Publications

As Nordic countries look to tourism for regional development, especially in rural areas, there is a growing need to ensure that the benefits of tourism are broadly shared—and its social consequences better understood. This publication is the second in a two-part series on Socially Sustainable Rural Tourism, commissioned by the Nordic Thematic Group for Green, Innovative and Resilient Regions. The first report established a conceptual and policy-based understanding of social sustainability in tourism. This follow-up turns to practice, presenting eight case studies from across the Nordic Region. Through interviews and field visits, the research team explores how tourism policies are being implemented on the ground. What emerges is a mixed picture: community engagement and sustainability are frequently cited in strategies, yet implementation is often uneven. The report identifies governance structures, seasonality, and local participation as crucial to making tourism a tool for social sustainability. Key insights from the Nordic case studies Cross-cutting recommendations for policymakers

Many Nordic municipalities are experiencing population decline, ageing, and uneven demographic trends, creating challenges for economic sustainability, service provision, and infrastructure development. While growth has traditionally been the policy focus, these shifts require a different approach. Smart adaptation offers a way to rethink resource allocation, adjust services, and foster innovation to build more resilient communities. This policy brief explores how policymakers and planners can develop adaptive strategies to manage demographic change effectively. It highlights key principles of smart adaptation and provides practical insights for national, regional, and local decision-makers. The policy brief outlines seven policy actions to support smart adaptation to population shrinkage in the Nordic region. Based on insights from a series of workshops with planners, policymakers, and experts, these recommendations highlight key pathways for managing demographic change effectively: This policy brief is part of the Smart Adaptation to Rural Realities: approaches and practices in Nordic municipalities and regions (2023–2025) project, which explores governance strategies for managing demographic decline in the Nordic region. The findings draw on a review of Nordic and European research, an analysis of regional and rural development policies, and a series of workshops with municipal, regional, and national representatives from Sweden, Finland, Norway, Iceland, and Denmark. The project aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and identify adaptive strategies that support long-term resilience in shrinking communities.

What drives young adults in the Nordic region to stay, move, or return to their place of origin? This working paper explores the migration patterns and settlement preferences of Nordic individuals aged 25-39—a key period for long-term relocation decisions. Grounded in the Competence Mobility II project, the study examines how career opportunities, social ties, and lifestyle aspirations influence mobility choices across the region.

Political discontent has been rising in many Western democracies, often linked to economic insecurities, spatial inequalities, and demographic shifts. While the Nordic countries generally maintain high levels of trust in institutions, growing rural-urban divides may contribute to dissatisfaction, particularly in areas facing economic stagnation or demographic imbalances. This project synthesis examines spatial disparities across the Nordic Region and their association with electoral behaviour, particularly voter turnout and support for populist parties. The findings indicate that while political discontent has not uniformly increased across the Nordic Region, rural areas consistently show lower voter turnout, while intermediate areas have higher support for populist parties. Socio-economic factors such as unemployment, lower education levels, and income stagnation correlate with higher populist voting, while areas with traditional, polluting industries show lower levels of discontent – suggesting the economic stability of these industries plays a role in maintaining trust. Based on these insights, the synthesis outlines key policy recommendations for addressing regional inequalities and fostering inclusive development: This publication is part of the “Ensuring inclusive economic growth in the transition to a green economy (EnIGG)” project. The project analyses how the Nordic countries can accelerate the green transition towards a climate-neutral economy. The policy brief is part of a working package that looks into the distributive effects of climate policies and analyses how gaps between richer and poorer population groups and regions have developed since the last economic crisis. See also a complementary visual guide with insights into Nordic spatial variations in demographic, social, and economic characteristics.

In recent years, feelings of being left behind have grown in some regions across Europe and the Western world, linked to economic, social, and demographic disparities. This visual guide provides an overview of spatial variations across the Nordic Region, illustrating key demographic, socio-economic, and environmental indicators through maps and charts. By comparing municipalities and regions, the visual guide highlights rural-urban differences and identifies statistically significant patterns at the Nordic level. It categorises municipalities based on Nordregio’s rural-urban typology, offering insights into how urban, intermediate, and rural areas differ in terms of population composition, income levels, green jobs, and greenhouse gas emissions. This visual guide complements the Nordregio policy brief Navigating Nordic Discontent, which explores the regional divides shaping political and economic trends in the Nordics. They are part of the project “Ensuring inclusive economic growth in the transition to a green economy (EnIGG)”. The project analyses how the Nordic countries can accelerate the green transition towards a climate-neutral economy. The publications are part of a working package that looks into the distributive effects of climate policies and analyses how gaps between richer and poorer population groups and regions have developed since the last economic crisis.

This report aims to illustrate how ‘Industrial Symbiosis’ (IS) can be a useful concept and model to accelerate the transition towards the green and circular economy. As a point of departure, this report poses the question: ‘Why industrial symbiosis’? To answer it, the concept is unwrapped in connection to related concepts such as circular economy, green economy and valorisation. Furthermore, the report presents a snapshot of the development of industrial symbiosis in the Baltic Sea Region (BSR), followed by more in-depth case studies in selected regions. The report, then, provides conclusions reflecting on the key factors that play a role in forging symbiotic connections between relevant stakeholders, and ends with a list of recommendations. Commissioned by the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Lithuania, this report contributes to the implementation of the EUSBSR PA Bioeconomy.

Det är dags att ställa om till en mer hållbar energiframtid, vilket öppnar upp för nya möjligheter för att äga energi lokalt, tillsammans. Uppsala universitet och Nordregio har tillsammans tagit fram denna guide, som riktar sig till de som är intresserad av att skapa projekt för lokalt ägd energi, samt till dig som är beslutsfattare eller finansiär och vill förstå hur du kan underlätta för medborgare att förverkliga dessa projekt.  Det finns stor potential i att gemensamt skapa och äga energi på lokal nivå: lägre kostnader för invånarna, resilienta lokalsamhällen och robusta energisystem. Intresset för lokalägda energiprojekt växer stadigt, men frågetecknen är fortfarande många, och processen svårnavigerad. Denna praktiska guide erbjuder tre steg för att hjälpa lokalsamhällen att gå från idé till genomförande, med praktiska lärdomar från fallstudier, och hänvisningar till resurser. Trots en uttalad politisk vilja att stödja denna omställning, både på EU-nivå och nationellt, saknas tydliga strukturer och politiskt stöd. Guiden avslutas därför med sex rekommendationerna till finansiärer samt beslutsfattare på lokal, regional och nationell nivå, för att hjälpa lokala energiprojekt att blomstra.

Gotland’s innovative biogas project turns organic waste into fuel for cars and buses, combating climate change and fostering a cleaner, sustainable society. With farmers, industries, households, and even the municipality contributing to biogas production, the initiative builds a collaborative spirit on the island. The sustainable initiative brings multiple benefits to the local community. While EU regulations restrict food crops for biofuel production, and a market skewed towards electric vehicles, local entrepreneurs address this by promoting biogas car sales and conversion of regular cars to biogas systems, demonstrating how local initiatives can address global sustainability challenges. Next up: biogas-fuelled ferries? Local ownership and collaboration are vital in renewable energy projects. Read more about how Biogas Gotland realised its plans and the lessons learned from successful local ownership of sustainable energy.

The food systems and dietary patterns in Greenland and the Faroe Islands are shaped by their unique geographical, climatic, and cultural contexts, setting them apart from other Nordic countries. This policy brief explores the characteristics of these food systems and dietary patterns. It examines both the challenges and opportunities, as well as the ongoing policy initiatives aimed at promoting healthy and sustainable food consumption practices. In essence, this policy brief examines the interplay between the environmental, economic, and cultural determinants that shape food systems in Greenland and the Faroe Islands. By analysing food survey data, the brief provides insights into recent dietary trends and examines policy initiatives aimed at fostering healthier and more sustainable diets. It underscores the need for integrated approaches that enhance food self-sufficiency and sustainability, while preserving cultural traditions and enhancing social well-being. The brief concludes with key recommendations designed to promote healthy and sustainable diets in Greenland and the Faroe Islands.

The expansion of stable digital connectivity in rural Nordic regions has fuelled innovation across various sectors. In the health and social care sector, distance spanning solutions offer a novel opportunity to provide better, more accessible, efficient, and sustainable services, particularly to people in underserved areas.   The project “Integrated Healthcare and Care through Distance Spanning Solutions” (iHAC) has been looking into the different aspects surrounding the provision of remote care services, ranging from questions on sustainability over regional development to governance. This discussion paper aims to unearth some of the factors that need to be taken into consideration to ensure an inclusive rollout of distance spanning health solutions in the Nordic countries. It further aims to provide directions for future investigations into the inclusion dimension of digital health and care services.  This paper focuses on four of the five Nordic model regions identified in the iHAC publication “Integrated Healthcare and Care through distance spanning solutions – for increased service accessibility”: Päijät-Häme, Finland, Fjallabyggð, Iceland, Agder, Norway and Norrtälje, Sweden.  

This policy brief aims to shed some light on the mission’s approach, specifically within innovation policy, and how it is interpreted and implemented at different territorial levels. Mission-oriented innovation policies (MOIP) have gained traction in academia and policy in recent years as a possible means to set the directionality of collective efforts and accelerate transformative change around some of today’s grand societal challenges. This policy brief presents the academic debate around the territorial dimensions of MOIPs, followed by a brief discussion of how MOIPs have been adopted so far at the supra-national, national and sub-national levels. More specifically, a snapshot of the innovation policy landscape and the degree of penetration of mission and transformative approaches in Denmark, Finland and Sweden is presented. Furthermore, the interpretation and adoption of missions at the regional level are discussed based on the results of three Nordic case studies, including Northern Jutland (DK), Ostrobothnia (FI) and Västerbotten (SE). The final section discusses the implications of adopting MOIPs and provides a list of recommendations for Nordic regions.

This report offers 12 key policy messages designed to drive urban transformation at the local level. Drawing on lessons learned within the seven Urban Living Labs (ULLs) in the TANGO-W project, these recommendations equip policymakers with actionable strategies to tackle contemporary challenges facing European cities. The policy messages in this report are organised according to the three key areas of urban sustainability transitions approach: structures, practices, and relationships.  Policy messages concerning STRUCTURES focus on how public organisations can be configured to foster innovation and effectively address contemporary challenges. These recommendations are connected to system awareness and memory, collaboration across various agency levels, and coordination between political and administrative . The goal of these structural policy messages is to empower local entities to lead and drive change.  Policy messages on PRACTICES shed light on how public organisations can develop, implement and sustain the necessary skills, resources, capabilities, and routines to effectively tackle contemporary challenges. Practices encompass UTC components such as learning and reflexivity, transformative leadership, sustainability foresight, and the integration of innovative practices into everyday routines. They focus on innovative working methods that facilitate the translation of broad environmental and societal goals into actionable local practices and projects. Moreover, these practices support the assessment and reflection on the progress of initiatives, fostering the generation of new knowledge.  Policy messages concerning RELATIONSHIPS focus on collaborative connections with external stakeholders that are facilitated by innovative structures and practices. These relationships are key to fostering inclusive and multifaceted urban governance, empowering communities of practice, and experimenting with disruptive solutions. Such capacities highlight the importance of inclusive and adaptive governance, engaging a diverse range of stakeholders from various sectors in the decision-making process.  Find more reports from the TANGO-W project here.

On the popular holiday island of Gotland, off Sweden’s southeast coast, community-driven initiative Austerland Energi is building a solar energy park, enabling local energy generation, storage, sharing, and use. The sparsely populated Östergarnslandet has 3,700 households, but only one-third are occupied by permanent residents, and the rest belong to second home owners. Austerland Energi is a community-driven energy project that just established its solar energy park as a local manifestation of the Paris Agreement. The initiative builds on previous successful local projects, such as a water and sewage system, a fibre network, and a community centre conversion. Learn how engaged residents are shaping their community’s future through this local energy transition, beginning with their community-owned solar park.

In an evolving risk landscape characterised by extreme weather events, natural disasters, as well as geopolitical turmoil and hybrid threats, it is essential to build and maintain robust and resilient societies capable of withstanding and managing both environmental disasters and human-made crises. This policy brief analyses how regional policy can contribute to civil preparedness and robustness in Nordic rural areas. This policy brief examines how regional policy can enhance civil preparedness and resilience by strengthening cooperation, ensuring access to critical resources, and supporting sustainable transitions. Key aspects include crisis prevention, emergency services, food and energy security, and access to essential public services. The findings highlight the role of strategic regional planning in building more resilient and adaptable Nordic communities. The policy brief has been drafted as a part of the ‘Robust Regional Preparedness‘ project. You can also download the policy brief in Swedish.

This policy paper provides key recommendations outlining ways to proactively engage citizens in EU cohesion policy processes. The recommendations are designed to support EU, national, and regional level policymakers to achieve the priority goal for the 2021-2027 EU cohesion policy programme period of bringing ‘Europe closer to citizens’. European Union (EU) Cohesion Policy is the one area of EU policy competence with the highest potential for directly engaging citizens in EU policymaking processes. While the European Commission has introduced many cohesion policy instruments that bring policymaking closer to regional and local levels, direct citizen involvement in this policy sphere remains negligible. A citizen focused approach needs to be embedded within existing cohesion policy structures to maximize the potential of cohesion policy for strengthening the connection between the EU and citizens. The main questions addressed in this policy brief are:

The digital transformation in public services has changed how citizens use essential services. In many Nordic and Baltic countries, there is a lack of understanding of the effectiveness of digital inclusion initiatives. This case study collects learnings from Denmark’s public transport system, which has worked ambitiously with inclusion. It highlights best practices in digital inclusion, that can benefit similar initiatives across the Nordic-Baltic region. Rejsekort & Rejseplan A/S (RK), Denmark’s national e-ticketing system for public transport, launched a new app-based solution as part of its broader digitalisation strategy. In this case study, we examine RK’s journey in balancing digital innovation with the imperative of digital inclusion. The results showed that achieving digital inclusion requires a nuanced strategy, and in this case, including a physical alternative solution addressing the needs of vulnerable user groups, including older adults and people with disabilities. Lessons included building on existing knowledge on digital inclusion, maintaining continuous user involvement, conducting pilot testing, and ensuring inclusion across the entire user journey. Additionally, RK’s experience demonstrates the importance of internal organisational readiness and the need to balance technological innovation with user needs. Lastly, without sustained leadership focus, these initiatives risk losing internal traction. This case study offers valuable lessons for other Nordic and Baltic organisations, especially as they navigate similar digitalisation and transformation projects.

This final report captures four years of accumulated work by the Nordic Thematic Group for Green, Innovative, and Resilient Regions (2021–2024). Research topics include green innovation systems, remote work post-pandemic, competence mobility, socially sustainable tourism, and collaborative leadership. A wide range of outputs, from policy briefs to case studies and webinars, have been delivered during the course of the programme period. The collaborative approach has enhanced knowledge-sharing and policy-making, supporting the Nordic Council of Ministers’ vision to make the Nordic Region the most sustainable and integrated in the world by 2030. BackgroundThe thematic group operates under the Nordic Co-operation Programme for Regional Development and Planning (2021–2024), with the following objectives: Participants included Nordregio researchers and national, regional, and cross-border representatives, who developed insights aligned with Nordic regional goals on competitiveness, labour markets, and freedom of movement. Research conclusions: ImpactThe group facilitated over 100 knowledge-sharing activities, including at the Nordregio Forum, webinars, and a roadshow of local and national level presentations. Outputs such as reports and case studies enhanced policy discussions, supported regional strategies, and advanced Nordic added value through shared learning and best practices. The work not only advances the Nordic vision but also strengthens networks and capacity for regional development, showcasing the strategic importance of collaboration across sectors and countries.

As regional challenges grow increasingly complex, successful collaboration becomes more vital. This report investigates the drivers, obstacles, and enablers of collaborative leadership, essential for addressing regional socio-economic challenges and fostering sustainable development in the Nordic region. This results of this report are grounded in the cooperative work of Nordic Thematic Group for Green, Innovative and Resilient Regions 2021-2024. Our research expands the concept of collaborative regional leadership, narrowing the focus on how regional institutions and stakeholders practically work together both currently and, in the future, to develop more effective policies, implement strategies, and drive forward ambitious projects. The study identifies factors that either enable or hinder collaboration and proposes a new model for fostering long-term, sustainable partnerships. Using data from a Nordic-wide survey and four in-depth case studies, the report zooms in on:   The research reveals that what often triggers collaboration – crisis, shared regional challenges, and policy shifts – there are critical common factors that frequently curb progress – limited resources, weak leadership, and fragmented policy frameworks. Successful collaborations rely on strong networks, clear leadership, and a culture of cooperation. Our findings emphasize the value of engaging diverse stakeholders and fostering trust to achieve sustainable outcomes. This report’s recommendations include creating long-term platforms for regional collaboration and investing in leadership development to strengthen multi-stakeholder initiatives. By synthesizing the experiences of Nordic regions, this report provides a practical framework for building resilient, collaborative ecosystems that support both regional development and the broader Nordic Vision 2030.

This publication is a culmination of the challenges, lessons learned, and good practices of cycling in the capital cities and regions of the Nordic countries. Derived from the research and discussions among network participants, this publication highlights eight common myths about the role of the bicycle as a mode of transport in the Nordic Region. Each myth is followed by an evidence-based rebuttal, confronting the inaccurate claims and uprooting the underlying problem. After each reality statement, we provide suggestions and good practices, based on both desk research and contributions from practitioners in the Nordic Cycle Power Network.

Den här rapporten är del av ett nordiskt projekt vars övergripande syfte har varit att undersöka hur regionalpolitik på bästa sätt kan bidra till att tillgodose civil beredskap och robusthet i nordiska landsbygder under perioder av kris. I det nya risklandskapet är ett robust samhälle, med kapacitet att stå emot och hantera både miljökatastrofer och mänskligt orsakade kriser, högst eftersträvansvärt. Regioner och kommuner kan bidra till robusthet och civil beredskap genom att upprätthålla samarbetsförmåga och utveckla innovativa lösningar för en hållbar omställning, tillika säkra tillgången till mat, råmaterial, energi och service för sina invånare, både i fredstid och i perioder av kris. Inom ramen för studien definieras civil beredskap genom följande aspekter: förebyggande och trygghetsskapande åtgärder i samhället, räddningstjänst och krisberedskap, matsäkerhet inklusive livsmedelsförsörjning, energiförsörjning, försörjning av råmaterial (främst mineraler och metaller), samt tillgång till (offentlig) service. This policy brief is part of a Nordic project ‘Robust Regional Preparedness‘ analysing how regional policy can contribute to civil preparedness and robustness in Nordic rural areas during periods of crisis. In the current risk landscape characterised by both environmental disasters and man-made crises, regions and municipalities can also contribute to robustness and civil preparedness by maintaining cooperation and developing innovative solutions for a sustainable transition, while also securing access to food, raw materials, energy and services for their residents, both in peacetime and in periods of crisis. The policy brief is also available in English. For more, see the additional resources (linked below) from the project for details.