1500 entries have become a RUS proposal – what do you think?

All last year we listened to what the people of Norrbotten thought about the future of the county. In various ways we collected thoughts, needs, suggestions and opinions about Norrbotten's path to 2040. The over 1500 contributions we received have now taken the form of a consultation version – a proposal for a new regional development strategy (RUS) on which we now want feedback.

 In recent months, Region Norrbotten has compiled and analyzed the feedback to find the larger patterns. We have identified what many have pointed out as important to collaborate on to create the county we need and want in the future. This has now resulted in a 30-page proposal.  

 – We have been able to discern a clear direction of will in the input we have received. Many have raised ideas about developing community and togetherness. About shaping an inclusive society where people and businesses have great room to grow. To work with internationalization and collaboration across borders. These are ideas that are linked to many of our most important challenges. Based on this, we have formulated the vision Closeness between people - openness to the world, says Janus Brandin, Regional Development Director. 

The referral window is open.

But the RUS is not finished yet – it will be processed once more based on the comments we receive on the proposal. The window for reviewing and commenting is open from March 31 to May 30. The comments on the RUS can touch on many different aspects, large and small. Is any wording unclear? Perhaps there is something that needs to be given more weight? Is there anything that might be needed to be supplemented? The answers are submitted in a form, section by section.  

 – We are happy and grateful for the great commitment in the process so far and have done our best to take advantage of the input we have received. Last year we invited the whole of Norrbotten to join the discussions about the future. Now the whole of Norrbotten also has the opportunity to have their say on the proposal. We hope that many will take the chance to do so. The RUS is our common roadmap, says Tove Cullhed, process manager for RUS at Region Norrbotten. 

We want organizations to come together around shared feedback. An organization can be a group of business promoters, a municipal government, a civil society organization or actors in culture and education. But also a company, a school or a local PRO association. 

It's important not to miss anything.

When you read the proposal for the RUS, it is important to remember that the strategy should guide how we will work together for the development of the county. RUS is a tool for coordinating all our resources, both public and private, so that we can work effectively towards common goals. It is also a guide for funding. If important areas are not addressed in the RUS, we may miss opportunities for funding and collaboration. 

 – The municipalities in Norrbotten have different conditions, needs and opportunities. We need to take advantage of the differences, diversity and local development potential. It also takes courage to experiment with solutions that can provide new insights and results. By working together and in new ways, we create the future of Norrbotten, says Janus Brandin.

Read the proposal for RUS here 
Leave your comments on the proposal here 
Read more about the RUS process at developorrbotten.se/rus