Events

Many young people feel that politics rarely brings meaningful changes to their daily lives. Based on the latest research from Nordregio, this panel will explore young people’s perspectives on the future, focusing on how to prevent growing dissatisfaction and political division across both urban and rural areas. The discussion will examine how policymakers can better engage young people in the green transition, ensuring their voices help shape sustainable policies. Join us at the Nordic Tent at Almedalen! Please note that this session is held in Swedish. Hela 74 procent av unga i Norden, mer än någon annan åldersgrupp, oroar sig för klimatförändringar. Frågan är hur vi kan vända trenden, och få ungdomarna att åter tro på en bättre framtid.  Den gröna omställningen lovar en bättre framtid, men för många unga människor innebär verkligheten något annat: stigande levnadskostnader, osäkra anställningar, begränsade möjligheter – särskilt utanför storstäderna. Det kan i sin tur leda till långt värre konsekvenser, ett Sverige och Norden där missnöjet och populismen riskerar att öka. Trots politiska åtaganden om inkludering och hållbarhet, är unga röster fortfarande underrepresenterade i beslutsfattandet, och många upplever att politiken sällan lyckas åstadkomma meningsfulla förändringar i deras vardag.   Baserat på den senaste forskningen från Nordregio, kommer våra panelister att diskutera ungas syn på framtiden. Hur undviker vi att skapa större missnöje och polarisering hos kommande generationer – både i stan och på landsbygden? Och vad kan politiker göra för att engagera unga i den gröna omställningen?  Program:  10 min presentation: Nora Sanchez Gassen, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio  35 min panelsamtal:   Moderator Sharon Jåma, journalist och programledare på SVT och Sveriges Radio Seminariet bygger på Nordregios Nordic Toolbox for a Just Green Transition samt Geographies of discontent in the Nordic Region.

As energy crises, geopolitical uncertainties, and extreme weather challenge Sweden’s energy system, local energy ownership remains an overlooked yet crucial element in resilience and security. While large-scale centralised solutions dominate, locally owned projects can strengthen communities, reduce grid vulnerabilities, and provide greater energy autonomy—but supportive regulations and financial frameworks are still lacking. This seminar explores how Sweden can integrate locally owned energy into its national strategy, drawing lessons from Nordic countries. Join us at the Nordic Tent at Almedalen! Please note that this session is held in Swedish. I takt med att energikriser, geopolitiska osäkerheter och extremväder sätter press på Sveriges energisystem, är frågan om energisäkerhet mer aktuell än någonsin. Men medan vi bygger ut storskaliga lösningar och centraliserade system, missar vi en avgörande pusselbit – den lokala nivån.  Lokalt ägda energiprojekt kan göra samhällen mer resilienta, minska sårbarheten i elnätet och ge människor och kommuner större kontroll över sin energiförsörjning. Trots detta saknas fortfarande tydliga regelverk och stödstrukturer för att fler lokalsamhällen ska kunna ta steget.  Vad krävs för att lokalt ägda energigemenskaper ska bli en självklar del av Sveriges energisystem? Hur kan politiken, näringslivet och finanssektorn bidra till att skala upp dessa initiativ? Och vad kan vi lära av andra nordiska länder där lokalt ägd energi redan fått större genomslag?  Under seminariet presenteras den nya guiden “Lokalt ägandeskap av hållbar energi – En guide till lokalsamhällen och beslutsfattare“, följt av en paneldiskussion med nyckelaktörer i utvecklingen, för att diskutera vägen framåt för ett mer robust och decentraliserat energisystem.  Program: 10 min presentation Johanna Liljenfeldt, lektor energiomställning, Uppsala universitet  35 min samtal Moderator Sharon Jåma, journalist och programledare på SVT och Sveriges Radio

In recent decades, the educational landscape has become increasingly geographically diverse. Peripheral education—offered in smaller towns and rural areas—has emerged as a strategic tool for addressing social inequalities by improving access to education and enhancing labour market outcomes. It also supports local economies by meeting regional workforce needs and boosting place-based attractiveness and vitality through community engagement and collaboration with the surrounding society.  While peripheral education plays a vital role in local and regional development, it also faces significant challenges. Demographic shifts, youth outmigration, limited resources, and the small scale of operations create ongoing pressures for institutions operating in these contexts. In addition, evolving demands for new skills and more flexible study options present both opportunities and further complexities for these educational providers.  In this webinar, we will explore how to navigate these challenges and the potential of peripheral education as drivers of regional development. The webinar is aimed at educational providers seeking inspiration from effective approaches that can help institutions thrive, as well as civil servants and public authorities with an interest in education and regional development.  Programme Welcome and Introduction Miia Itänen, Senior Communications Advisor, Nordregio  EDYNORA Research Highlights: How can we create and sustain attractive educational environments in smaller towns and rural areas in the Nordic Region?Eva Maersk, PhD, Research Consultant, Nordregio  Launch of the Nordic Higher Education and VET Portal: What can we learn from the mapping?Anna Vasilevskaya, Cartographer/ GIS Analyst, Nordregio  What are the key ingredients for success–Place, People, or Programmes?Peter Weiss, Director, the University Centre of the Westfjords, Iceland How is education responding to evolving skills demands and industry needs?Fredrik Sandelin, Regional developer, Jakobstad Region Development Company Concordia, Finland   Panel discussion: What does ‘success’ look like for peripheral education in the Nordics? Is it about attracting young people, generating economic impact, creating local employment, or enhancing place…

In Denmark, digital ID is the key to accessing essential services like taxes, healthcare, and banking, with 97% using MitID—but what about those who can’t? This panel session explores digital exclusion and the impact on elderly citizens, young people without networks, individuals with disabilities, rural residents, and people from diverse ethnic backgrounds. When participation in society depends on digital access, some are left behind, raising democratic concerns. Join us at the Nordic Tent at Folkemødet! Please note that this session is held in Danish. Et digitalt samfund for alle – eller kun for de fleste?  Hvordan skaber vi digitale løsninger, der fungerer for alle – ikke kun for dem, der allerede er med?   I Danmark er det digitale ID blevet nøglen til næsten alt: skat, sundhed, bank og kontakt til det offentlige. 97% logger ind med MitID – men hvad med dem, der ikke kan? Digital eksklusion er en stille ulighed, der rammer ældre, unge uden netværk, mennesker med handicap, borgere i landdistrikter og mange med anden etnisk baggrund. Når adgang til samfundet kræver digitalt overblik og stabile forbindelser, bliver nogle stående udenfor. Og det er et demokratisk problem.  Med udgangspunkt i erfaringer fra Grønland, Færøerne og Åland ser vi nærmere på, hvordan små samfund med store afstande og særlige vilkår, arbejder med digital inklusion. Hvad kan vi lære af dem i Norden?  Kom og vær med til en debat om digitalisering i offentlig sektor, inkludering og lokal forankring. For hvis ikke alle kan logge ind, hvordan kan vi så tale om lige adgang til samfundet?  Program: 15 min presentation: Sigrid Jessen, Senior Research Fellow, Nordregio  30 min panelsamtal: Moderator: Lars Trier Mogensen, politisk kommentator, redaktør, debattør og forfatter. 

Join us on May 7 in Helsinki as we launch this year's edition of the Nordic Economic Policy Review.

Explore how Nordic countries are addressing urban segregation and fostering inclusive cities—join our webinar on April 30 to learn more and access the new report!

At this event, we explore which indicators might explain why certain regions are particularly attractive to move to compared to others. We also ask regional policymakers how they changed their depopulation story and got skilled migrants to move to rural areas.  

Will your next holiday help grow local economies or push the locals over the edge?  As visitor numbers soar, some Nordic travel destinations are pushing back. Our research on the social sustainability of tourism, takes a close look at the dilemmas that these places are facing, while offering strategies that create a balance between the tourism industry and local needs and resources. This event brings together researchers, representatives from the tourism industry and local voices to explore the consequences of growing tourism. Programme 13:00 Welcome and introduction– Anne Katrine Ebbesen, Senior Communications Advisor, Nordregio 13:05 Research highlights– Águst Bogason, Senior Research Advisor, Nordregio– Maja Brynteson, Research Fellow, Nordregio– Lisa Rohrer, Research Fellow, Nordregio 13:30 Panel debate: Tourism’s development dilemmasTourism development fosters regional economic resilience, enhances infrastructure, and provides employment. This is something that is generally agreed upon, however it also comes with a set of challenges. But are the tourist booms also boosting the public sector needed to keep up with increased traffic, waste and healthcare? And if tourism keeps growing, how will the culture stay authentically local? We discuss the dilemmas of tourism growth in the Nordics with a panel of tourism experts and local voices. – Thordur Freyr Sigurdsson, Manager of Development, Association of Municipalities in South Iceland. Master of Sustainable Rural Development, University of the Highlands and Islands. SASS’s main activity is to advocate for the interests of residents and municipalities in South Iceland. – Sigve Olsen, Head of Economic Development, Vestvågøy Municipality, Lofoten, Norway. Sigve is the Head of Business Relations in Vestvågøy Municipality—one of the six municipalities that make up the Lofoten Islands. He also leads a working group connected to visitor risk management. – Kristina N. Lindström, Associate Professor, University of Stavanger. Holds a Ph.D. in Human Geography from the School of Business, Economics…

The Nordic countries are often regarded as some of the most stable, equal, and well-functioning societies in the world. With strong welfare systems, high trust in institutions, and a long history of political stability, they have traditionally been viewed as resistant to the political turbulence seen elsewhere. Yet, in recent years, support for populist parties has grown across the region, which has been viewed as a sign of rising discontent. What is driving this shift? How do economic anxieties, cultural change, and social divides shape political sentiment?  Which role does the green transition play? And how can policymakers address discontent while ensuring a just and inclusive transition? This webinar on 26 March (13.00-14.30 CET / Stockholm) explored the interplay between rising inequalities, political discontent, and the green transition in the Nordic Region.  In the webinar, we share highlights from research-based analysis from Ensuring inclusive economic growth in the transition to a green economy (EnIGG) project, discuss insights and policy implications, and present a new policy brief on navigating these tensions on the path towards a just and inclusive transition. Speakers and panelists include: Moderator: Miia Itänen, Nordregio Programme 13:00 Welcome and introduction 13:05 Understanding geographies of discontentMyriam Chilvers (Nordregio) 13:15 Mapping regional divides across the Nordic RegionKamila Dzhavatova (Nordregio) 13:30 Inequality, voting patterns and the green paradoxCarlos Tapia (Nordregio) 13:40 Q&A 13:45 Panel discussion: green transition in the age of discontentMerethe Dotterud Leiren (CICERO)Susanne Wallman Lundåsen (Linköping University)Tomas Hanell (Migration Institute of Finland)Carlos Tapia & Nora Sánchez Gassen (Nordregio)comments & input from the audience 14:15 Looking ahead: what are the policy implications?Nora Sánchez Gassen (Nordregio) 14:30 End of the webinar

As part of the Nordic Day celebrations across the Nordic and Baltic regions, the Finnish Embassy in Stockholm hosted a seminar on 19 March 2025, focusing on energy security and the green transition. Organised by the Nordic Council of Ministers and the Finnish Embassy, the event brought together experts and policymakers to explore how sustainable energy can enhance Nordic resilience and independence in an evolving global landscape. Elin Slätmo, Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio, contributed to a panel discussion on Nordic strengths and solutions for the green transition. She highlighted research findings and policy recommendations from: This seminar is one of several events marking Nordic Day, which celebrates the region’s long-standing political cooperation. Seminar participation was by invitation, but a live stream and recording are available to all – watch the video below! The event is in Swedish. Nordens dag i Sverige: En hållbar energiomställning – för ett säkert Norden Onsdagen den 19 mars bjuder Nordiska Ministerrådet tillsammans med Finlands Ambassad i Stockholm in till en eftermiddag/kväll där vi fokuserar på en grön, säker och robust energiomställning, stärker våra nordiska nätverk och samtidigt matar den kulturella aptiten. Syftet med eventet är att visa på betydelsen av det nordiska samarbetet när det gäller att driva den gröna energiomställningen framåt, med särskilt fokus på Nordens beredskap. Program: 16.00: Välkommen och introduktion / Maimo Henriksson, Finlands ambassadör till Sverige 16.10: Keynote: Charlotte Petri Gornitzka, landshövding i Gotlands län (tidigare generaldirektör för Myndigheten för samhällsskydd och beredskap (MSB)) Hur kan vi i Norden tillsammans tackla de ökade utmaningarna kring energiförsörjning och civilt beredskap och samtidigt säkra en robust grön omställning? 16.20: Paneldiskussion – Åsa Pettersson, VD för Energiföretagen.– Mats Persson, Senior Vice President, Market Intelligence and flexibility, Fortum.– Klaus Skytte, direktör för Nordisk energiforskning.– Martin Sangve, HR Director Hitachi Energy Sweden.– Elin Slätmo, Senior…

Är din region motståndskraftig mot kompetensflykt? Lokalt ägd energiproduktion, hur gör man? Den 13 mars arrangerar Nordregio två läropass under Reglab 2025 i Sundsvall på tema Motståndskraft.

An event about the regional collaborative approach. Pandemics, climate disasters, political polarisation, rising inequality, aging populations, disinformation and fake news – these are but a few of many trials facing leaders of the information age. Bouncing back from a crisis isn’t easy – and yet the Nordic countries seem to be extraordinarily good at it. With high levels of social trust across the populations, governments are seemingly able to adapt to challenges with flexibility and agility. Can we trace the stable economic growth to a specific Nordic brand of resilience? And which industries are able to thrive despite a new reality of concentric crises? ”Don’t put all your eggs in one basket” – In this conference we explore how the Nordics strategically spread out their efforts, to not lean too heavily on just one industry or sector. And how no single type of leader can handle the growing complexity of future challenges. Instead, the Nordic countries can lead the way by showcasing the strength of regional cooperation. We have the research to back up the theoretical understanding of how that leadership works and at this conference, we will bring together the people that show the pivotal results of collaborative leadership. Programme 10.00 Welcome words and introduction 10.05 Keynote – “Waking up to a new age of multiple geopolitical crises” Annika Wäppling Korzinek, Head of the EU Commission Representation in Sweden 10.35 Nordregio Research Talks “Young Nordics on the move: Attractiveness beyond the zero-sum game“Hilma Salonen “The future of remote work: How the pandemic changed us?”Lisa Rohrer and Ágúst Bogason “Building crisis resilience: Insights from the Collaborative Regional Leadership Project” John Moodie 11.20 Research panel discussion 11.45 Keynote – “The curious history of eco-financial leadership”Oskar Broberg, University of Gothenburg 12.20 Final reflections and wrap-up by moderator

Rural areas across the Nordic Region are facing increasing labour shortages, impacting industries, public services and local communities. Our webinar explored the findings of Nordregio’s new report, ‘Strategies to address Nordic rural labour shortage‘ and presented practical solutions for overcoming skills and labour supply challenges in rural areas. This webinar on 15 January 2025 (13.00-14.30 CET / Stockholm) highlights: The agenda included expert presentations and Q&A session, offering participants the opportunity to engage with Nordic researchers and policymakers working on rural labour market issues. Participants took part in the discussion by sharing their own experiences and perspectives on developing strategies to foster vibrant rural labour markets in the Nordic Region. Speakers and panellists: Moderator: Miia Itänen, Nordregio This webinar is part of Nordregio’s research insights series. See which events are coming up next and get ready for more research-based insights for rural and urban development and innovative, resilient regions.

As the Nordic countries strive towards sustainable transport solutions, electric aviation presents a promising avenue for enhancing regional connectivity and accessibility. But what does it take to unlock the future of electric aviation and make use of electric aircraft to connect Nordic regions? Is electric aviation really ready for take-off? Our webinar on 4 December (13.00-14.30 CET) focused on the steps towards implementing electric aviation in the Nordic Region. Participant also got an overview of a brand new policy brief outlining actionable steps to turn electric aviation from vision to reality. Issues discussed included: Speakers: This webinar was part of the ‘Electric aviation and the effects on the Nordic regions’ project mapping out the steps towards implementing electric aviation and analysing both its benefits and challenges for local communities and regional development.

How will the green transition reshape key sectors in the Nordic Region? What kind of regional impacts and challenges are there across the Nordics – and how should we address them? This webinar on 3 December (14.00-15.00 CET / Stockholm) focused on the regional impacts, economic opportunities and challenges related to green transition in key sectors in the Nordic countries. The webinar marked the launch a new report that takes stock of the regional economic effects of the green transition in the Nordic Region. The report provides insights into what the green transition means for key sectors in the Nordic countries. The questions addressed include: Webinar speakers and panelists: The online participants had a possibility to get an overview of the green transition’s regional impacts across the Nordics, participate in the discussion, and hear from experts from different Nordic countries about the challenges and opportunities to reduce greenhouse gases and on regional impacts the green transition on employment and economic output. This webinar was a part of our campaign This Fall is Green, which gathers four events with one common goal – to accelerate the green transition in the Nordic Region. Make sure to check out the outcomes and highlights from the other events in the series as well!

How is remote work shaping the future of Nordic regions? Join our upcoming webinar together with NIVA. During the webinar we explore the latest findings on remote work and multilocality in the Nordic region, with insights from the final report within our Remote work project, presented by senior researcher Anna Granath Hansson. The webinar will focus on the long-term impacts of remote work trends on Nordic cities, regions, and rural areas, offering perspectives on how these shifts influence mobility, migration patterns, and the attractiveness of towns and rural areas. This session will also address critical questions about the tools and policies Nordic countries are using to support sustainable remote work and how to ensure social, environmental, and financial sustainability in a multilocal world. We will also highlight how remote work affects the work environment and how to create safe, healthy workplaces remotely. Key takeaways from the webinar: The webinar will be held in Zoom, and you will receive more practical information upon registration.

The blue and marine sectors play a crucial role in the economies and sustainability efforts of the Nordic countries. To ensure the long-term growth and survival of these sectors, they must become more inclusive and gender equal. Earlier this year, Nordregio launched the pivotal report “Ensuring Gender Equality in the Nordic Blue Economy”. The report covers the big picture, offering statistics on women’s presence in various professions in the sectors. Our research showed that women were underrepresented in general and in decision-making in particular – now and historically. Many fisherwomen experience sexist attitudes and even harassment. It also examines training opportunities and initiatives aimed at increasing gender balance and creating a more inclusive work environment within the blue economy. The report called for several actions, including encouragement of women to go into the sectors and the need for role models, to increase primary data collection and to mitigate and counteract the risk of sexual harassment. How do we turn these insights into action? This webinar brings together representatives from across the Nordics to discuss how we can turn Nordregio’s report findings into concrete actions and promote gender equality in the blue economy. From political decisions to local initiatives and business practices, we aim to combine research with practical experience and policy interventions to show how an equal blue economy can become a reality in the Nordics. Dive into the blue economy with us to engage in meaningful discussions on how we can drive positive change and shape a more inclusive and sustainable future for the blue and marine industries. Programme: Anna Karlsdóttir, Nordregio/University of Iceland presents report “Ensuring Gender Equality in Nordic Blue Economy” Cecilia Österman will present key findings from her research on workplace harassment at sea, and gender equality in Nordic Blue Economies.Panel discussion: Cecilia Österman, Senior Lecturer, Kalmar Maritime…

At this year’s Forum we are focused on elevating the Nordic green transition beyond crisis management to creating more attractive and competitive cities and regions.