Welcome to Nordregio Forum 2026: the annual research conference for regional development in the Nordics
Join us for Nordregio Forum in Aarhus, Denmark on 17-18 November. Here we will deep dive into how Nordic regions can offer an attractive environment for firms and residents to live and work. Full programme and speaker line-up will be published after the summer.
Theme 2026: What it takes for regions to grow, appeal, and compete in times of change
In a globalised and fast-evolving world, the Nordic countries must remain competitive to attract industry, innovation, and people. Yet many regions face failing industries, outmigration, housing shortages, and declining access to skills. Economic growth and well-being depend on an attractive and sustainable environment for both residents and businesses, but the conditions for competitiveness differ widely across Nordic cities and rural areas.
The Nordics can continue to lead the way in sustainable growth, but how do we stay competitive in times of change? What policies, planning approaches, and investments are needed to ensure that all Nordic regions can thrive? At Nordregio Forum 2026, we explore how long-term, research-based regional planning can turn this vision into reality.
The challenge facing Nordic regions
Demographic decline, labour shortages, and uneven regional development are limiting innovation, slowing the green transition, and placing pressure on housing, infrastructure, energy systems, and public services.
Competitiveness ultimately depends on people. Today, the Nordics lack sufficient skilled labour in the right places. Addressing this challenge requires coordinated investments in skills, innovation, digitalisation, and regionally tailored policies.
At Nordregio Forum, regions, policymakers, researchers and practitioners come together to find solutions.
What you’ll gain:
✔ Learn how regions tackle labour shortages and housing challenges
✔ Connect directly with Nordic decision-makers and researchers
✔ Take home practical policy insights and tools
✔ Build partnerships across sectors
Register today to secure your place:
About Nordregio Forum
Nordregio forum serves as a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and research-based solutions for regional and local policymakers, researchers, and practitioners. Join us for inspiring keynotes, interactive workshops, local study visits in Aarhus, and peer-to-peer exchange.
What to expect:
- Collaborate with your peers: Connect with regional decision makers, researchers, and industry representatives.
- Insightful Keynotes: Gain insights from leading experts and researchers on how we shape more competitive Nordic region.
- Idea-generating workshops and panels: Participate in dynamic discussions that focus on action and new perspectives.
- Research-driven solutions: Access Nordregios latest research and explore how Nordic demographic shifts and geographic differences shape our approach to competitiveness.
Join us in-person at ARoS Museum in Aarhus on 17-18 November for Nordregio Forum 2026.
But don’t just take our word for it…
"A lot of knowledge concentrated into a short amount of time.", Lisa Lundgren, Secretary General, Nordkalottrådet
"An excellent opportunity for Nordic exchange and collaboration.", Sakari Puisto, Minister of Economic Affairs, Finland
Forum FAQ
Who can attend?
Nordregio Forum is designed for a wide range of professionals and stakeholders working with regional, rural, and urban development across the Nordic countries.
- Policymakers at national, regional, and local levels
- Researchers and academics in regional development and sustainability
- Industry leaders and innovators in green technology and planning
- Urban and regional planners
- Public sector professionals involved in environmental and social policy
- NGOs and civil society actors engaged in sustainable development
How much does a conference ticket cost?
The conference ticket is free of charge, which includes access to all seminars, lunch on both days, conference dinner on day 1 and transport to and from the study trip. Travel to and from the conference and hotel is not included in the ticket.
Will the conference also be streamed online?
No, this conference is an in-person event only
