How can the Nordic countries remain competitive in a changing global economy? What role do trust and psychological resilience play in strengthening preparedness? These are among the questions Nordregio researchers will discuss this summer at the Nordic democracy festivals.
This year, Nordic cooperation is high on the agenda both at Folkemødet in Denmark and SuomiAreena in Finland in June. At both events, Nordregio researchers will participate in the programme organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers, joining policymakers, experts, civil society representatives and citizens in conversations on some of the most pressing issues facing the Nordic Region.
Looking ahead: Where will the Nordic Region be in 10 years?
The summer programme begins with Folkemødet on 11–13 June, when thousands of visitors will gather on the Danish island of Bornholm. Nordregio’s Senior Research Fellow Anna Lundgren will participate in a discussion on Nordic competitiveness and resilience in a time of global uncertainty on 11 June. The session, Nordens time er nu! Men hvad med om 10 år?, explores how the Nordic countries can strengthen their position in an increasingly complex international environment.
“Many of the challenges facing the Nordic countries today are shared. That creates opportunities to learn from one another and to develop solutions together, whether the topic is labour markets, the green transition or regional development,” says Anna Lundgren, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio.
The discussion will draw on new analyses of Nordic competitiveness, labour markets, digitalisation and findings from State of the Nordic Region 2026. Panelists include decision-makers, researchers, business representatives and policymakers. The speakers will share views on the opportunities and challenges facing the Nordic countries. In addition, they will reflect on how Nordic cooperation can support sustainable and resilient development over the coming decade.
"Thinking ten years ahead requires us to look beyond immediate challenges. The choices made today will influence how well the Nordic countries are prepared to respond to future disruptions, and to strengthen a competitive, resilient and sustainable Nordic Region," Anna Lundgren adds.
Nordens time er nu! Men hvad med om 10 år?
Folkemødet 2026, 11 June
Trust, resilience and Nordic cooperation in the spotlight
Later in June, the Nordic democracy festivals continue with SuomiAreena in Pori, Finland (23-26 June). Nordic discussions at SuomiAreena focus on the role of Nordic cooperation in addressing shared challenges related to security, competitiveness, education, democracy, culture and sustainability.
Speakers from across the Nordic countries will discuss how Nordic collaboration can contribute to long-term societal resilience in a changing world. As part of the Nordic Day programme on 24 June, Nordregio’s Senior Research Fellow Hilma Salonen will be on stage in a session about trust, psychological resilience and crisis preparedness. The discussion draws on findings from Nordregio’s research on psychological resilience and regional approaches to preparedness across the Nordic countries.
“Trust is considered as one of the Nordic countries’ greatest strengths, but it is more visible when lost than when it is being created. We need to get better at recognising the variety of trust-based communities and their needs around us,” notes Hilma Salonen, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio.
“Resilience is not only about how societies respond to crises when they occur. It is also about the conditions that help people, communities and institutions adapt to change and uncertainty over time,” Hilma Salonen adds.
Nordic Day at SuomiAreena 2026
24 June
Meeting citizens and decision-makers
Democracy festivals offer platforms for dialogue across society. They bring together people from different sectors and backgrounds to exchange ideas and discuss current societal challenges. Across the Nordic countries, these events play an important role in connecting citizens and decision-makers through open debate. They provide opportunities to share evidence and insights with a broad audience beyond academic and policy circles. By contributing research-based perspectives to such discussions and exchanges, Nordregio helps connect evidence, policy and practice on issues that matter for the future development of the Nordic Region. Democracy festivals are also arenas to engage directly with decision-makers, stakeholders and citizens.
Throughout the summer and autumn, events will continue across the Nordics and Baltics. See the full overview on Nordic Council of Ministers’ Democracy on Tour website.
