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New year with the great societal transformation: this is what we focus on

The year 2024 is fast approaching. Norrbotten faces many challenges, linked to the ongoing societal transformation. Now the regional development committee has decided which issues are prioritized next year.

Children running on a lawn in the evening sun, view of water.
Photo: Simon Eliasson

– With the regional development work, we are laying the foundation for the future welfare in Norrbotten. Sustainable social development generates both jobs and growth and attracts people. In this way, we can improve the supply of skills and obtain a larger tax base. With the plan for 2024, we are focusing our efforts where they are most needed, says Helena Ölund, chair of the regional development committee.

The Norrbotten Region has the task of leading this work forward. The Regional Development Board's plan sets the direction for the work.

Four development areas with priorities have been identified.


Photo: Simon Eliasson

Good opportunities for culture, housing, work and welfare

The area includes, among other things, caring for and developing natural and cultural environments. We will promote work with designed living environments and coordinated physical planning. It is also a priority to support access to grocery stores and fuel in sparsely populated areas. Book buses will be developed as service points.

Culture for children and young people has a high priority and a portal that highlights the range of offerings will be developed next year. National minorities are also a priority area. The Swedish Tornedalingar National Association has been commissioned to create a digital information center about Tornedalingar, Kväner and Lantalaiset.

Photo: Anders Alm.

Well-functioning skills supply and skills development

This area includes measures to reduce emigration and increase immigration. The Norrbotten Validation Centre aims to take advantage of the skills of people who are already here. The mission for 2024 also includes developing opportunities for distance education. The budget includes a major investment in the county's folk high schools and study associations.

The Norrbotten Region will also monitor issues at the national and EU level that affect the supply of skills.


Photo: Simon Eliasson

Innovation and renewal as well as entrepreneurship and business

Region Norrbotten's support for investments in companies is an important tool. Digitalization is a priority issue that contributes to strengthened competitiveness. A pilot project is also underway during the year to develop the hospitality industry ecosystem. Tomorrow's entrepreneurs are encouraged through a budget investment in Ung företagsamhet Norrbotten.

Norrbotten Region will also monitor issues related to permit processes and access to funds from the European Regional Development Fund.

Photo: Simon Eliasson

Good accessibility through digital communication and transport systems

Norrbotten will work to ensure that more people are connected to fast broadband. In 2024, a major broadband expansion project will be underway in six of the county's municipalities. Another important area is more digital community and welfare services that contribute to better service in sparsely populated areas.

In collaboration with the Swedish Transport Administration and the municipalities, investments will be made in meeting-free intersections and pedestrian and bicycle paths. Public transport will have an attractive range. The work also includes influencing national decisions on, for example, the Norrbothnia Line and increased capacity on the Malm Line.

– Through our work with collaboration, influence and financing, we contribute to the attractive and sustainable Norrbotten of the future. We now look forward to another year of good cooperation with our municipalities, companies, universities, associations, cultural creators and other important actors who are involved in developing Norrbotten, says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director.

FACTS: Budget for 2024

For the work covered by the plan, the Regional Development Board has a financial framework of 419,6 million SEK. Here are some of the investments in the budget.

  • The allocation to the Norrbotten Education Association is increased by a total of SEK 3 million. SEK 2 million goes to the folk high schools and SEK 1 million to the study associations.
  • Young entrepreneurship in Norrbotten receives increased operating support of SEK 700 and Coompanion Norrbotten with SEK 000.
  • Within culture, special investments have been made with just over four million SEK. Among other things, the Swedish Tornedalingars Riksförbund has received increased operating support for 2024 with 850 SEK, Norrbottensteatern with 000 SEK and Havremagasinet with 622 SEK. Moskosel Creative Park is a new applicant that receives 100 SEK in operating support.