Thriving Northern Cities

In spring 2023, a feasibility study was conducted that identified common challenges and conditions for promoting sustainable urban development and growth, linked to the green transition taking place in northern Sweden.

The preliminary study resulted in a joint regional strategy for sustainable urban development in the participating municipalities and the whole of northern Sweden. In addition to the municipalities, other key stakeholders from the regions, industry and academia were also involved.

By coming together around a common regional strategy, the five municipalities are breaking new ground. Until now, there has been no common plan or strategy that spans the four northernmost counties.

The strategy is one of five that the Swedish Agency for Economic and Regional Growth has prioritised for further work on urban development.

RISE has assisted in the development of the strategy and is also supporting the municipalities in the implementation process. The strategy focuses on initiatives in four areas where it is judged that collaboration can have a major impact:

- Skills supply and population growth

- Construction, exploitation and financing.

- Social values and civil society

- Mobility, infrastructure and energy