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Santa has granted your wish for an interactive 3D map

This holiday season, we’re inviting you to explore a Nordic winter wonderland from Santa's perspective, gifting all fellow data nerds our first-ever 3D Christmas map!

Nordregio’s research director appointed to Formas’ Scientific Council

Thomas Niedomysl, Nordregio’s research director, has been appointed by the Swedish government to Formas’ Scientific Council.
  • 2024 December

Inclusive smart communities? Mapping the impact of connectivity in the Nordic-Baltic region

The Nordic-Baltic region, renowned for its digital proficiency, faces a critical challenge: a widening digital divide between urban centres and its vast, sparsely populated rural areas. To address this, a new Nordregio research project “Nordic-Baltic Connectivity (NB-Connect) was launched, building upon the success of its predecessor.

Cross-Nordic perspectives: From research insights to policy inspiration

How can urban, rural, and regional policies contribute to the Vision 2030 of making the Nordic Region the most sustainable and integrated region in the world? Starting from January 2025, we will give you a closer look through a series of events. Our research insight series offers an opportunity to explore how urban, rural, and regional policies can work in synergy to address shared challenges and create sustainable solutions. We will share selected highlights from research and projects carried out by Nordic thematic working groups in 2021-2024. Each event will focus on a different topic. Through different perspectives, they highlight the unique benefits of Nordic cooperation, showcasing how Nordic countries, regions, cities and municipalities are working together to address shared challenges and opportunities through tailored and locally adapted solutions. You can already sign up for: Upcoming sessions later in the new year will address remote work, social inclusion, smart adaptation in rural areas, and climate-neutral cities. Stay tuned for more details! This series provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among policymakers, researchers and academics, as well as practitioners in the Nordic Region. Join us to learn, share, and draw inspiration for the future of regional policy and practice. Get insights into how Nordic collaboration translates research into policy inspiration and strategies that benefit the entire region.

Are we ready for a more diverse care sector in the future?

Gender imbalance in nursing has significant social, cultural and economic implications. Nursing remains a female profession, which not only limits workforce diversity – but also perpetuates gender norms. Encouraging more men to enter and succeed in the field is essential to address critical workforce shortages and ensure equitable representation. A more diverse workforce enhances creativity, improves patient care and better reflects the communities it serves, ultimately contributing to a more equitable healthcare system.  According to Gísli Kort Kristófersson, Professor of psychiatric nursing at University of Akureyri, and a project member in “Share the Care”, there are four main reasons why we should increase male enrollment to nursing:  “First of all, it’s kind of a human right argument. Males should have the right to go to nursing without having this micro aggression. It has to be a choice, and it has to be with you being the person you want to be.  Two is work force reason […]. If we are only recruiting from one half of the population […], if we only recruit to nursing people with red hair we would have less nurses, and it’s the same with gender […] and we are facing a shortage of nursing.  Then there is a quality reason […] that the nurses should represent the users they serve, and this goes for race, ethnicity, culture, […], and gender is only one part of that.  And then there are also evidences to suggest that more gender balanced workplaces are a little happier”.   Why are men under-represented in nursing, why are they dropping out of nursing studies and why don’t they take jobs in the care sector? The project tries to address these questions. Funded by the Nordic Gender Equality Fund (NIKK), the Share the Care project is a joint initiative of Nordregio and partners from Iceland, Norway…

Remote work is redefining Nordic urban and regional landscapes 

Remote work is no longer a passing trend; it is fundamentally altering how people in the Nordic Region live, move, and interact with space. With hybrid work now the norm for many, its effects on transportation, housing, urban cores, and rural areas demand strategic attention. As policymakers and planners navigate these shifts, embracing change while shaping sustainable outcomes has never been more critical.  Drawing from Nordregio’s collected research on the topic, this report explores the implications of remote work for planners and policymakers as they navigate the evolving landscape. It focuses on the tools and policies used in Nordic countries after the COVID-19 pandemic to support remote work.   COVID-19: A significant shift in work patterns  The numbers are clear: remote work levels in the Nordic Region surged during the pandemic, and have remained high ever since, exceeding those in the rest of the European Union. Norway, in particular, has seen a dramatic increase, and Denmark reports the lowest levels in the region after the pandemic. Despite this growth, most of the Nordic population still cannot, or chooses not to, work remotely – 58% never work from home in 2023 compared to 73% in 2017. However, hybrid work has become the new normal for a substantial segment of the population, bringing about notable spatial effects.  Changing mobility and settlement patterns  The rise of remote work has influenced migration patterns, with higher mobility observed during the pandemic, especially movements away from major cities. While most relocations have remained within metropolitan areas, rural regions and smaller towns have gained attention as viable alternatives. This “two-way exchange” benefits both sides: while future mobility patterns are unclear, it is possible for remote work to further enable economic growth in urban centres or for rural areas to attract skilled workers and boost local services. Studies reveal local…

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Can affordable housing and social mix be achieved through inclusionary housing policies?

In a recent episode of the UCLA Housing Voice podcast, Nordregio researcher Anna Granath Hansson joined Paavo Monkkonen and host Shane Phillips to explore whether inclusionary housing policies could provide both affordable housing and social diversity within Scandinavian neighbourhoods. Inclusionary housing policies, which seek to create affordable housing and socially diverse neighbourhoods through land use regulation, have been widely implemented in the United States and have gradually spread across Europe. However, their adoption in Scandinavia has been cautious. Despite Denmark, Norway, and Sweden’s shared welfare state traditions that emphasize equal opportunities and accessible housing, their planning systems have not readily embraced inclusionary policies. A recent study published in Housing Studies by Anna Granath Hansson, Janni Sørensen, Berit I. Nordahl, and Michael Tophøj Sørensen, delves into the unique political landscapes and housing policy frameworks of each Scandinavian country, highlighting the reasons behind this slow adoption. The study finds that inclusionary housing policies deliver varying results across Scandinavia. In Denmark and Sweden, social diversity is prioritized, aiming for neighbourhoods that reflect a broader social mix. In Norway, the focus is primarily on affordability, reflecting a distinct policy emphasis. As a result, the effectiveness of inclusionary housing policies diverges depending on the national context and policy focus, raising important questions about their suitability within the Scandinavian welfare state model. The research invites policymakers and urban planners to consider how inclusionary housing policies might be tailored to reflect the values and goals of Scandinavian societies, and whether these policies are the most effective tool for achieving both affordable and socially mixed housing across diverse urban landscapes.
  • 2024 November

New toolbox identifies six crucial areas for a just green transition

To achieve their climate goals, the Nordic countries need to implement ambitious climate policies in the coming years. The green transition impacts all parts of society, and the just green transition means adding a social dimension: it must be inclusive and avoid disproportionately affecting certain groups.   Policymakers face a major challenge of ensuring that everyone is part of the journey to climate neutrality. This calls for a broader understanding of the social implications, which is why the Nordic research institute Nordregio just launched a digital toolbox, providing policymakers with the knowledge and resources to develop inclusive, fair policies.    Nordregio’s research, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, identified six actionable priority areas to make the transition inclusive: developing a vision, engaging citizens, assessing and mitigating social and regional impacts, adopting a place-based approach, investing in inclusive reskilling and upskilling, and supporting green choices.   “The user-friendly toolbox highlights the key areas policymakers need to keep track of, which is invaluable when working to ensure that Iceland’s green transition is both fair and inclusive”, says Eggert Benedikt Guðmundsson, Leader of Sustainable Development in the Prime Minister´s Office of Iceland, and chair of the research project’s steering group.    The consequences of an unjust green transition could be far-reaching, with increased social inequalities and divides, reduced economic productivity, and lower competitiveness.    “We want to point out in a simple way what policymakers need to take into account to make the green transition as fair as possible”, Nora Sánchez Gassen, senior researcher at Nordregio.     The toolbox is the final product of Nordregio’s research project Not Just a Green Transition (NJUST) – Examining the path towards a socially just green transition in the Nordic Region. The content is based on desk research, a Nordic survey and discussions with representatives of social groups. Extra attention is…

Nordregio welcomes new Research Director, Thomas Niedomysl

Nordregio is pleased to announce the appointment of Thomas Niedomysl as its new Research Director. Thomas commenced his role this month, taking charge of Nordregio’s research priorities and providing support to the research team.

Nordic Summit highlights synergies for sustainable lifestyles 

The Nordic countries are often considered global front-runners when it comes to creating sustainable societies. And while we do a lot of things right, big tasks lie ahead if we are to reach our vision of being the most integrated and sustainable region in the world by 2030. So how can we make sustainable everyday choices more attractive?  The Sustainable Living programme set out to explore this, collecting six innovative projects, each addressing a crucial aspect of sustainability: youth, food, culture, product labelling, education, and gender. The ultimate goal is to make sustainable choices the new norm in the Nordic Region and this requires a team effort across sectors and country borders. This week, Nordregio hosted the Sustainable Living Summit in Stockholm, marking the conclusion of the four-year programme. The event launched the Sustainable Living Hub, collecting all the project resources in one place, and thought leaders across industries, policy, government, academia and civil society joined as we shared an inspiring conference day for sharing Nordic knowledge. Nordregio was pleased by the strong interest in the event, with nearly 700 people registering to attend either in person at Kulturhuset or online (watch a recording of the event here).   Sweden’s Climate Minister, Romina Pourmokhtari, was invited to open the full-day event, and she set the tone for a collaborative atmosphere by putting emphasis on our everyday practices and Nordic collaborations:   “The Sustainable Living programme is a shining example of how we can foster sustainable lifestyle choices and integrate sustainability into our everyday lives through concrete guidelines and Nordic peer learning.”  Her words encapsulated the sense of responsibility that echoed throughout the day’s discussions, underscoring the need to tackle environmental challenges across sectors and disciplines. Throughout the day, the speakers put the spotlight on both a policy level and an individual level. Sustainable…

Nordregio joins creative urban lab on small-town attractiveness

Last week, the Nordic City Network’s latest urban lab took place in the small town of Genarp in Lund municipality, Sweden. The lab gathered 65 politicians and planners from Denmark, the Faroe Islands, Norway and Sweden to explore what makes smaller towns attractive and discuss strategies for enhancing Genarp’s appeal.  To inspire the discussions, the Network invited several guest speakers, including Nordregio’s Anna Granath Hansson who presented findings from our ongoing research project Small Town Attractiveness, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers.  The project examines how national policies on urban attractiveness are implemented in six smaller Nordic towns, with a focus on public space, housing, and connectivity. Anna highlighted the importance of creating vibrant town centers, ensuring a varied and affordable housing supply, and improving access to efficient and affordable connectivity solutions. The project’s final results are set to be released in January 2025. During the panel discussion, Anna also emphasized the need for greater regional cooperation: “Going forward, it would be beneficial to focus less on conflicts of interest or competition between smaller towns and cities. Instead, we should recognise our shared challenges and work together to find solutions. Issues like climate change and transportation must be tackled collaboratively, involving the entire rural-urban continuum.” Other guest speakers also provided valuable insights. Bo René Schjødt Andersen from Fredericia, Denmark, highlighted their town’s strategy for attracting new residents, identifying five key factors: natural surroundings, strong community ties, efficient mobility solutions, affordable housing, and quality public institutions. Camilla Ottosson, project coordinator for the BY2030 initiative, shared how the Region of Kronoberg in Sweden is working closely with local communities to co-create sustainable futures for small villages. Meanwhile, Anna Kanervo from Norrköping’s municipal housing company inspired attendees by detailing a successful collaboration with a local church and municipal departments to revitalize a struggling local center.…
  • 2024 October

Young leaders practice slow fashion and push for action in Vilnius

Slow fashion initiatives were on the agenda as Nordregio facilitated hands-on upcycling workshops for youth last week at the first-ever Nordic-Baltic Youth Summit in Vilnius. Read the key takeaways and youth insights.

Nordic Integration and Cross-Border Mobility Take Center Stage at OECD Forum

This week, Nordregio's Director, Rolf Elmér, took part in the OECD Local Development Forum 2024, hosted in Malmö and Copenhagen.
  • 2024 September

How to boost robust regional civil preparedness?

As global challenges such as climate change, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions intensify, preparedness and resilience have become central concerns for policymakers at all levels. Nordic regions face various risks, including severe weather events, disruptions to food and energy supplies, and cross-border emergencies. Ensuring robust civil preparedness is essential to maintain stability and operational capacity during crises. A newly published storymap ‘Robust regional civil preparedness in the Nordic Region’ introduces a selection of good practices to showcase how Nordic regions address risks and challenges through locally adapted solutions. The good practice examples have been collected as a part of Nordregio’s Robust Regional Preparedness project that examines the regional policy dimension of building civil preparedness and resilience. Elin Slätmo, Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio and project leader of Robust Regional Preparedness, explains: “In this assignment from the Nordic regional ministers, our team is looking into how regional policy in the Nordics addresses civil preparedness and crisis response. We are also working to identify cases and good examples from across the Nordic Region.“ Diverse initiatives across the Nordic Region The storymap reflects a wide range of diverse approaches for strengthening civil preparedness at regional and local levels. In addition, the examples highlight the importance of cooperation between different actors to address shared risks and enhance joint preparedness. Among the 24 featured good practices, you can discover for instance how: What is the role of regional policy and local and regional action in build robust societies? Civil preparedness is an important part of managing risks ranging from natural disasters like storms and wildfires to disruptions in essential services such as food and energy. Local and regional authorities are often the first to respond and take action, implementing measures that safeguard communities and ensure the continuity of essential services. Their ability to implement flexible,…

The future of food: Nordregio at Green Innovation Week 2024

How are the nutrition professionals of tomorrow working towards a greener and healthier world? What motivates a career in the food industry? Nordregio is going to Green Innovation Week 2024.

Sweden’s climate minister opens Nordic sustainability summit

On 15 October, a range of sustainability stakeholders will gather in Stockholm as Nordregio hosts a conference on sustainable lifestyles. Sweden’s Minister for Climate and the Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari, will give the opening speech.

Civil society’s key role in bridging the digital divide

In an increasingly digital world, the gap between those included in the transformation and those left behind becomes even more prominent. In the Nordic-Baltic Region, many civil society organisations are leading the charge to close this divide. Our new Storymap, Bytes and Rights covers the challenges and achievements in bringing digital inclusion to at-risk groups. In recent years, civil society actors have received more responsibility for the work on digital inclusion – both from a political side and from increasing demands from their user groups. Despite this, we know little about what characterises their work, and what strategies and methods work well. We wanted to change this. Through desk research, a survey and interviews, we have mapped the support civil society actors offer socially at-risk groups across the Nordics and Baltics, as part of our research project Digital Inclusion in Action, in which we promote collaboration, dialogue, and knowledge sharing between practitioners and policymakers. Key findings from Bytes and Rights The research resulted in one of our most comprehensive Storymaps ever, where we give the word back to the civil society actors. “Bytes and Rights: Civil society’s role in digital inclusion” features insights from 17 NGOs and their approaches to include their target groups, such as older adults, people with disabilities, immigrants, socially vulnerable, rural communities, and youth. Our survey targeted 314 civil society actors across the Nordic and Baltic Region, and received 74 responses. 93% of them reported their target groups being at risk of exclusion, and 83% offered assistance to combat this. The civil society actors’ key approaches to aiding the target groups were: Despite their efforts, organisations face financial, societal, and political hurdles, putting spanners in the works: Financial challenges: Insufficient funding, short-term planning, and limited personnel and time.Societal challenges: Negative stereotypes (“it’s their own fault”), decreasing…

Strategies for youth climate action in new report

How do youth organisations for climate and sustainability work with inclusion and recruitment? And how can they reach out to and engage more people? At the launch of a new report by NIKK for Nordregio, challenges and strategies were discussed with youth representatives in the Nordic region.  

This Fall is Green – event series

Summers are hotter, winters are colder and this fall is green. Climate change is a growing storm, potentially bringing Nordic stability to an end. What can be done to reverse the damage and change the future?  This fall, Nordregio is leading the charge with an event series dedicated to research-based tools and best practices for advancing the green transition – and we’re not gatekeeping any of it! Come with us on a green tinted pathway from research to action.   Nordic countries are committed to significant green transition milestones, aiming for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Nordic Vision by 2030. Yet, achieving climate targets and cutting consumption-based emissions is lagging. To secure a sustainable future, we must take bold steps. “Nordregio’s research provides insights and solutions to support a just green transition across a wide range of topics. My hope is that through This Fall is Green, we can offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Nordic Region towards the Nordic Vision 2030 – and inspire to act accordingly.” – Rolf Elmér, Nordregio director This year, the fall is green. The green transition cannot wait—it requires a joint effort across sectors and disciplines. How can we together speed up the transition towards a socio-economically inclusive and climate-neutral region? Our event series will guide you through the critical steps necessary to achieve this transformation. This Fall is Green will highlight the latest research on achieving a socially just green transition and offer actionable policy recommendations. Together, we can accelerate progress toward the Nordic Vision: becoming the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. Register now for tools and inspiration: ACTION: Nordic solutions and inspiration for key actors driving the changeSustainable Living Summit is a full-day conference in Stockholm and online offering research results, tools and…

Nordregio Hosts Norwegian and Swedish Ministries Working with Municipal Policies

Earlier this week, Nordregio was pleased to welcome representatives from Norway’s Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (KDD) and the Swedish Ministry of Finance to discuss regional development and sustainability. As the teams from both countries focus specifically on municipal policies, they made for a highly relevant audience for Nordregio. After an introduction from our Director, Rolf Elmér, and Deputy Research Director, Karen Refsgaard, Nordregio’s senior researchers shared insights from ongoing projects, including: Green Transition and Its Regional Impacts: Senior Researcher Anna Lundgren presented an in-depth analysis of the green transition, focusing on its varying impacts across different regions in the Nordic countries. The presentation explored how the transition to a low-carbon economy could affect local labor markets, particularly in rural areas with a higher concentration of traditional industries. Lundgren also highlighted Nordic perceptions of climate policy and the importance of targeted policies to ensure that the green transition is both just and inclusive, minimizing negative social and economic impacts. Nordic Labor Markets and Education: A presentation by Senior Consultant Anna Berlina highlighted the challenges and opportunities within rural Nordic labor markets, particularly in relation to education and skills development. The research emphasizes the importance of aligning educational systems with the evolving demands of the labor market, ensuring that the region remains competitive and socially inclusive. Access to Services in Rural and Urban Areas: Senior Researcher Mats Stjernberg discussed the accessibility of essential services across different types of communities in the Nordic region. The research utilizes the Nordic Service Mapper, an innovative tool developed by Nordregio, to visualize and analyze service availability, identifying disparities between urban and rural areas and suggesting policy measures to bridge these gaps. Regional Resilience and Preparedness: Elin Slätmo, Senior Researcher, presented findings on regional resilience, focusing on how Nordic regions can enhance their preparedness…
  • 2024 August