The key theme of the webinar was identifying the causes of rural labour shortages in the Nordic region and discussing strategies and solutions to address this challenge. Special focus was placed on demographic changes, economic factors, the impact of the green transition, and digitalization, as well as measures that could help attract and retain workforce in rural areas.
The webinar presented various strategies to mitigate labour shortages in rural areas, emphasizing the improvement of living and working conditions to attract new residents. The importance of investing in education and retraining was highlighted, enabling the local population to acquire the necessary skills for the modern labour market. Strengthening collaboration between local governments, businesses, and educational institutions was also identified as a key factor in creating sustainable employment solutions.
A special emphasis was placed on promoting digitalization and flexible working models, which enable remote work and better connectivity between rural communities and broader labour markets. Additionally, measures to facilitate the immigration of the workforce to compensate for shortages in key sectors were discussed. These initiatives represent a comprehensive approach aimed at long-term solutions to labour shortages and promoting the sustainable development of rural areas.
The webinar demonstrated that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this challenge, and a comprehensive approach is necessary, involving diverse policies and measures tailored to the specific characteristics of each region. It is crucial to focus efforts on attracting and retaining populations in rural areas through the improvement of infrastructure, social services, and employment opportunities.
The event was attended by project team member, Asst. Prof. Zoran Brljak, with the goal of familiarizing himself with the experiences and research of experts on this topic. He provided valuable information and examples of good practices that can serve as a foundation for further development of policies aimed at addressing this important issue.
Picture 1. The event Opening
Picture 2. Agenda of the event
Picture 3. Rikard Eriksson, Umea University
