Earlier this week, Nordregio was pleased to welcome representatives from Norway’s Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development (KDD) and the Swedish Ministry of Finance to discuss regional development and sustainability. As the teams from both countries focus specifically on municipal policies, they made for a highly relevant audience for Nordregio.
After an introduction from our Director, Rolf Elmér, and Deputy Research Director, Karen Refsgaard, Nordregio’s senior researchers shared insights from ongoing projects, including:
Green Transition and Its Regional Impacts: Senior Researcher Anna Lundgren presented an in-depth analysis of the green transition, focusing on its varying impacts across different regions in the Nordic countries. The presentation explored how the transition to a low-carbon economy could affect local labor markets, particularly in rural areas with a higher concentration of traditional industries. Lundgren also highlighted Nordic perceptions of climate policy and the importance of targeted policies to ensure that the green transition is both just and inclusive, minimizing negative social and economic impacts.
Nordic Labor Markets and Education: A presentation by Senior Consultant Anna Berlina highlighted the challenges and opportunities within rural Nordic labor markets, particularly in relation to education and skills development. The research emphasizes the importance of aligning educational systems with the evolving demands of the labor market, ensuring that the region remains competitive and socially inclusive.
Access to Services in Rural and Urban Areas: Senior Researcher Mats Stjernberg discussed the accessibility of essential services across different types of communities in the Nordic region. The research utilizes the Nordic Service Mapper, an innovative tool developed by Nordregio, to visualize and analyze service availability, identifying disparities between urban and rural areas and suggesting policy measures to bridge these gaps.
Regional Resilience and Preparedness: Elin Slätmo, Senior Researcher, presented findings on regional resilience, focusing on how Nordic regions can enhance their preparedness for future challenges, including climate change and economic shifts. The research will provide policy-relevant recommendations on building resilient communities that can adapt to and thrive amidst these changes.
“We are delighted to have facilitated this important exchange of ideas and strategies,” said Rolf Elmer, Director of Nordregio. “The discussions today have reinforced the essential role that research plays in shaping effective policies for a sustainable and inclusive Nordic region.”
The Swedish and Norwegian ministries in their presentations outlined several challenges during the visit, which underscored the relevance of Nordregio’s work:
- Demographic Shifts: Both ministries highlighted the ongoing demographic changes in the region, such as aging populations and urban-rural population imbalances, which were highlighted recently in our flagship publication, State of the Nordic Region. These shifts pose significant challenges for service provision and local economies, particularly in smaller communities.
- Workforce and Competence Shortages: A critical issue identified was the shortage of skilled labor across various sectors. Both Norway and Sweden face challenges in ensuring that their workforces are equipped with the necessary skills to meet future demands, particularly in the context of an aging population and rapid technological changes.
- Climate Adaptation and Green Transition: The ministries underscored the importance of adapting to climate change while ensuring a just and inclusive green transition. This involves balancing environmental goals with economic and social needs, particularly in rural areas where traditional industries may be affected.
- Economic Disparities and Regional Inequality: Addressing economic disparities between regions was another key challenge discussed. Both ministries emphasized the need for policies that promote equitable growth and ensure that all regions can benefit from national economic success
“It is incredibly exciting for us to visit Nordregio and hear about your work, much of which is very relevant for us,” said Cathrin Sætre, Director General, Ministry of Local Government and Regional Development. It was encouraging to see many members of the delegation leave with a publication or postcard in hand.
