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New tool connects 5G innovators and smart communities in the Nordic-Baltic region

How do we ensure that all parts of the Nordic-Baltic region benefit from the rollout of 5G – and that the people driving digital innovation can find each other? A new tool, developed as part of the N-B Connect project, is designed to meet that challenge. Explore the Nordic-Baltic Connectivity Hub, available here A living map of connectivity and use cases “Innovators can use it to find partners and actively publish their own collaboration needs.” The Nordic-Baltic Connectivity Hub, built on the foundation of an earlier 5G data dashboard and now available in its pilot version, offers an interactive map of 5G coverage across the region along with a networking platform. Hub users can explore use cases, submit collaboration requests, and connect with others working on similar initiatives – a means to drive digital innovation and foster cross-border knowledge exchange. “We created the Nordic-Baltic Connectivity Hub to ensure that the entire region benefits from the advancements in 5G technology,” says Nicola Wendt-Lucas, project manager and Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio. “It helps policymakers identify areas that need improvement and track progress towards the EU’s 2030 gigabit network goal. At the same time, innovators can use it to find partners and actively publish their own collaboration needs.” One of the tool’s most innovative aspects is a new feature called 5G+ Networking, which makes it easier for users to actively seek out partnerships. “It allows users from across the Nordic-Baltic region to submit, explore, and find collaboration requests,” explains Madelene Sonesson, Cartographer and GIS Analyst at Nordregio, who developed the new tool. “This enables them to supply information on ongoing or coming projects that are in need of partnerships.” Users can also “compare 5G coverage between countries, regions and municipalities by accessing the latest coverage data in the Nordic-Baltic region,” she adds,…

Small towns – big impact: How local campuses strengthen Nordic Regions

The Nordic Region is widely known for its accessible and inclusive higher education systems. Yet beyond the traditional urban campuses lies a quieter, but equally important, transformation. In small towns and rural areas across the Nordics, higher education institutions are stepping into roles that go far beyond education – shaping labour markets, attracting youth, and becoming anchors for regional development. More than education providers “Higher education institutions in smaller towns and rural areas are much more than just providers of education — they wear many hats,” says Anna Berlina, Project Manager at Nordregio. “They serve as drivers of regional development, promote community cohesion, help reduce social inequalities, and deliver skills and competencies tailored to local labour market needs.” One of the central insights of the study is the strategic importance of peripheral higher education institutions (PHEIs) in tackling regional disparities. Many rural and remote regions across the Nordics are grappling with youth outmigration, labour shortages, and a growing urban-rural divide. In this context, education emerges not just as a right, but as a lever for territorial cohesion and local vitality. Strong collaboration among local governments, businesses, and education providers – often referred to as the “quadruple helix” – plays a critical role. In successful cases, municipalities are not just passive hosts but active co-creators, offering funding, shaping curricula, and aligning education with labour market needs. The research also finds that hybrid and flexible models of education are key to ensuring access. In digitally connected Nordic regions, students can now pursue higher education without relocating – a major advantage for adult learners, families, and those balancing work and study. However, Anna Berlina points out that physical spaces still matter: “Despite increased digitalisation, having a physical campus or a dedicated learning space was seen as especially important for community building, creating connections…

Who gets to log in? New research on digital ID and inclusion 

Digital identity is central to everyday life in the Nordic countries – but what happens when not everyone can log in? A new report from Nordregio investigates how electronic ID (eID) systems are being implemented in Greenland, the Faroe Islands and Åland, and what it takes to ensure that digital inclusion becomes the starting point, not an afterthought.  Between 90 and 98 % of people in the Nordic countries now use electronic ID to access public services, banking, and digital communication. But this high uptake masks significant gaps, especially in smaller and more remote areas.  Nordregio’s new report, Digital identity for all? Barriers and solutions for an inclusive eID rollout in the Faroe Islands, Greenland and Åland, explores how three societies – each with distinct political and infrastructural contexts – are navigating the transition to digital identity systems. Drawing on 50 interviews with public officials, NGOs, banks and civil society actors, the study highlights both structural barriers and emerging solutions for how to succeed with an inclusive eID rollout.  Context matters – one size does not fit all  The three cases represent very different approaches. The Faroe Islands have built their own national eID system, Samleikin. Greenland has adopted Denmark’s MitID, while Åland relies primarily on private bank-issued IDs.  Faroese Samleikin, prioritised user inclusion from the outset. The system is voluntary, available in multiple formats (including USB for those without smartphones), and supported by physical helpdesks, phone support and outreach activities. Civil society organisations were involved early in the rollout to identify barriers and tailor support to different user groups.  Greenland, by contrast, uses Denmark’s MitID – a system developed for the Danish context, which may not fully reflect Greenland’s unique geographical, societal and linguistic landscape. Challenges have included limited internet access, language barriers, and a lack of coordination between…

Bridging the digital gap: How the Nordic Region can support the digital inclusion of immigrant women

The Nordic countries are among the most digitalised in the world. Yet, this digital advantage does not benefit everyone equally. One group particularly at risk of being left behind is immigrant women—especially those who are newly arrived, have limited local language proficiency, or come from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. New research explores this issue, asking: how can the Nordic countries support the digital inclusion of immigrant women, and why does it matter? The publication provides insights and recommendations to enhance digital engagement and integration into society. Exclusion in a digital welfare state In the Nordic welfare model, digital competence is often the gateway to social and economic participation. From applying for jobs and booking healthcare to accessing benefits and public services, basic digital skills are now indispensable. “Factors such as language proficiency, digital literacy, trust, lack of support, systemic barriers, cultural differences, and lack of domain knowledge intersect to create significant challenges,” explains Maja Brynteson, author of the study and Research Fellow at Nordregio. The consequences go far beyond inconvenience. Digital exclusion can deepen social isolation, create new forms of control and limit the ability of immigrant women to fully participate in everyday life. A fragmented policy landscape Across the Nordic countries, policy responses vary. Norway specifically identifies immigrant women as a digitally vulnerable group in national strategies. Other countries adopt a broader approach—focusing on common challenges shared across groups at risk of exclusion. This “common challenges, common solutions” model aims to streamline efforts and improve efficiency. Yet, it is difficult to say if this generalist approach can meet the specific needs of immigrant women (and other groups at risk of digital exclusion), who often face compounded and intersectional barriers to inclusion. “It is too early to say whether targeted or broader approaches are more effective,” says Brynteson. “Both have merits,…

Nordic cities push towards climate neutrality

Cities are at the forefront of the global fight against climate change. With seven out of ten people projected to live in urban areas by 2050 (UN, 2018) and cities already accounting for 70% of global greenhouse gas emissions, the stakes could not be higher. Urban areas are expanding faster than their population growth, posing major risks to climate targets, but also opening a critical window for sustainable innovation. Cities account for over 80% of global GDP (World Bank, 2023), giving them significant potential to drive climate action while maintaining economic growth. Nordregio’s new report, “Nordic cities: pathways towards climate neutrality”, the final product of the Nordic Climate Neutral Cities (NCNC) project, funded by the Nordic Council of Ministers, offers insights for both national and local policymakers and planners. It explores how Nordic cities use spatial urban planning to move towards climate neutrality through three specific sectors: land use, transport, and building and construction. Political will and practical barriers Nordic cities are well-positioned for climate neutrality, thanks to strong political will, energy-efficient building traditions, investments in sustainable mobility, and growing citizen participation. Their strong institutional and financial capacity, supported by municipal autonomy and access to renewable energy, offers a solid foundation for climate action. Yet, our research also shows the challenges slowing the transition. Multilevel governance challenges, coordination gaps within municipalities, fragmented land use planning, and inconsistent building regulations slow progress. Financing for building retrofits is often inadequate, increasing the risk of energy poverty. Public preferences for traditional housing forms may also conflict with climate goals. Limiting cars in urban areas is still a politically sensitive issue in several Nordic municipalities. As the report states, “Nordic cities have many of the right ingredients for climate neutrality, but overcoming ingrained systemic barriers will require new forms of collaboration and more targeted…

Regions at the heart of the green transition

As Europe advances towards climate neutrality, the green transition is reshaping economic and social structures in regions across the countries. The green transition offers opportunities for innovation, new industries, and growth, but its effects are uneven and place-dependent. Some regions are well positioned to benefit, while others risk being left behind. Ensuring a just and balanced transition requires coordinated action across governance levels, with particular attention to regional dynamics and capacities. In a recent event ‘Territories on their way to climate neutrality’ (6 May) hosted by ESPON EGTC, Nordregio’s Senior Research Fellow Nora Sánchez Gassen contributed to a policy session on how spatial planning and territorial development can support climate neutrality. The session brought together planners, policymakers, and researchers to examine how place-based strategies can guide a fair and effective transition.  Regional perspectives on green industrialisation Sánchez Gassen presented results from Nordregio’s research and the Territorial Perspective on Green Industrialisation working paper and policy brief, a joint effort by ESPON and Nordregio. She emphasised that the success of green industrialisation depends not only on technological development and market incentives, but also on regional capacities, governance frameworks, and public engagement. Three key issues were highlighted: Research-based resources for policy development The talk drew on three recent Nordregio publications that support regional policy development for a just and effective green transition: Working paper and policy brief: Territorial perspective on green industrialisationThese publications offer evidence-based insights into how green industrialisation is taking shape across Europe. They provide territorial evidence and examples that inform planning and policy at the local, national and EU levels. Key policy messages highlight both the potential and challenges of green reindustrialisation and call for regionally adapted, inclusive strategies. Report: Regional economic effects of the green transition in the Nordic RegionThis report provides a detailed account of how the green…

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Beyond segregation: New report explores how Nordic cities are planning for inclusion

Across the Nordic Region, cities are grappling with rising levels of urban segregation. From large capitals to smaller towns, the socio-economic and spatial divides between neighbourhoods are becoming increasingly visible, raising concerns about social cohesion, equality, and inclusion. How has the region put these concerns into action? Our new report, “Beyond segregation: Nordic approaches to socially inclusive cities,” delves into the wide range of policy and planning approaches used to counteract urban segregation and foster social inclusion across the Nordics. Drawing on national and municipal-level experiences from all five Nordic countries, the report offers in-depth insights from 13 cities. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Mats Stjernberg, Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio and lead author of the report. “But we do see a common recognition across the region that creating more inclusive cities requires long-term commitment at multiple levels, and a real willingness to deal with both the deeper structural issues and the more visible, local challenges.” From strategies to segregation barometers While the specific approaches vary across countries and cities, a number of trends stand out. Many governments and municipalities are pursuing area-based interventions, such as physical regeneration, mixed housing developments, and targeted social services, but alongside broader policy shifts in housing, education, employment, and integration. In Finland, the City of Helsinki has implemented the Suburban Regeneration Model (kaupunkiuudistus), which focuses on revitalising specific suburban areas. The model includes infill construction, physical upgrades, and investments in public services, and is part of a broader commitment to counteract segregation and improve neighbourhood liveability. This area-based model is cross-sectoral by design, combining housing, planning, and social policy measures. The report also highlights the increasing use of data to support decision-making. From Sweden’s national Segregation barometer (Segregationsbarometern) to local indicator systems in Finland, spatial data and statistics are increasingly used to assess levels…
  • 2025 April

The Right Kind of Growth? What Nordic communities want from tourism

What does it mean to host the “right kind” of tourist? How can tourism be made socially sustainable, not just economically or environmentally sound, in Nordic communities? These were the pressing questions explored during Nordregio’s recent webinar and report launch, The Right Kind of Tourist? Rethinking tourism’s impact on Nordic communities. Spoiler: there are no easy answers, but there’s no shortage of insights, dilemmas, and promising practices either. Beyond Revenue: Why Social Sustainability Matters Now The event brought together researchers, regional practitioners, and policymakers to share the findings from the final report of the Socially Sustainable Rural Tourism project. As tourism numbers continue to climb across the Nordics, the conversation is shifting from “how much?” to “how well?”and that’s where social sustainability comes in. Lead author Ágúst Bogason opened the event by challenging attendees to look beneath tourism’s sunny surface. While economic growth, infrastructure upgrades and job creation are highly visible benefits, the less tangible impacts on housing, healthcare, trust, and community identity, are often overlooked or under-measured. “There’s a real appetite for addressing the social dimension of tourism,” said Ágúst, “but we lack common definitions, consistent indicators, and the tools to operationalise the concept in policy and planning.” Eight Nordic Regions, Eight Shades of Pressure Drawing on fieldwork in eight Nordic regions, the report offers a rich mosaic of how tourism plays out in real life, from seasonal surges to slow-burn transformations. Nordregio’s Maja Brynteson and Lisa Rohrer helped to flesh out the details of the case studies behind the results. From Research to Reality: Panelists on the Frontlines The heart of the webinar was a lively and refreshingly honest panel discussion featuring a mix of local practitioners and academic voices. Together, they dug into the real-world dilemmas of tourism development in the Nordics where values, voices, and visitor…
  • 2025 April

How do we ensure broad public acceptance for climate policies?

The Nordic Region generally has strong public support for mitigating climate change. In fact, nearly half (49%) agree that more public resources should be spent fighting it, even if this means raising taxes. Social acceptance is key for successful climate policies. So what can policymakers do to create policies that will be both effective and gain public support? Nordregio’s research clarifies the issue. What determines acceptance of climate policies? Cost. How do policies impact households and regional economies?Effectiveness. Do people believe policies will deliver meaningful change?Fairness. Are measures perceived as fair across different groups and regions? The research also highlights that “social acceptance” is not a fixed concept. Does it mean a simple majority, full consensus, or active support? And who counts – local communities, voters, or the general public? Fairness thus offers a nuanced factor in climate policy acceptance, raising questions of distribution and geography. Key findings from Nordregio’s research: Despite public concerns, the economic modelling developed in the EnIGG project, shows that implementing key climate measures – increased biofuel use, promoting electric cars, and phasing out coal – would have only moderate overall effects on GDP and household finances. However, regional variation is significant, depending on the local economy’s reliance on fossil-intensive industries. Forming policies to gain acceptance How climate policies are designed and implemented affects whether they gain public support. Our research highlights the following strategies (among others) to build acceptance: ✔️ Address local and regional economic impacts – some areas and sectors may face a disproportionate burden. ✔️ Use positive storytelling, transparent communication and vision-building to foster public engagement. ✔️ Early-stage involvement of impacted groups and group-specific impact assessments improve policy outcomes and public acceptance. ✔️ Engage civil society and labour unions to ensure buy-in from diverse stakeholders. ✔️ Explore tailored solutions as different groups face…

From growth poles to ghost towns: Population change in the Arctic

Over the past three decades, there has been considerable diversity in population growth rates among Arctic regions. These range from a near doubling of the population of the territory of Nunavut in Canada to a 70 percent decline in the population in the Chukotka okrug in the Russian Far East. At lower geographic levels, there has been a trend towards the concentration of populations into larger urban centers and sizable shrinkage or closure of many smaller settlements. A playground in Qaanaaq, Greenland. By Leneisja Jungsberg, Nordregio. A combination of demographic and economic factors has contributed to these trends, including Russia’s transition to a market economy. There are also significant demographic differences between Arctic indigenous and non-indigenous populations. Arctic indigenous populations tend to have higher fertility, lower life expectancy, and younger age structures. Population change for any country or region consists of two components, natural increase – the difference between the number of births and deaths and net migration – the difference between people migrating to a region and those leaving. This note analyzes and maps population change in the Arctic since 1990 showing the large differences among regions and settlements in the Arctic. Alaska The population of the United States has grown by 37 percent since 1990, due to equal contributions of natural increase and net immigration. The population of Alaska grew slightly less than this, by one-third, because of higher natural increase and outmigration. Migration to and from Alaska is quite volatile based on relative economic conditions in Alaska and the rest of the U.S. There has been net out-migration from Alaska since 2012, which is the longest sustained exodus since 1867. Over this period, 57,000 more people left the state than arrived In 2017, the population of the state declined for the first time in three decades and…

Security threats to a digital world – Lessons on securing digital infrastructure in a changing environment

How can the Nordic-Baltic region enhance digital security during times of geopolitical instability? In the first of Nordregio’s NB-Connect event series, experts gathered to discuss strategies for strengthening digital resilience and safeguarding connectivity infrastructure in the Nordic-Baltic region. Photo: Krzysztof Kowalik / Unsplash.com The physical threat to a digital world In the face of a changing geopolitical climate, European countries are raising their guards and shining the torch on vulnerable critical infrastructure. The Nordic and Baltic states are currently scrutinising their vulnerabilities to hybrid attacks, particularly following recent incidents involving communication cables in the Baltic Sea. These attacks have highlighted the need to monitor and protect communications systems, reminding us that digital security is highly reliant on physical infrastructure. But security challenges span further than human induced incidents, where remote regions, such as Greenland, face challenges in securing essential communication infrastructure due to harsh arctic environments and a lack of private investment incentives. To address the pressing issue of secure digital infrastructure, Nordregio recently gathered experts from the NB-Connect expert group, as well as associated national representatives and members of the research community. This online event marked the first in a series within the NB-Connect project, funded by the Nordic-Baltic Ministers for Digitalisation in their commitment to making the Nordic-Baltic region the most digitally integrated in the world by 2030. The research project focuses on sharing digital connectivity data across the Nordic-Baltic region, and the first event on 18 March particularly covered security threats to communication systems, how these threats differ between regions, and the complexities of covering hybrid threats under international law. Cecilia Leveaux from the Nordic Council of Ministers emphasised the importance of both access to, and the security and resilience of, the digital infrastructure: “It impacts everything and is a hot topic in the ministerial councils and…

Surviving or thriving? Adapting to population decline

As the Nordic Region faces an increasingly evident demographic shift, many municipalities are grappling with the challenges of population decline, ageing, and uneven distribution of residents. These trends raise concerns over economic sustainability, public service delivery, and local infrastructure development. The focus on growth, traditionally viewed as the key indicator of success, is not enough to address the complexities of today’s demographic realities. New perspectives are needed to shift from simply managing population shrinkage to making communities stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient for the future. That’s where the concept of smart adaptation comes in. It offers a strategic framework designed to reshape how we think about resource allocation, public services, and economic resilience in the face of demographic change. Rethinking population shrinkage Rather than viewing shrinking populations as a problem that needs fixing, smart adaptation turns the attention towards potential. It’s about embracing change, finding new ways to live and work, and shaping a future that does not rely on growth for success. But how can we rethink our policies to reflect this new reality? Elin Cedergren, Research Fellow at Nordregio, highlights key challenges, including the difficulty of openly discussing population shrinkage and its effects. At the same time, she points to opportunities in the Nordic Region. Cooperation between municipalities and regions can help pool resources to improve service provision. Strong civil society networks and associations can help sustain lively communities. However, spatial justice needs to be considered. Vulnerable demographic groups and sparsely populated areas require targeted support and a voice in policymaking. “It’s time to rethink how we approach this challenge,” says Cedergren. “We’ve viewed shrinking populations as a problem to solve. But what if we reframed it as an opportunity for transformation? By embracing change, regions can focus on building stronger communities, rather than trying to reverse…

Can sustainable food policies build stronger, healthier communities?

Sustainable food policies influence more than what’s on our plates. Strengthening local food production and promoting healthy diets can improve public health, support local economies, and increase resilience in times of uncertainty. Reviving local food systems in the Faroe Islands Hogni Hoydal, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Faroe Islands, discusses the importance of sustainability and self-sufficiency in food production in a recent interview for a project on Nordic food environments and behaviour change for better diets. “Well, basically it’s about being more sustainable and self-producing our own food, which we did 50 years ago,” Hoydal explains. “You catch your own fish, your own birds, you have your own sheep and some vegetables,” he continues. However, over time, the Faroe Islands, like much of Europe, have shifted towards a more consumer-driven society. “Now we import most of our food, especially vegetables,” Hoydal adds. The new agricultural policy of the Faroe Islands seeks to strengthen self-sufficiency. A shift towards a more sustainable, locally focused food system is part of a broader regional effort to ensure food security while addressing environmental challenges. The Faroese government encourages for instance schools and hospitals to make use of local products to integrate local agriculture into public food systems. Such initiatives benefit public health and help to create a better market for local farmers, stimulating the regional economy. The Faroese efforts to revitalise local food systems, reduce reliance on imports, and promote healthy eating habits contribute to strengthening food security, long-term health and community resilience. They are also an example of a broader trend in the Nordic Region, where policies are being developed to address both climate risks and socio-political challenges. Working towards healthy and sustainable food systems in the Nordic Arctic The interview is part of a broader exploration…

A guide to owning energy locally

The interest in owning and creating energy together on a local level is increasing in Sweden. However, many communities encounter challenges related to complex regulations, funding difficulties, and a lack of clear guidance. To address these issues, Uppsala University and Nordregio have developed a guide that outlines a three-step process designed to help local actors progress from concept to implementation, and proposes six recommendations to promote local ownership. The guide is available in Swedish: “Lokalt ägandeskap av hållbar energi“And in English: “Local ownership of sustainable energy“ The project is funded by Energimyndigheten/Swedish Energy Agency. Three steps to start, implement and operate your locally owned energy project The guide is designed to support local energy production, improving community resilience and self-sufficiency. The guide’s first step involves the core group defining their motivation, organising structures, and securing funding. In the second step, attention turns to implementation, which includes managing execution, and ensuring localisation. The final step focuses on sustaining the project long-term, which requires thorough documentation, ongoing competence development, and regular evaluations to ensure continuous improvement. Elin Slätmo, Senior Researcher at Nordregio, notes, “Local energy projects not only support sustainability but also contribute to building resilient communities that are less vulnerable to economic fluctuations and supply disruptions.” Case studies from the Nordic Region The guide includes five case studies that provide insights into successful local energy projects: Policy recommendations for enhancing local energy initiatives The publication concludes with six policy recommendations for financing bodies and for decision-makers on local, regional and national levels, to support more locally owned energy projects: Access the guide to learn more about local ownership of sustainable energy here.
  • 2025 March

New data on migration and integration in the Nordics

How well do migrants integrate into Nordic societies? The Nordic Statistics Database has released updated data on migration and integration, offering insights into labour markets, education, and social trends. This harmonised and comparable dataset helps researchers, policymakers, and the public understand how integration unfolds across generations in the Nordic countries. A key tool for accessing this data is the updated integration and migration dashboard, which provides a user-friendly overview of foreign-born individuals and their descendants across the Nordics. “Reliable, comparable data is essential for shaping policies that support social and economic inclusion,” says Vitor Miranda, who leads Nordregio’s work on the Nordic Statistics Database. “This new dashboard makes it easier to track long-term integration trends and compare developments across the Nordic countries.” A joint Nordic effort The Nordic Statistical Institutes have collaborated on migration and integration statistics since 2015 with funding from the Nordic Council of Ministers. The first results were published in 2018, and the latest data update was carried out in 2024*. (*Note: Data for Iceland is currently pending due to ongoing methodological revisions by Statistics Iceland.) Key insights at a glance The dashboard offers interactive data visualisation and filtering options, making it easier than ever to explore: Users can also refine their search by region of birth, duration of stay, and reasons for residence permits. Each graph includes links to the source matrices with additional details and metadata. Why do we need Nordic data? The integration and migration dataset is an important resource for understanding how migration shapes Nordic societies. Its value lies in: Explore the data and track migration trends in the Nordic Statistics Database: About the Nordic Statistics Database The Nordic Statistics Database is a comprehensive collection of harmonised statistical data, covering key societal trends across the Nordic countries. Managed under the auspices of the…

How to master cross-border transport infrastructure planning

As the Nordic Region faces new and complex geopolitical shifts, Nordic policymakers have deemed increased cross-border transport critical. At the recent Platform North conference, Anna Lundgren, Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio, shared research insights from the NORDINFRA project and the critical elements required for effective cross-border transport infrastructure planning. Funded by the Swedish National Transport Administration and carried out between 2021 and 2023, the NORDINFRA project, a collaborative effort between Nordregio and Umeå University, aimed to identify the barriers and drivers of successful cross-border collaboration. The project focused on three connections (all at an early planning stage): the Helsingborg-Helsingør connection, the Stockholm-Oslo railway, and a multimodal line from Mo I Rana in Norway through Umeå in Sweden to Vasa in Finland. Insights to enhance Nordic cross-border transport First, a top-down approach is key. National-level political collaboration and support are essential for paving the way. The Nordic ministers on transport infrastructure have issued a declaration on cooperation and mandated the national transport administrations to deepen their cooperation, which are important steps in the right direction. Secondly, a systems perspective is fundamental. Cross-border infrastructure planning transcends national boundaries, and considering the different modes of transport in that system is essential. To date, the Nordic Region lacks a comprehensive overview of the Nordic transport infrastructure system of transport flows, and the national transport plans. Thirdly, it’s a question of costs and benefits. Economic figures and risk analyses are the foundation of sound decision-making. The results highlighted the need for joint analyses and models to estimate transport flows, evaluate risks and calculate costs and benefits. Roadmap to a Nordic transport model Anna Lundgren outlined best practices for policymakers and planners engaged in transport infrastructure planning: Acknowledge and navigate the complexities introduced by national borders and multiple governance levels; Ensure that national-level governments and relevant…

Eight common myths about cycling in the Nordics

This policy brief emphasises the role of the bicycle in addressing challenges in planning sustainable cities and transport, and debunks eight common misconceptions.

Modern challenges pose new approaches to planning our seas  

Cross-sectorial collaboration and integration of innovative practices within current frameworks is essential to succeed.

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

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!