444 News
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…
2025 February
- Nordic Region
- Labour market
- Migration
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…
2025 February
- Cross-border
- Governance
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!
2024 December
- Nordic Region
- Nordic 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…
2024 December
- Nordic Region
- Gender equality
- Governance
- Health and wellbeing
- Labour market
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…
2024 December
- Nordic Region
- Covid-19
- Remote work
- Rural development
- Urban planning
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…
2024 November
- Nordic Region
- Green transition
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.
2024 October
- Staff news
- Staff news
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…
2024 September
- Nordic Region
- Green transition
- Nordic Region
- Green transition