Strengthened capacity for sustainable business development in Norrbotten

Local development power is crucial for regional success – we strengthen collaboration at the local and regional level to promote businesses, innovation and sustainable growth in Norrbotten.

Background

Municipal business functions are key players in regional development. They connect the needs of companies with regional actors, authorities and financing opportunities. They are crucial for harnessing local development potential.

Between 2018 and 2024, 12 of 14 municipalities in Norrbotten received national support to strengthen their capacity to develop the business sector. Evaluations show that the support led to better collaboration, clearer goals and an increased ability to promote entrepreneurship. However, when the support is now terminated, the municipalities' capacity risks being significantly reduced.

Layoffs within business organizations and a lack of resources mean that municipalities have difficulty supporting local businesses, collaborating regionally, and contributing their perspectives. Without local support, development risks becoming one-sided and missing important needs.

For Region Norrbotten as the regional development authority, it is therefore crucial that the municipalities' business functions receive the right support. A strong local foundation is necessary to build a sustainable, innovative and resilient business sector - equipped for the challenges of the future.

Goals with Strengthened capacity for sustainable business development

In the long term, the project focuses on three things:

• Strengthen capacity for locally adapted activities that stimulate diversified, sustainable and resilient business development and innovations at the local level.
• Strengthen the capacity of local level/municipalities to actively participate in, contribute to and take part in regional structures, processes and initiatives within innovation and business development.
• Develop structures and innovative working methods between local and regional levels that have a bearing on business development, innovations and regional development.

Who are our collaboration partners?

The Norrbotten Region, all 14 municipalities and business companies in the county, and the Norrbotten Municipalities are collaborating partners.

Project period

The project Strengthened capacity for sustainable business development in Norrbotten is a three-year project, which is active from autumn 2025 to autumn 2028.

Who is financing the project?

The project is funded by the European Regional Development Fund and the Norrbotten Region.