Welcome to the annual Nordic research conference for regional planning!
At Nordregio Forum 2026, we invite you to transform visions of a competitive Nordic region into actionable strategies. Here you will find the latest updates for the programme on day 1 (17 November).
09:00 – 09:30 Coffee and registration
09:30 – 09:35
Welcome & opening remarks
Moderator: Annika Östman, Head of Communications, Nordregio
Dr. Rolf Elmér, Director, Nordregio
09:35 – 10:00
Welcome to Aarhus: Building a competitive and sustainable city
Rolf Johnsen, Head of Climate and Energy, Aarhus Municipality
10:00 – 10:30
What it takes for the Nordics to remain competitive in a changing world
More information coming soon…
10:30 -11:10
Research presentations: Labour market
How can labour market dynamics support competitiveness?
- Hjördís Guðmundsdóttir, Research Fellow, Nordregio
What does it take for remote labour markets to be sustainable?
- Dr. Anna Lundgren, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio
Commentator: Hjalti Jóhannesson, Researcher, University of Akureyri
11:10 – 11:40
Coffee break with Aarhus residents
Ask locals what life is like in Aarhus! Together with ReThinker and Visit Aarhus, local Aarhus residents will answer any questions you have about living and working in Aarhus over a cup of coffee.
11:40-12:15
Research presentations: Resilience
Unsung heroes of attractive places: overlooked yet essential building blocks
- Dr. Hilma Salonen, Senior Research Fellow& Lisa Rohrer, Research Fellow, Nordregio
Economic resilience and competitiveness in Nordic rural areas: a functional perspective
- Dr. Carlos Tapia, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio
12:15-13:00
Panel session: Diverse or specialised labour markets: what works in a crisis?
Benjamin Ullman, Junior GIS analyst/Cartographer Nordregio
Panellists: Gunvor Eldegard, Senior Adviso, KS – Hjalti Jóhannesson, RHA, Researcher, University of Akureyri, Dr Niklas Guldåker, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio, Tillväxtverket (TBC)
13:00 –14:30
Lunch & Art tour at ARoS Museum
14:30 –16:30
Parallel Study trips in Aarhus
Agro Food Park
Explore one of Europe’s leading agri-food innovation ecosystems and discover how collaboration between businesses, research institutions and public actors can drive sustainable growth, job creation and regional competitiveness.
During this study visit to Agro Food Park, participants will gain insight into how the cluster has evolved into a dynamic environment for innovation in the food and agricultural sectors, supporting companies, attracting talent and encouraging partnerships across disciplines.
Through presentations, discussions and a tour of the campus, the visit will showcase how place-based innovation ecosystems can contribute to economic resilience and sustainable development.
Innovation at Aarhus
Discover how Aarhus is cultivating innovation, entrepreneurship and future talent through collaboration between higher education, business support organisations and local ecosystem partners. Hosted at the VIA Incubator on Campus Aarhus C, this interactive study visit brings together representatives from The Kitchen at Aarhus University, Business Academy Aarhus and Startup Aarhus to share insights into entrepreneurship education, innovation ecosystems and regional competitiveness.
Through a panel discussion and open dialogue, participants will explore how universities and innovation actors work together to support start-ups, strengthen skills development and create opportunities in a changing labour market, while exchanging experiences and lessons relevant to regions across the Nordic countries.
Aarhus Municipality & city planning in Aarhus
More information coming soon…
Port of Aarhus
More information coming soon…
16:30
Free time
18:30
Conference dinner at Malt Brewery