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The Nordic Region is widely known for its accessible and inclusive higher education systems. Yet beyond the traditional urban campuses lies a quieter, but equally important, transformation. In small towns and rural areas across the Nordics, higher education institutions are stepping into roles that go far beyond education – shaping labour markets, attracting youth, and becoming anchors for regional development. More than education providers “Higher education institutions in smaller towns and rural areas are much more than just providers of education — they wear many hats,” says Anna Berlina, Project Manager at Nordregio. “They serve as drivers of regional development, promote community cohesion, help reduce social inequalities, and deliver skills and competencies tailored to local labour market needs.” One of the central insights of the study is the strategic importance of peripheral higher education institutions (PHEIs) in tackling regional disparities. Many rural and remote regions across the Nordics are grappling with youth outmigration, labour shortages, and a growing urban-rural divide. In this context, education emerges not just as a right, but as a lever for territorial cohesion and local vitality. Strong collaboration among local governments, businesses, and education providers – often referred to as the “quadruple helix” – plays a critical role. In successful cases, municipalities are not just passive hosts but active co-creators, offering funding, shaping curricula, and aligning education with labour market needs. The research also finds that hybrid and flexible models of education are key to ensuring access. In digitally connected Nordic regions, students can now pursue higher education without relocating – a major advantage for adult learners, families, and those balancing work and study. However, Anna Berlina points out that physical spaces still matter: “Despite increased digitalisation, having a physical campus or a dedicated learning space was seen as especially important for community building, creating connections…