Digitalisation

Digitalisation refers to the transformation of all sectors of our economy, government and society based on the large-scale adoption of existing and emerging digital technologies and the data they generate. It is a cross-cutting theme which plays out in a range of ways at the different geographical scales and in different contexts.

Digitalisation is an important topic from an urban and regional development perspective, as urban, regional, and rural policy is increasingly expected to be “smart”. This means incorporating technological innovations in place-based policymaking, as well as the pursuit of policies and approaches that enable places at different geographical scales to respond to the complex array of challenges and opportunities associated with digitalisation. Another important aspect is assessing and evaluating the impact of digitalisation on the automation of the Nordic labour market.  

Nordregio’s research on digitalisation covers a diverse range of fields, including health and wellbeing, sustainable development, labour market effects, digitalisation among small and medium sized enterprises, fisheries, innovation, digital inclusion, and urban planning. Nordregio also has considerable expertise related to the governance of the digital transition and is committed to supporting an integrated and equitable approach to digital infrastructure provision across the region by providing up-to-date and harmonised data on Nordic access to broadband and availability of 5G services. We have also conducted wide ranging studies on the impact of automation on the Nordic labour market.