies address the social dimensions of sustainable tourism. As tourism continues to grow in the Nordic region, the economic benefits of tourism have to be balanced with the environmental and social impacts, to ensure the well-being of local communities and the preservation of cultural heritage. Tourism plays a crucial role in the development of the Nordic region, offering significant opportunities for growth and job creation. However, the rapid expansion of the tourism industry has also brought challenges such as overtourism, environmental degradation, and social disruptions. The project this report belongs to, aims to explore how the Nordic countries are addressing these challenges by integrating social sustainability into their tourism policies. The concept of socially sustainable tourism encompasses various aspects, including community engagement, cultural preservation, social equity, and the well-being of local populations. By examining the national tourism policies of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, and Åland, this report seeks to identify common themes and specific strategies employed by these countries to promote socially sustainable tourism. The analysis is based on a comprehensive literature review, policy review, and case studies, providing a holistic understanding of the current state of social sustainability in Nordic tourism. The findings highlight the importance of community involvement in tourism planning and development, the need for equitable distribution of tourism benefits, and the role of cultural preservation in maintaining the unique identity of the Nordic region. This report serves as a foundational document for further research on the more…

Mission-oriented innovation policies have gained traction as effective frameworks for tackling significant societal issues through targeted innovation efforts. This report provides an in-depth analysis of mission-oriented innovation policies (MOIPs) in the Nordic countries, focusing specifically on Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. This study, commissioned by the Nordic Thematic Group for Green, Innovative, and Resilient Regions (2021–2024), explores how these countries have integrated MOIPs into their national innovation systems to address major societal challenges, particularly those incurred by climate change. Key Findings Comparative Analysis The report highlights the unique characteristics and implementation strategies of MOIPs in each country, offering a comparative analysis to identify common themes and key differences. It underscores the importance of long-term perspectives, enhanced stakeholder collaboration, and the alignment of national policies with broader EU frameworks like Horizon Europe and the European Green Deal. In this report, our research focuses on the following key questions: By addressing these questions, this report provides valuable insights and practical recommendations for policymakers, researchers, and innovation professionals dedicated to understanding and maneuvering the societal levers that drive innovation forward. Collaborative approach This report edited and co-authored by Nordregio researchers Alberto Giacometti and Sigrid Jessen, is a collaboration with Markus Grillitsch Director of CIRCLE at Lund University, Markku Sotarauta from Tampere University, and Teis Hansen from the University of Copenhagen.

This Nordic Voluntary Subnational Review (VSR) is the first cross-national report of its kind in the world. It has been developed as a joint venture by the Nordic Associations of Local and Regional Governments (LRGAs) and Nordregio. The aim of the report is to highlight how the Nordic municipalities and regional authorities have localised the Sustainable Development Goals – progress made, as well as obstacles they have met in their work. Through the report and a toolbox, we want to share learnings and tested methods with local and regional authorities globally. Development happens locally. At least 105 of the 169 SDG targets depend on active engagement from local and regional authorities. The 2030 Agenda can serve as a tool to pinpoint sustainability challenges and track progress holistically, fostering collaboration among citizens, businesses, and civil society. Nordic welfare states, known for their autonomy at the municipal and regional level, have long served as a global benchmark for systematically addressing sustainability challenges. This Nordic VSR is based on surveys sent to Nordic municipalities, complemented by interviews with representatives from the LRGAs regarding the strengths and weaknesses of national support to the local level, as well as the role of LRGAs in building competence and promoting municipal cooperation. The report also includes subchapters on methods for meaningful citizen engagement by The Nordic Youth Network for Sustainable Development and the Nordic Civil Society Network.  The report’s official launch took place as a side event at the UN High-Level Political Forum. See a recording of it here.  Five highlights from the report Nordic Toolbox An important complement to the Nordic VSR is the Nordic Toolbox: an interactive, online map of Nordic municipalities showcasing transferable methods and initiatives for implementing the SDGs. The Nordic Toolbox offers a diverse collection of examples and tools that you can filter by SDG or by…

Cross-border municipalities in Sweden and its Nordic neighbours are already well integrated. They have strong links and cooperate closely, in particular through cross-border committees involving local and regional authorities or through direct cooperation at the municipal level. However, issues hindering greater integration of cross-border municipalities and regions remain. This study focuses on three cases in the Swedish-Finnish, Swedish-Norwegian and Swedish-Danish border regions that face different topographical challenges. Through interviews with local and regional stakeholders, the main challenges with regard to furthering cross-border integration were identified.  In addition, four research axes for sharing-potential were identified on the basis of the interviews and later discussed during a workshop held with stakeholders from municipalities, regions and national authorities from Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark. In this report, our research focuses on the following key questions: