The Northern Sparsely Populated Areas (NSPA) is a network of Nordic regions established in 2008 with the aim to foster collaboration and facilitate the exchange of best practices. It includes:
• the seven northernmost and eastern regions of Finland (Central Ostrobothnia, Kainuu, Lapland, North Karelia, Northern Ostrobothnia, Pohjois-Savo, and South-Savo),
• the four northernmost regions of Sweden (Jämtland Härjedalen, Norrbotten, Västerbotten, and Västernorrland), and
• the three northernmost regions of Norway (Finnmark, Nordland, and Troms).
To advance the green transition, NSPA regions should further increase investments in renewable energy, promote circular economy practices, and foster innovation in green technologies. Additionally, cross-border collaboration among Nordic countries: Finland, Norway, and Sweden can create synergies, scale local solutions, and facilitate the spread of low-carbon practices across these countries and the European Union.
This report by OECD concludes that unlocking the full potential of the NSPA requires a comprehensive and integrated approach that harnesses the region’s natural resources, technological innovation, and welfare-driven employment strategies. This calls for deepening and revisiting the existing co-operation frameworks among the fourteen NSPA regions to develop targeted, forward-looking solutions while optimising available resources. Policies should prioritise economic diversification, green growth, and inclusive governance to foster sustainable and resilient local economies.
Access the report here
