Rural development

Rural areas in the Nordic Region are highly diverse, encompassing remote, sparsely populated regions as well as vibrant communities driving innovation and sustainability.

While their challenges and opportunities vary, key factors such as demographic shifts, labour market imbalances, and access to services shape their development. Intermediate areas, where rural and urban dynamics intersect, also play a crucial role, contributing to regional economies through commuting patterns and service exchanges. Opportunities for rural development are often linked to natural resources, local knowledge, ownership structures, co-created innovations, and value creation. 

Nordregio’s research in rural development explores these dynamics from a social science perspective. Using a combination of quantitative and qualitative analyses, we investigate the socio-economic and environmental challenges and opportunities facing rural areas. Our work builds a comprehensive knowledge base from comparative studies, statistics, policy analyses, and collaboration with local organisations to identify good practices, inform policy recommendations, and promote cross-sector and multi-actor collaboration to strengthen rural communities. 

By understanding the diversity of rural areas and their connections to urban centres, Nordregio contributes to a socially just and sustainable future for Nordic rural regions.