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As Europe advances towards climate neutrality, the green transition is reshaping economic and social structures in regions across the countries. The green transition offers opportunities for innovation, new industries, and growth, but its effects are uneven and place-dependent. Some regions are well positioned to benefit, while others risk being left behind. Ensuring a just and balanced transition requires coordinated action across governance levels, with particular attention to regional dynamics and capacities. In a recent event ‘Territories on their way to climate neutrality’ (6 May) hosted by ESPON EGTC, Nordregio’s Senior Research Fellow Nora Sánchez Gassen contributed to a policy session on how spatial planning and territorial development can support climate neutrality. The session brought together planners, policymakers, and researchers to examine how place-based strategies can guide a fair and effective transition.  Regional perspectives on green industrialisation Sánchez Gassen presented results from Nordregio’s research and the Territorial Perspective on Green Industrialisation working paper and policy brief, a joint effort by ESPON and Nordregio. She emphasised that the success of green industrialisation depends not only on technological development and market incentives, but also on regional capacities, governance frameworks, and public engagement. Three key issues were highlighted: Research-based resources for policy development The talk drew on three recent Nordregio publications that support regional policy development for a just and effective green transition: Working paper and policy brief: Territorial perspective on green industrialisationThese publications offer evidence-based insights into how green industrialisation is taking shape across Europe. They provide territorial evidence and examples that inform planning and policy at the local, national and EU levels. Key policy messages highlight both the potential and challenges of green reindustrialisation and call for regionally adapted, inclusive strategies. Report: Regional economic effects of the green transition in the Nordic RegionThis report provides a detailed account of how the green…

The Nordic Region generally has strong public support for mitigating climate change. In fact, nearly half (49%) agree that more public resources should be spent fighting it, even if this means raising taxes. Social acceptance is key for successful climate policies. So what can policymakers do to create policies that will be both effective and gain public support? Nordregio’s research clarifies the issue. What determines acceptance of climate policies? Cost. How do policies impact households and regional economies?Effectiveness. Do people believe policies will deliver meaningful change?Fairness. Are measures perceived as fair across different groups and regions? The research also highlights that “social acceptance” is not a fixed concept. Does it mean a simple majority, full consensus, or active support? And who counts – local communities, voters, or the general public? Fairness thus offers a nuanced factor in climate policy acceptance, raising questions of distribution and geography. Key findings from Nordregio’s research: Despite public concerns, the economic modelling developed in the EnIGG project, shows that implementing key climate measures – increased biofuel use, promoting electric cars, and phasing out coal – would have only moderate overall effects on GDP and household finances. However, regional variation is significant, depending on the local economy’s reliance on fossil-intensive industries. Forming policies to gain acceptance How climate policies are designed and implemented affects whether they gain public support. Our research highlights the following strategies (among others) to build acceptance: ✔️ Address local and regional economic impacts – some areas and sectors may face a disproportionate burden. ✔️ Use positive storytelling, transparent communication and vision-building to foster public engagement. ✔️ Early-stage involvement of impacted groups and group-specific impact assessments improve policy outcomes and public acceptance. ✔️ Engage civil society and labour unions to ensure buy-in from diverse stakeholders. ✔️ Explore tailored solutions as different groups face…

As the Nordic Region faces an increasingly evident demographic shift, many municipalities are grappling with the challenges of population decline, ageing, and uneven distribution of residents. These trends raise concerns over economic sustainability, public service delivery, and local infrastructure development. The focus on growth, traditionally viewed as the key indicator of success, is not enough to address the complexities of today’s demographic realities. New perspectives are needed to shift from simply managing population shrinkage to making communities stronger, more sustainable, and more resilient for the future. That’s where the concept of smart adaptation comes in. It offers a strategic framework designed to reshape how we think about resource allocation, public services, and economic resilience in the face of demographic change. Rethinking population shrinkage Rather than viewing shrinking populations as a problem that needs fixing, smart adaptation turns the attention towards potential. It’s about embracing change, finding new ways to live and work, and shaping a future that does not rely on growth for success. But how can we rethink our policies to reflect this new reality? Elin Cedergren, Research Fellow at Nordregio, highlights key challenges, including the difficulty of openly discussing population shrinkage and its effects. At the same time, she points to opportunities in the Nordic Region. Cooperation between municipalities and regions can help pool resources to improve service provision. Strong civil society networks and associations can help sustain lively communities. However, spatial justice needs to be considered. Vulnerable demographic groups and sparsely populated areas require targeted support and a voice in policymaking. “It’s time to rethink how we approach this challenge,” says Cedergren. “We’ve viewed shrinking populations as a problem to solve. But what if we reframed it as an opportunity for transformation? By embracing change, regions can focus on building stronger communities, rather than trying to reverse…

This policy brief emphasises the role of the bicycle in addressing challenges in planning sustainable cities and transport, and debunks eight common misconceptions.

How can urban, rural, and regional policies contribute to the Vision 2030 of making the Nordic Region the most sustainable and integrated region in the world? Starting from January 2025, we will give you a closer look through a series of events. Our research insight series offers an opportunity to explore how urban, rural, and regional policies can work in synergy to address shared challenges and create sustainable solutions. We will share selected highlights from research and projects carried out by Nordic thematic working groups in 2021-2024. Each event will focus on a different topic. Through different perspectives, they highlight the unique benefits of Nordic cooperation, showcasing how Nordic countries, regions, cities and municipalities are working together to address shared challenges and opportunities through tailored and locally adapted solutions. You can already sign up for: Upcoming sessions later in the new year will address remote work, social inclusion, smart adaptation in rural areas, and climate-neutral cities. Stay tuned for more details! This series provides a platform for dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and collaboration among policymakers, researchers and academics, as well as practitioners in the Nordic Region. Join us to learn, share, and draw inspiration for the future of regional policy and practice. Get insights into how Nordic collaboration translates research into policy inspiration and strategies that benefit the entire region.

To achieve their climate goals, the Nordic countries need to implement ambitious climate policies in the coming years. The green transition impacts all parts of society, and the just green transition means adding a social dimension: it must be inclusive and avoid disproportionately affecting certain groups.   Policymakers face a major challenge of ensuring that everyone is part of the journey to climate neutrality. This calls for a broader understanding of the social implications, which is why the Nordic research institute Nordregio just launched a digital toolbox, providing policymakers with the knowledge and resources to develop inclusive, fair policies.    Nordregio’s research, supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers, identified six actionable priority areas to make the transition inclusive: developing a vision, engaging citizens, assessing and mitigating social and regional impacts, adopting a place-based approach, investing in inclusive reskilling and upskilling, and supporting green choices.   “The user-friendly toolbox highlights the key areas policymakers need to keep track of, which is invaluable when working to ensure that Iceland’s green transition is both fair and inclusive”, says Eggert Benedikt Guðmundsson, Leader of Sustainable Development in the Prime Minister´s Office of Iceland, and chair of the research project’s steering group.    The consequences of an unjust green transition could be far-reaching, with increased social inequalities and divides, reduced economic productivity, and lower competitiveness.    “We want to point out in a simple way what policymakers need to take into account to make the green transition as fair as possible”, Nora Sánchez Gassen, senior researcher at Nordregio.     The toolbox is the final product of Nordregio’s research project Not Just a Green Transition (NJUST) – Examining the path towards a socially just green transition in the Nordic Region. The content is based on desk research, a Nordic survey and discussions with representatives of social groups. Extra attention is…

The Nordic countries are often considered global front-runners when it comes to creating sustainable societies. And while we do a lot of things right, big tasks lie ahead if we are to reach our vision of being the most integrated and sustainable region in the world by 2030. So how can we make sustainable everyday choices more attractive?  The Sustainable Living programme set out to explore this, collecting six innovative projects, each addressing a crucial aspect of sustainability: youth, food, culture, product labelling, education, and gender. The ultimate goal is to make sustainable choices the new norm in the Nordic Region and this requires a team effort across sectors and country borders. This week, Nordregio hosted the Sustainable Living Summit in Stockholm, marking the conclusion of the four-year programme. The event launched the Sustainable Living Hub, collecting all the project resources in one place, and thought leaders across industries, policy, government, academia and civil society joined as we shared an inspiring conference day for sharing Nordic knowledge. Nordregio was pleased by the strong interest in the event, with nearly 700 people registering to attend either in person at Kulturhuset or online (watch a recording of the event here).   Sweden’s Climate Minister, Romina Pourmokhtari, was invited to open the full-day event, and she set the tone for a collaborative atmosphere by putting emphasis on our everyday practices and Nordic collaborations:   “The Sustainable Living programme is a shining example of how we can foster sustainable lifestyle choices and integrate sustainability into our everyday lives through concrete guidelines and Nordic peer learning.”  Her words encapsulated the sense of responsibility that echoed throughout the day’s discussions, underscoring the need to tackle environmental challenges across sectors and disciplines. Throughout the day, the speakers put the spotlight on both a policy level and an individual level. Sustainable…

Slow fashion initiatives were on the agenda as Nordregio facilitated hands-on upcycling workshops for youth last week at the first-ever Nordic-Baltic Youth Summit in Vilnius. Read the key takeaways and youth insights.

On 15 October, a range of sustainability stakeholders will gather in Stockholm as Nordregio hosts a conference on sustainable lifestyles. Sweden’s Minister for Climate and the Environment, Romina Pourmokhtari, will give the opening speech.

Summers are hotter, winters are colder and this fall is green. Climate change is a growing storm, potentially bringing Nordic stability to an end. What can be done to reverse the damage and change the future?  This fall, Nordregio is leading the charge with an event series dedicated to research-based tools and best practices for advancing the green transition – and we’re not gatekeeping any of it! Come with us on a green tinted pathway from research to action.   Nordic countries are committed to significant green transition milestones, aiming for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Nordic Vision by 2030. Yet, achieving climate targets and cutting consumption-based emissions is lagging. To secure a sustainable future, we must take bold steps. “Nordregio’s research provides insights and solutions to support a just green transition across a wide range of topics. My hope is that through This Fall is Green, we can offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the Nordic Region towards the Nordic Vision 2030 – and inspire to act accordingly.” – Rolf Elmér, Nordregio director This year, the fall is green. The green transition cannot wait—it requires a joint effort across sectors and disciplines. How can we together speed up the transition towards a socio-economically inclusive and climate-neutral region? Our event series will guide you through the critical steps necessary to achieve this transformation. This Fall is Green will highlight the latest research on achieving a socially just green transition and offer actionable policy recommendations. Together, we can accelerate progress toward the Nordic Vision: becoming the most sustainable and integrated region in the world by 2030. Register now for tools and inspiration: ACTION: Nordic solutions and inspiration for key actors driving the changeSustainable Living Summit is a full-day conference in Stockholm and online offering research results, tools and…

State of the Nordic Region 2024 is out! The 20th edition takes stock of the latest development trends on demography, labour market and economy across the Nordic countries and regions.

Are we going to see electric airplanes criss-crossing the Nordic skies in the near future? The distinctive geography and commitment to climate neutral transport in the Nordics sets the stage for an ideal testing ground for new innovations. But if electric aviation becomes a reality, how would it impact regions and local communities? Nordregio’s new report offers insights through case studies and future scenarios. Exploring the future of electric aviation in the Nordic Region Electric aviation has potential to transform aviation and offer a solution for more sustainable air travel. While the topic is attracting increasing interest and gaining momentum, there is still much to explore. As Rebecca Cavicchia, Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio, explains: “when it comes to research about electric aviation, most of the studies have focused on the technical aspects of airplanes and infrastructure. However, it is important to look at the regional development dimension as well.” Five Nordic scenarios highlight challenges and opportunities The report presents five case studies and future scenarios for electric aviation in Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden and maps out a ten-year future scenario for turning electric aviation into reality in specific routes and regions. Building on insights from analyses and focus group discussions with local stakeholders, the report draws out trajectories for connections between: “All cases are unique and shed light on different aspects and nuances of electric aviation”, Jonas Kačkus Tybjerg, Research Assistant at Nordregio and one of the report’s co-authors, notes. The views differ from looking at electric aviation as means of working towards climate targets, leveraging it as a catalyst for regional development and connecting remote areas, or seeing it as a novel alternative to conventional flights. The cases highlight both the positive and negative sides of the electric aviation. “We looked at the issue broadly and…

How can rural areas become attractive for youth? The Nordic Youth Panel has the answer. The panel’s recommendations were presented at a recent webinar on regional attractiveness organized by OECD, and for the Nordic Ministers of Regional Affairs in Reykjavik during a meeting last week. Research Fellow Mari Wøien Meijer had the possibility to present the work of the Nordic Youth Panel during the webinar “Enhancing regional attractiveness for resilient development: a dialogue amongst practitioners”. The webinar was arranged by the OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities and gathered various practitioners and experts to discuss enhancing regional attractiveness for resilient development. The event aligned with the OECD’s ongoing efforts to understand and promote regional attractiveness due to evolving global challenges like climate change, technological shifts, and the quest for more strategic globalisation objectives. Key drivers of regional attractiveness are attracting talent, investors and visitors to regions grappling with challenges like outmigration. In the Nordic region, many rural municipalities face demographic challenges with ageing populations and the migration of young people to urban areas, resulting in less diverse labour markets and services. Adapting to these trends while attracting young residents is challenging due to the superior educational and employment opportunities in cities. This situation leads to reduced funding for services, especially for the elderly and youth, further diminishing the appeal of rural areas and creating a vicious cycle of decline. What can we do to make rural areas more attractive for young people? Key areas of focus as identified by the Nordic Rural Youth Panel include improved transportation options, affordable and diverse housing, accessible education linked to local labour markets, mental and physical health support, funding for public meeting spaces, and communication using accessible language and platforms. “The Nordic region’s aim is to become the world’s most sustainable and…

Ahead of the Nordic Council Session in Oslo later this month, the Swedish delegation of the Nordic Council made their first official visit to Nordregio this week. The Nordic Council is the official body for formal inter-parliamentary co-operation and over 20 members of the Swedish delegation gathered at Skeppsholmen to learn about our research. During his opening remarks, Director Rolf Elmér highlighted our role as a leading platform for Nordic learning and exchange, offering evidence-based research for policymakers and practitioners. The delegation also got to learn about our contribution to the Nordic co-operation Programme for Regional Development and Planning, as well as our role as a knowledge broker between the Nordic and EU region. Senior Researcher Anna Lundgren led discussions on Nordic labor market mobility and cross-border transport infrastructure planning, presenting concrete policy recommendations recently published in our reports. We also heard from Senior Researches Carlos Tapia and Nora Sánchez Gassen who dived into the just green transition in the Nordic Region. They noted that our research shows that a majority of Swedes think that more financial resources should be invested in preventing climate change, even if this means that taxes are increased. They also presented the results from a recent report that notes the macroeconomic costs of certain climate polices are moderate over time, but that the cost of living will be higher for rural than for urban households. Finally, we touched on how we ensure that the green transition will happen in a fair and just way. There was dynamic discussions with Swedish delegation who expressed their appreciation for the valuable research conducted by Nordregio and promised to come back soon.

Green transitions in the Nordics are reshaping the landscape of renewable energy and sustainability. As the push for green transitions grows stronger, rural communities face a question: Are they just tools for national objectives, or do they genuinely benefit from these changes? A new Nordregio report delves deep into the heart of the matter, examining the dynamics of justice, local value, and the role of renewable energy projects. Can local value creation induce a sense of justice during green transitions? A study of six rural areas in Denmark, Finland, and Norway The accelerating impacts of climate change, the need to adapt to changing economic and political realities, and the recent energy crisis have made the green transition something that most Nordic citizens acknowledge. However, especially rural areas and their communities are at risk of being reduced to passive instruments of national green transition measures featuring heavy land-use. These conditions make it very difficult to create a sense of justness in green transitions, leading to growing sense of alienation and resentment and putting the national climate goals in danger. From this starting point, the case studies of the research project Just Green Transition on Rural Areas: Local Benefits from Value Creation set out to examine what kind of benefits would generate value from green transition measures in the direct impact zone of new energy projects. The case studies took place in three Nordic countries and six locations: in Northern Ostrobothnia and Northern Central Finland of Finland, involving wind power and land use planning; in Nord-Fron and Nord-Odal in Norway, involving both wind power and strategic sustainability work; and in Skive and Bornholm of Denmark, involving a hybrid mix of renewable energy sources in the context of industrial park development. Big decisions about green energy often overlook what locals really need. Unrealistic…

The upcoming Nordregio Forum 2023, set to take place in Reykjavík and online in October, turns the spotlight on the young generation of the Nordic region. This year’s forum aims to delve into the perspectives of young Nordics, as they navigate career choices, sustainability challenges, and where to settle down. The choices of these young individuals will significantly influence the Nordic region’s future development. Given this, understanding their aspirations, mobility trends, and views on sustainability is crucial for integrating their perspectives into effective policymaking and planning. During the event, young representatives participate in panel discussions to elevate the opinions of youth on topics such as ‘Youth as partners in the green transition – building sustainable communities’ and ‘What does GenZ need to stay in the Nordics? Nordregio Forum serves as an essential gathering for professionals and policymakers in the Nordic countries, offering a platform to discuss regional, rural, and urban development, share knowledge, and influence policy agendas. “This year’s Nordregio Forum is not just about recognizing the fresh ideas from our youth. It’s crucial we bring them to the decision-making table, ensuring their voices are not just heard but are influential. We are actively working with them for a sustainable Nordic future”, says Rolf Elmér, Director of Nordregio. The event is slated for October 17th, 2023, with physical participation at Iðnó in Reykjavík, while a broader audience can join online. As youth prepare to shape the region’s direction, the forum presents a unique chance to listen to their voices and weave their insights into upcoming strategies. Registration is currently open for those keen to join the dialogue and shape the Nordic region’s path forward. Summary of Nordregio Forum 2023 Programme: Opening remarks by the moderator and Sigurður Ingi Jóhannsson, the Icelandic Minister of Infrastructure Session 1: Entering the Nordic labour market…

Nordic countries have ambitious plans and commitments to promote sustainable flight solutions by introducing electric aircraft for short-haul domestic and cross-border flights. How far is it becoming a reality? What infrastructure, policies, interests and concerns are a help or hindrance? Join the discussion about the Nordic electric aviation development, inspired by three newly conducted Nordregio studies in collaboration with Nordic Energy Research and the University of Akureyri. Which Nordic routes will be the first to go electric?  Earlier this year, Nordregio published an accessibility study that identified over 200 potential electric aviation routes in the Nordics. This would significantly cut travel time compared to those going by both car or public transportation and yet be a more sustainable mobility solution. However, the feasibility of introducing the necessary infrastructure crucially depends on energy demands and availability.  What stands in the way of electric aviation in the Nordics? The Nordic countries are known for their low population density, breathtaking geography with fjords, lakes, and mountains, and a strong focus on sustainable energy. However, each country’s context varies.  Take Finland, for example. Electric aviation could improve connections to remote areas and improve regional competitiveness and tourism, yet substantial investments will be needed. Norway could reduce the environmental impact of travels connected to medical care, family and recreation. In Iceland, support for electric aviation is strong, both for environmental reasons and to further regional development. At the same time, an important concern is electrical safety. “It is exciting how soon electric aviation could become a reality in domestic flights in the Nordic countries. For instance, Icelandair has stated that the 30-seat electric airplane, developed by Heart Aerospace, could be used on all domestic routes, and it is estimated that it will be used for passenger transport in 2028,” says Sæunn Gísladóttir, Researcher at the University of Akureyri Research…

The Swedish Presidency of the Council of the European Union hosted a seminar on the 23rd of March, focusing on skills for the green transition for a competitive Europe. Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio Timothy Heleniak was invited to present at the session. The event gathered 150 participants involved in various aspects of education, adult learning, life-long learning, and skills for the green transition from all over Europe. Mats Persson, the Swedish Minister of Education, opened the seminar and highlighted the changing and growing needs in the labour market to achieve Europe’s green transition. “The green transition can only succeed if the European Union has the qualified labour that is needed. Between 2015 and 2021, the labour shortage in sectors considered key for the green transition doubled. This year, The European Year of Skills aims to strengthen competencies and skills needed for the green transition.” Nicolas Schmit, European Commissioner for Jobs and Social Rights, focused on the opportunities arising from the green transition. “The green transition could create up to 1 million additional jobs in the EU by 2030. But for that, the right policies need to be in place.” There is a skill gap within the EU, with around 800 000 trained workers needed for the battery section. There is also a demand for experts in renewable energy. “We need to act upon these skills shortages. Our ambitious target is that 60 per cent of adults should participate in training by 2030.” Senior Research Fellow at Nordregio Timothy Heleniak gave a presentation in a session titled ‘Supplying scarcely populated areas with competencies needed for sustainable growth and development’, based on his fieldwork last year in Norrbotten, Sweden, and the green transition there.

Nordregio launched the accessibility study that identifies over 200 routes in the Nordics in which electric aviation would shorten the travel time by at least 1,5 times, compared to the same route by car or public transport! A Norwegian fisherman Bjørn has just returned to Tromsø after his winter fishing in Andenes. It was supposed to take around 7 hours by car to bring the Atlantic cod home, but since the winter conditions were not the best, it took him much longer than expected. If there were an electric plane route connecting Andenes and Tromsø, the travel time and distance would shorten significantly (from nearly 500km to around 100km), and the environmental impact of such a trip would be reduced. The Nordic region shares many similar accessibility challenges for remote and rural regions. The geographical characteristics of some of these areas, such as large bodies of water, vast forest areas, long coastal lines, mountain ranges and fjords mean that they would experience a significant reduction in travel time using airplanes compared to other modes of transport, such as car, bus or train. About the project This accessibility study is a part of the project “Electric Aviation and the Effect on Nordic Regions”, which aims to investigate how regions and local areas in the Nordic area will be affected by the implementation of electric aviation. The study analyses effects on the local communities, labour market, environment and climate, and the need for developing infrastructure and policies.

The project Local ownership in transitions towards sustainable energy systems explores how local engagement can facilitate the transition towards green energy production. In this article, you can take a deep dive into two of the project’s cases: a housing cooperation in Nacka, Sweden, with an annual production of up to 500,000-540,000 kWh from solar panels, and an offshore windmill park in Bornholm, Denmark, with the aim to make the whole island self-sufficient on renewable energy. The project has conducted field research during 2022, and below, you can read about two of the cases: Igelbodaplatån in Nacka, Sweden, and Bornholms havvind in Bornholm, Denmark.  Igelblodaplatån, Nacka  The housing cooperative Brf Igelbodaplatån in Nacka, Sweden, was constructed in the late 1960s and consists of about 450 apartments. In the past decade, it has undergone a few energy projects, among others, an installation of solar panels on all six housing units’ rooftops in 2020. In total, it produces up to 500,000-540,000 kWh per year. Brf Igelbodaplatån is the 52nd-largest facilitation of solar energy production in all of Sweden. All households in the housing cooperatives jointly owns the housing cooperative which means that all residents together own the energy projects such as the solar panel production through their indirect ownership in their apartments. Bornholms Havvind On the Danish island of Bornholm, a group of local citizens has initiated a large-scale renewable energy project: Bornholms Havvind: 100% lokalt- og folkeejet – Bornholm Offshore Wind: 100% locally and citizen-owned. The goal is to establish a 100 MW offshore windmill park off the coast of Bornholm that will be 100% owned by local citizens, companies, and organizations. The aim is to make the island, with around 40.000 citizens, self-sufficient in renewable energy, where the projected increase of energy consumption in the years to come is taken into account. With…