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Higher education in Nordic rural areas and small towns: success factors and effective approaches

In recent decades, the educational landscape has become increasingly geographically diverse. Peripheral education—offered in smaller towns and rural areas—has emerged as a strategic tool for addressing social inequalities by improving access to education and enhancing labour market outcomes. It also supports local economies by meeting regional workforce needs and boosting place-based attractiveness and vitality through community engagement and collaboration with the surrounding society.  While peripheral education plays a vital role in local and regional development, it also faces significant challenges. Demographic shifts, youth outmigration, limited resources, and the small scale of operations create ongoing pressures for institutions operating in these contexts. In addition, evolving demands for new skills and more flexible study options present both opportunities and further complexities for these educational providers.  In this webinar, we will explore how to navigate these challenges and the potential of peripheral education as drivers of regional development. The webinar is aimed at educational providers seeking inspiration from effective approaches that can help institutions thrive, as well as civil servants and public authorities with an interest in education and regional development.  Programme Welcome and Introduction Miia Itänen, Senior Communications Advisor, Nordregio  EDYNORA Research Highlights: How can we create and sustain attractive educational environments in smaller towns and rural areas in the Nordic Region?Eva Maersk, PhD, Research Consultant, Nordregio  Launch of the Nordic Higher Education and VET Portal: What can we learn from the mapping?Anna Vasilevskaya, Cartographer/ GIS Analyst, Nordregio  What are the key ingredients for success–Place, People, or Programmes?Peter Weiss, director, the University Centre of the Westfjords How is education responding to evolving skills demands and industry needs?Fredrik Sandelin, Regional developer, Jakobstad Region Development Company Concordia   Panel discussion: What does ‘success’ look like for peripheral education in the Nordics? Is it about attracting young people, generating economic impact, creating local employment, or enhancing place attractiveness—or is…

Nordregio at Folkemødet, Almedalsveckan and Arendalsuka 2025

This summer, Nordregio is joining the Nordic democracy festivals to share insights from our research and highlight regional perspectives on key societal challenges, from digital inclusion in remote areas to young people’s role in the green transition. Join us at the Nordic Tent on Bornholm, Gotland, and Arendal for important conversations on the future of the Nordic Region. Nordregio at the Nordic democracy festivals 2025 Digital inklusion og nordiske demokratier – læringer fra Åland, Grønland og Færøerne At deltage fuldt ud i samfundet og demokratiet kræver i dag digitale kompetencer og tilgang til pålidelige digitale værktøj. Elektroniske ID (eID) er blevet afgørende for at kunne kommunikere medmyndigheder, gennemføre finansielle transaktioner, og få tilgang til tjenester. Norden ligger i front – i flere lande har over 90% af befolkningen et eID. Men hvad sker med dem som falder udenfor? Folkemødet: Saturday 14 June 2025, 14.00-14.45 Lokalt ägd energi: En bortglömd pusselbit i beredskapen I takt med att energikriser, geopolitiska osäkerheter och extremväder sätter press på Sveriges energisystem, är frågan om energisäkerhet mer aktuell än någonsin. Men medan vi bygger ut storskaliga lösningar och centraliserade system, missar vi en avgörande pusselbit – den lokala nivån. Almedalsveckan: Thursday 26 June 2025, 08.00-08.45 Från klimatlöften till klyftor – hur vänder vi ungas misstro? Hela 74 % av unga i Norden, mer än någon annan åldersgrupp, oroar sig för klimatförändringar. Frågan är hur vi kan vända trenden, och få ungdomarna att åter tro på en bättre framtid. Almedalsveckan: Thursday 26 June 2025, 13.00-13.45 Unge for grønn omstilling – må vi betale prisen eller får vi en bedre framtid? 74 % av unge i Norden bekymrer seg for klimaendringer, og mange er engasjert i den grønne omstillingen, men har de noen reell innflytelse på den? Forskning viser at verktøyene og løsningene for en rettferdig omstilling allerede…
  • 14 - 13 August 2025

Wage formation and the Nordic model: Nordic Economic Policy Review 2025

Join us on May 7 in Helsinki as we launch this year's edition of the Nordic Economic Policy Review.

Beyond segregation: How Nordic countries are planning for socially inclusive cities

Explore how Nordic countries are addressing urban segregation and fostering inclusive cities—join our webinar on April 30 to learn more and access the new report!

Rural re-population: Attracting skilled migrants

At this event, we explore which indicators might explain why certain regions are particularly attractive to move to compared to others. We also ask regional policymakers how they changed their depopulation story and got skilled migrants to move to rural areas.  

The right kind of tourist? Rethinking tourism’s impact on Nordic communities

Will your next holiday help grow local economies or push the locals over the edge?  As visitor numbers soar, some Nordic travel destinations are pushing back. Our research on the social sustainability of tourism, takes a close look at the dilemmas that these places are facing, while offering strategies that create a balance between the tourism industry and local needs and resources. This event brings together researchers, representatives from the tourism industry and local voices to explore the consequences of growing tourism. Programme 13:00 Welcome and introduction– Anne Katrine Ebbesen, Senior Communications Advisor, Nordregio 13:05 Research highlights– Águst Bogason, Senior Research Advisor, Nordregio– Maja Brynteson, Research Fellow, Nordregio– Lisa Rohrer, Research Fellow, Nordregio 13:30 Panel debate: Tourism’s development dilemmasTourism development fosters regional economic resilience, enhances infrastructure, and provides employment. This is something that is generally agreed upon, however it also comes with a set of challenges. But are the tourist booms also boosting the public sector needed to keep up with increased traffic, waste and healthcare? And if tourism keeps growing, how will the culture stay authentically local? We discuss the dilemmas of tourism growth in the Nordics with a panel of tourism experts and local voices. – Thordur Freyr Sigurdsson, Manager of Development, Association of Municipalities in South Iceland. Master of Sustainable Rural Development, University of the Highlands and Islands. SASS’s main activity is to advocate for the interests of residents and municipalities in South Iceland. – Sigve Olsen, Head of Economic Development, Vestvågøy Municipality, Lofoten, Norway. Sigve is the Head of Business Relations in Vestvågøy Municipality—one of the six municipalities that make up the Lofoten Islands. He also leads a working group connected to visitor risk management. – Kristina N. Lindström, Associate Professor, University of Stavanger. Holds a Ph.D. in Human Geography from the School of Business, Economics…

Navigating Nordic discontent: Regional divides, electoral trends and the green transition

The Nordic countries are often regarded as some of the most stable, equal, and well-functioning societies in the world. With strong welfare systems, high trust in institutions, and a long history of political stability, they have traditionally been viewed as resistant to the political turbulence seen elsewhere. Yet, in recent years, support for populist parties has grown across the region, which has been viewed as a sign of rising discontent. What is driving this shift? How do economic anxieties, cultural change, and social divides shape political sentiment?  Which role does the green transition play? And how can policymakers address discontent while ensuring a just and inclusive transition? This webinar on 26 March (13.00-14.30 CET / Stockholm) explored the interplay between rising inequalities, political discontent, and the green transition in the Nordic Region.  In the webinar, we share highlights from research-based analysis from Ensuring inclusive economic growth in the transition to a green economy (EnIGG) project, discuss insights and policy implications, and present a new policy brief on navigating these tensions on the path towards a just and inclusive transition. Speakers and panelists include: Moderator: Miia Itänen, Nordregio Programme 13:00 Welcome and introduction 13:05 Understanding geographies of discontentMyriam Chilvers (Nordregio) 13:15 Mapping regional divides across the Nordic RegionKamila Dzhavatova (Nordregio) 13:30 Inequality, voting patterns and the green paradoxCarlos Tapia (Nordregio) 13:40 Q&A 13:45 Panel discussion: green transition in the age of discontentMerethe Dotterud Leiren (CICERO)Susanne Wallman Lundåsen (Linköping University)Tomas Hanell (Migration Institute of Finland)Carlos Tapia & Nora Sánchez Gassen (Nordregio)comments & input from the audience 14:15 Looking ahead: what are the policy implications?Nora Sánchez Gassen (Nordregio) 14:30 End of the webinar

Nordic Day in Sweden: A sustainable energy transition – for a secure Nordic Region

As part of the Nordic Day celebrations across the Nordic and Baltic regions, the Finnish Embassy in Stockholm hosted a seminar on 19 March 2025, focusing on energy security and the green transition. Organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Finnish Embassy, the event brought together experts and policymakers to explore how sustainable energy can enhance Nordic resilience and independence in an evolving global landscape. Elin Slätmo, Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio, contributed to a panel discussion on Nordic strengths and solutions for the green transition. She highlighted research findings and policy recommendations from: This seminar is one of several events marking Nordic Day, which celebrates the region’s long-standing political cooperation. Seminar participation was by invitation, but a live stream and recording are available to all – watch the video below! The event is in Swedish. Nordens dag i Sverige: En hållbar energiomställning – för ett säkert Norden Onsdagen den 19 mars bjuder Nordiska Ministerrådet tillsammans med Finlands Ambassad i Stockholm in till en eftermiddag/kväll där vi fokuserar på en grön, säker och robust energiomställning, stärker våra nordiska nätverk och samtidigt matar den kulturella aptiten. Syftet med eventet är att visa på betydelsen av det nordiska samarbetet när det gäller att driva den gröna energiomställningen framåt, med särskilt fokus på Nordens beredskap. Program: 16.00: Välkommen och introduktion / Maimo Henriksson, Finlands ambassadör till Sverige 16.10: Keynote: Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, landshövding i Gotlands län (tidigare generaldirektör för Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap (MSB)) Hur kan vi i Norden tillsammans tackla de ökade utmaningarna kring energiförsörjning och civilt beredskap och samtidigt säkra en robust grön omställning? 16.20: Paneldiskussion – Åsa Pettersson, VD för Energiföretagen.– Mats Persson, Senior Vice President, Market Intelligence and flexibility, Fortum.– Klaus Skytte, direktör för Nordisk energiforskning.– Martin Sangve, HR Director Hitachi Energy Sweden.– Elin Slätmo, Senior…

Energi- och kompetensförsörjning: Nordregio på Reglab 2025

Är din region motståndskraftig mot kompetensflykt? Lokalt ägd energiproduktion, hur gör man? Den 13 mars arrangerar Nordregio två läropass under Reglab 2025 i Sundsvall på tema Motståndskraft.

Future-proofing the Nordics – what is resilient leadership?

An event about the regional collaborative approach. Pandemics, climate disasters, political polarisation, rising inequality, aging populations, disinformation and fake news – these are but a few of many trials facing leaders of the information age. Bouncing back from a crisis isn’t easy – and yet the Nordic countries seem to be extraordinarily good at it. With high levels of social trust across the populations, governments are seemingly able to adapt to challenges with flexibility and agility. Can we trace the stable economic growth to a specific Nordic brand of resilience? And which industries are able to thrive despite a new reality of concentric crises? ”Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” – In this conference we explore how the Nordics strategically spread out their efforts, to not lean too heavily on just one industry or sector. And how no single type of leader can handle the growing complexity of future challenges. Instead, the Nordic countries can lead the way by showcasing the strength of regional cooperation. We have the research to back up the theoretical understanding of how that leadership works and at this conference, we will bring together the people that show the pivotal results of collaborative leadership. Programme 10.00 Welcome words and introduction 10.05 Keynote – “Waking up to a new age of multiple geopolitical crises” Annika Wäppling Korzinek, Head of the EU Commission Representation in Sweden 10.35 Nordregio Research Talks “Young Nordics on the move: Attractiveness beyond the zero-sum game“Hilma Salonen “The future of remote work: How the pandemic changed us?”Lisa Rohrer and Ágúst Bogason “Building crisis resilience: Insights from the Collaborative Regional Leadership Project” John Moodie 11.20 Research panel discussion 11.45 Keynote – “The curious history of eco-financial leadership”Oskar Broberg, University of Gothenburg 12.20 Final reflections and wrap-up by moderator
  • 21 January 2025

Tackling rural labour shortages: challenges, strategies and solutions

Rural areas across the Nordic Region are facing increasing labour shortages, impacting industries, public services and local communities. Our webinar explored the findings of Nordregio’s new report, ‘Strategies to address Nordic rural labour shortage‘ and presented practical solutions for overcoming skills and labour supply challenges in rural areas. This webinar on 15 January 2025 (13.00-14.30 CET / Stockholm) highlights: The agenda included expert presentations and Q&A session, offering participants the opportunity to engage with Nordic researchers and policymakers working on rural labour market issues. Participants took part in the discussion by sharing their own experiences and perspectives on developing strategies to foster vibrant rural labour markets in the Nordic Region. Speakers and panellists: Moderator: Miia Itänen, Nordregio This webinar is part of Nordregio’s research insights series. See which events are coming up next and get ready for more research-based insights for rural and urban development and innovative, resilient regions.

Ready for take-off? Unlocking the future of electric aviation in the Nordic Region

As the Nordic countries strive towards sustainable transport solutions, electric aviation presents a promising avenue for enhancing regional connectivity and accessibility. But what does it take to unlock the future of electric aviation and make use of electric aircraft to connect Nordic regions? Is electric aviation really ready for take-off? Our webinar on 4 December (13.00-14.30 CET) focused on the steps towards implementing electric aviation in the Nordic Region. Participant also got an overview of a brand new policy brief outlining actionable steps to turn electric aviation from vision to reality. Issues discussed included: Speakers: This webinar was part of the ‘Electric aviation and the effects on the Nordic regions’ project mapping out the steps towards implementing electric aviation and analysing both its benefits and challenges for local communities and regional development.

Remote Work & Multilocality – a Nordic Insight

How is remote work shaping the future of Nordic regions? Join our upcoming webinar together with NIVA. During the webinar we explore the latest findings on remote work and multilocality in the Nordic region, with insights from the final report within our Remote work project, presented by senior researcher Anna Granath Hansson. The webinar will focus on the long-term impacts of remote work trends on Nordic cities, regions, and rural areas, offering perspectives on how these shifts influence mobility, migration patterns, and the attractiveness of towns and rural areas. This session will also address critical questions about the tools and policies Nordic countries are using to support sustainable remote work and how to ensure social, environmental, and financial sustainability in a multilocal world. We will also highlight how remote work affects the work environment and how to create safe, healthy workplaces remotely. Key takeaways from the webinar: The webinar will be held in Zoom, and you will receive more practical information upon registration.

Regional economic effects of the green transition in the Nordic Region

How will the green transition reshape key sectors in the Nordic Region? What kind of regional impacts and challenges are there across the Nordics – and how should we address them? This webinar on 3 December (14.00-15.00 CET / Stockholm) focused on the regional impacts, economic opportunities and challenges related to green transition in key sectors in the Nordic countries. The webinar marked the launch a new report that takes stock of the regional economic effects of the green transition in the Nordic Region. The report provides insights into what the green transition means for key sectors in the Nordic countries. The questions addressed include: Webinar speakers and panelists: The online participants had a possibility to get an overview of the green transition’s regional impacts across the Nordics, participate in the discussion, and hear from experts from different Nordic countries about the challenges and opportunities to reduce greenhouse gases and on regional impacts the green transition on employment and economic output. This webinar was a part of our campaign This Fall is Green, which gathers four events with one common goal – to accelerate the green transition in the Nordic Region. Make sure to check out the outcomes and highlights from the other events in the series as well!

Gender equality in the Nordic blue economy – the way forward

The blue and marine sectors play a crucial role in the economies and sustainability efforts of the Nordic countries. To ensure the long-term growth and survival of these sectors, they must become more inclusive and gender equal. Earlier this year, Nordregio launched the pivotal report “Ensuring Gender Equality in the Nordic Blue Economy”. The report covers the big picture, offering statistics on women’s presence in various professions in the sectors. Our research showed that women were underrepresented in general and in decision-making in particular – now and historically. Many fisherwomen experience sexist attitudes and even harassment. It also examines training opportunities and initiatives aimed at increasing gender balance and creating a more inclusive work environment within the blue economy. The report called for several actions, including encouragement of women to go into the sectors and the need for role models, to increase primary data collection and to mitigate and counteract the risk of sexual harassment. How do we turn these insights into action? This webinar brings together representatives from across the Nordics to discuss how we can turn Nordregio’s report findings into concrete actions and promote gender equality in the blue economy. From political decisions to local initiatives and business practices, we aim to combine research with practical experience and policy interventions to show how an equal blue economy can become a reality in the Nordics. Dive into the blue economy with us to engage in meaningful discussions on how we can drive positive change and shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the blue and marine industries. Programme: Anna Karlsdóttir, Nordregio/University of Iceland presents report “Ensuring Gender Equality in Nordic Blue Economy” Cecilia Österman will present key findings from her research on workplace harassment at sea, and gender equality in Nordic Blue Economies.Panel discussion: Cecilia Österman, Senior Lecturer, Kalmar Maritime…

Nordregio Forum 2024: Nordics Turning Green

At this year’s Forum we are focused on elevating the Nordic green transition beyond crisis management to creating more attractive and competitive cities and regions.

Who cares about men in care?

Why are there so few men in nursing, and what can be done to change this? Join us for an engaging webinar on 15 November at 10.00 CET where we will explore the persistent gender imbalance in nursing and examine what steps can be taken to address it.  Currently, less than 15% of nursing graduates are men—a statistic shaped by societal perceptions and gender stereotypes. Despite efforts to promote equality, men face significant challenges when entering and advancing nursing careers. To change this, a cultural shift is needed at all levels of education, alongside more robust diversity plans in workplaces.  This webinar draws on insights from the “Share the Care: Strategies to Increase Diversity in Nursing Education” report, funded by NIKK, and marks the launch of a new report examining gender dynamics in nursing across Finland, Norway, and Iceland. The project’s findings offer a comparative Nordic perspective on gender representation in nursing, recruitment strategies, and provide key recommendations for the future.  Webinar programme & speakers 15 November, 10.00-11.30 CET, Zoom Opening Remarks and Introduction: Debora Pricila Birgier and Maija Kāle, Nordregio The Project “Share the Care“ Gender Equality in Care – Panel Discussion The Future of Men in Care and Health – Closing Statements

Nordic Toolbox for a Just Green Transition

The green transition is upon us. But is everyone on board? We all want to ensure that socially at-risk groups aren’t left behind in the transition – but what does that mean in reality? The path towards a just green transition in the Nordic Region can be tricky to navigate. That is why we have developed the “Nordic Toolbox for a Just Green Transition”, collecting four years of research. We invite you to attend the launch! The comprehensive and interactive toolbox offers practical research-based guidance for Nordic policymakers to navigate challenges, listen to those affected, and get inspired. Watch a recording of the webinar to get a collected overview of how policymakers can act to ensure that the green transition is just and fair, and how civil society and socially at-risk groups should be involved to make it a reality. Keynote speech: Åsa Persson, Chair, Swedish Climate Policy Council and Research Director and Deputy Director, SEI Live demo of the toolbox by: Nora Sánchez Gassen, Senior Research Fellow, NordregioLouise Ögland, Communications Advisor, Nordregio Comments by: Eggert Benedikt Guðmundsson, Leader of Sustainable Development in the Prime Minister’s Office, IcelandHeta-Elena Heiskanen, Senior Specialist in Ministry of the Environment in Finland and Secretary General for Climate Change PanelJohan Hall, Investigator for Climate, environment and energy issues, LO/The Swedish Trade Union ConfederationPetra Karjalainen, Co-Chair, The Finnish Agenda2030 Youth Group Moderator: Lisa Pelling, Arena think tank This event is a part of our campaign This Fall is Green, which gathers four events, with one common goal – to accelerate the green transition in the Nordic Region. Read more about This Fall is Green here.

Wage formation in the Nordic Countries: Nordic Economic Policy Review Conference

Join us for a full day with presentations of recent research on wage formation by leading Nordic academics.

Sustainable Living Summit: How you can act for change

The Sustainable Living Summit in Stockholm on 15 October gathered thought leaders from a unique mix of key sectors to showcase solutions and guidelines for enabling sustainable lifestyle choices.