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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 “Local ownership of sustainable energy: A guide for local communities and decision-makers“ is in Swedish, funded by Energimyndigheten/Swedish Energy Agency. English version is forthcoming. 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.

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…

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…

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

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

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