Maja has an academic background in sustainable development and management studies, including research on topics such as green transitions, circular economy and sustainable tourism management. She is particularly interested in governance and diffusion processes regarding innovation for sustainable development, with a focus on the hindering and enabling factors.
Research Fellow
Maja Brynteson
Spatial Story
I grew up in Holmsund, a locality situated in Umeå municipality. Where the swirling Umeälven finally meets the sea – there is Holmsund, a locality characterized by industries, the archipelago, and the port. Here, the small-town feeling is mixed with the direct proximity to the archipelago, which invites activity and movement, and its proximity to Umeå, with its rich culture and sports offerings. In pursuit of escaping the long winters back home, I spent a few years living abroad. First, I went to Australia, where I became fascinated by the spectacular nature, all the quite special animals and the culture. I lived and worked in remote, rural areas, explored the Outback, and travelled along the coasts. Thereafter, I continued to New Zealand, where I worked and explored the country and the amazing outdoors.
However, studies brought me back to Sweden, and this time to the south and the city of Lund. I began studying management and tourism studies, focusing on sustainable tourism development and seasonality issues. My interest in sustainable development made me pursue a master in the subject, deepening my knowledge on green transitions, societal and institutional changes, and innovation systems. In one course, we discussed sustainable development and the differences between rural and urban areas; what specific challenges they face, what conditions they have and how the solutions must be adjusted to suit the character of the area. This made me interested in planning and development, and pursuing a career where it is possible to delve deeper into these issues.
Related Research Projects
Ongoing
Nordic network for sustainable development A common lens on digital inclusion in the Nordic-Baltic Region FoodEnvironment4Future True cost accounting for sustainable food environments (TASTE) Labour market dynamics supporting sustainable competitiveness and development Nordic-Baltic Connectivity for Smarter and Inclusive Societies (N-B CONNECT)Finished
Territorial resilience and green transition in Northern Sweden Labor market integration of migrant descendants in the Nordic countries State of the Nordic Region Transforming Futures through Digital Inclusion in the Nordic-Baltic Region Integration through innovation: Digital inclusion of immigrant women in the Nordic countries Socially sustainable rural tourism Digital inclusion in actionRelated Publications
Piloting Nordic connectivity: Examining perspectives on the potential of electric aviation to enhance accessibility and socio-economic development in Nordic remote rural regions
Remote yet connected: Critical and inclusive digitalisation on the Faroe Islands
Broadband beyond profit margins: The bottom-up model of Tavelsjö, Sweden
State of the Nordic Region 2026
Towards digital inclusion in the Nordic-Baltic Region
Transparency vs Security: Enhancing connectivity under the Gigabit Infrastructure Act, NIS2 and 5G
Oppskriftsbok for regional utvikling: Hvordan forbedre lokalsamfunnet ditt?
Labour market integration of migrants’ descendants in the Nordic countries
From arrival to participation: measuring migrants’ social and civic integration – a Nordic review
Recipe book for regional development: How to improve your community?
Digital identity for all?
Promoting digital inclusion of immigrant women in the Nordic countries
Smart communities in the Nordic-Baltic region: A literature review
The right kind of tourist? Rethinking tourism’s impact on Nordic communities
Wherever I lay my hat: Early career migration drivers and preferences
Reaping the Benefits of Nordic Collaboration in Regional Development
Bytes and Rights: Civil society’s role in digital inclusion
National Support Initiatives in Nordic Spatial Planning
Ten-year Regional Outlook: Future Perspectives for Electric Aviation in the Nordic Region
Remote Work in Rural Areas: Possibilities and uncertainties
National Digital Inclusion Initiatives in the Nordic and Baltic Countries
Should I stay or should I go? Early career mobility and migration drivers
Related Events
Related News
New Nordic network for sustainable development
A common lens on digital inclusion in the Nordic-Baltic Region
What’s shaping the Nordic Region today?
The Nordic-Baltic paradox: why digital inclusion is essential in digitally advanced societies
Territorial resilience in a time of polycrisis: Lessons from the ESPON TERRES project
Measuring belonging: How Nordic countries can better capture social and civic integration
Who gets to log in? New research on digital ID and inclusion
How to support the digital inclusion of immigrant women
The right kind of growth? What Nordic communities want from tourism
