This week, Nordregio’s Director, Rolf Elmér, took part in the OECD Local Development Forum 2024, hosted in Malmö and Copenhagen. The event brought together international experts and stakeholders to explore key issues in local and regional development.
Amid the discussions, Rolf Elmér joined Yoshiki Takeuchi of the OECD to examine the progress and challenges in the development of the Nordic Region. Speaking during a panel on international cooperation, Rolf emphasized the need to enhance both freedom of movement for commuters and the appeal of migration between Nordic countries.
“Promoting easier cross-border commuting within the Nordic region, while also working on factors that make relocating between countries more attractive, is essential,” Rolf said. He highlighted areas like housing, education, urban and regional planning, and labour market opportunities as central to strengthening Nordic integration through shared knowledge and cooperation.
While migration between the Nordic countries has traditionally been driven by push factors such as economic conditions, Rolf pointed out, “By learning from one another, the Nordic countries can create policies that focus on pull factors, making cross-border mobility and migration more appealing.”
The OECD Local Development Forum offered a space for sharing ideas and practical solutions, helping to advance discussions on how regional collaboration can continue to evolve and strengthen within the Nordic context.
