Nordic Council of Ministers
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Moving together or drifting apart?
No full textThis working paper analyses the territorial differences in household wealth across the Nordic Region. It examines the distribution and development of income inequality across the Nordics between 2005 and 2022, focusing especially on disparities at the municipal level and offers insights into the complex dynamics of income inequality in the Nordic Region
Communication rights and the Nordic epistemic commons : Assessing the media welfare state in the age of information disorder
No full textInformation disorder occurs when the fact-based, reliable, and professionally validated provision of information becomes confronted by information that attacks previously trusted media platforms, disputes the known or scientifically validated facts, or uses rumours and gossip as sources. Information disorder intensifies during turbulent times, as evidenced by the global rise of xenophobic movements, disbelief in science, and belief in conspiracies. Although Nordic countries fare remarkably well by many measures that assess democratic and robust communication environments, they also face these challenges. In this chapter, we view the Nordic media welfare state as ideally entailing an epistemic commons – a shared forum for trustworthy knowledge and culture – that supports citizens’ communication rights of access to and availability of diverse content, as well as privacy and dialogical public communication. Based on these key principles embedded in the Nordic media welfare state model, we assess its present condition by employing the framework of communication rights as our analytical tool. We argue that rights-based approaches in policy and practice are essential if a Nordic digital media welfare state is to be realised and maintained
Disconnection or hyperconnectivity? Remote work and the case of Italian south working
No full textThe Covid-19 pandemic crisis, and the ensuing diffusion of remote work, revived the debate about work meaningfulness, leading many workers to question their hyperconnected worklives. In Italy, this discussion has been animated by the “south working” proposition, which promotes moving towards the south of the country to work remotely and enjoy a slower pace of life and lower costs of living, while contributing to the revitalisation of rural and nonmetropolitan areas. Through digital ethnographic research that employs a variety of data sources, in this chapter I reconstruct the debate around south working across Italian mainstream and social media. I critically discuss the role that hyperconnectivity, disconnection, and digital work lifestyles play in this conversation, reflecting on the significance of the south working proposition in context of new aspirations for a “good life” that are distinctive of the post-pandemic scenario
Hygg, sáa og smakka! : – bóklingur til íblásturs at læra børn at velta grønt og korn til matna
No full textA Seed of Inspiration A seed is small, tiny even. Still, within its coating it carries the origin of life. Given the right conditions, seeds can grow into plants that we need for food, shelter, clothes, fuel, and fodder for our animals. Plants that are essential for human life on earth. To see a seed wake up and stretch its first leaves towards the sky, whilst firmly positioning its roots in the ground is intriguing. To put your hands in the soil and learn the basics of growing your own plants is amazing. To understand the connection between food, biodiversity and climate change is crucial. Unfortunately, children today grow up in a society struggling with several global challenges, such as the climate crisis and the ongoing loss of biodiversity. The recent pandemic and the ongoing war in Ukraine have also raised issues as the importance of food security and the vulnerability of being too dependent on import. Knowledge of the fundamentals in growing food is therefore more important than ever. With this in mind, NordGen has created this educational package targeting pre-schools and primary schools with the aim of inspiring children to learn more about food and gardening by putting their hands in the soil. This cultivation handbook is written in Faroese and has been used by teachers and pupils in the Faroe Islands as part of the NordGen-project "See, sow and taste". As the Nordic countries’ knowledge center for genetic resources, NordGen has a mission to disseminate information on biodiversity important for our Nordic agriculture and forestry. This is our way of doing that in a hopefully fun and inspiring way. We hope that you will have a wonderful time teaching your pupils about the fundamental issue of growing plants for food. Get your hands dirty! Let the kids play, listen to them discussing. And above all – have fun!NordGen's project for children and youth: "See, sow, taste
Innovation Through Crisis: Journalism and News Media in Transition
No full textThis book provides insights into the interplay between crisis, resilience, and innovation within news media. Examining how Norwegian news media adapted and innovated during the Covid-19 pandemic, it offers new knowledge on news organisations’ resilience strategies and their ability to create value for themselves, their audiences, and for the broader society during times of unprecedented uncertainty. Through a diverse array of qualitative and quantitative methods, the research presented uncovers how crises serve as both opportunities for innovation and threats to journalism practices and businesses. Drawing on perspectives from journalism and media innovation studies, management and organisational research, and innovation theory, the empirical investigation identifies three overarching themes: the crisis as a catalyst for innovation, a critical test of resilience, and an amplifier of value creation. Through several empirical studies, we demonstrate how the Covid-19 pandemic prompted urgency- and ambition-driven innovation in Norwegian news media. This research showcases how organisations rapidly adapted to the crisis using digital tools, and how they introduced new services, amplifying economic and social value creation while navigating challenges to news workers’ well-being. In conclusion, the theoretical perspectives on crisis, resilience, and innovation shed light on the transformative journey of Norway’s news media during the Covid-19 crisis, offering valuable insights for scholars, practitioners, and policymakers alike. Mona K. Solvoll is associate professor at the School of Communication, Leadership and Marketing at Kristiania University College, Norway. Ragnhild Kr. Olsen is associate professor at the Department of Journalism and Media Studies at Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway. The research in the book originates from the “Media Innovation Through the Corona Crisis” project at the BI Norwegian Business School (2020–2021), funded by the Research Council of Norway
National Digital Inclusion Initiatives in the Nordic and Baltic Countries
No full textThis study assesses digital inclusion policies in the Nordic and Baltic regions, focusing on how digital inclusion is defined and monitored. Covering policies published after December 2021 and considering earlier ones that are still in effect, it found 33 strategies, with 19 new ones. Despite the increased focus, a unified definition of digital inclusion across these regions is absent. The study notes similarities in understanding digital inclusion, yet distinct national challenges highlight the need for context-specific approaches. Monitoring digital inclusion remains fragmented, lacking standard criteria. The study suggests a more coordinated approach to enhance digital inclusion strategies. While countries like Sweden and Denmark initiate structured monitoring, the overall approach to digital inclusion varies, reflecting diverse national challenges but also offering opportunities for collaborative learning and policy development
Remote Work in Rural Areas : Possibilities and uncertainties
No full textThis study investigates the role of remote work in enhancing the resilience of rural and remote municipalities in the Nordic countries, highlighting the shift towards hybrid work models. The report presents six case studies, each detailing the context, challenges and opportunities associated with remote work. The study found that many public authorities lack formal remote work policies, relying on pre-existing or pandemic-developed frameworks aimed at work-life balance. The research points to remote work's potential for attracting and retaining residents and skilled workers, crucial for rural development, despite challenges like the need for improved digital infrastructure and the absence of formal policies. Initiatives like co-working spaces and the focus on enhancing regional attractiveness through quality of life and infrastructure investments are seen as key to leveraging remote work for sustainable regional development. However, the study also notes obstacles such as legislative issues and the need for comprehensive strategies to fully realise the benefits of remote work for rural revitalisation. Remote work offers a pathway to sustainable development in Nordic regions by introducing new skills, enhancing business innovation, and improving public services, which helps combat out-migration and boosts quality of life. For maximum impact, investments in digital infrastructure, supportive work environments, and regional attractiveness are crucial, paving the way for a more vibrant and sustainable future
Nordic Bridges – Unleashing Nordic Culture and Creativity in Canada
No full textIn 2019, the Nordic Council of Ministers for Culture chose Canada and one of its top contemporary arts institutes, Harbourfront Centre in Toronto as the lead of the Nordic cultural initiative Nordic Bridges. Built on shared values of creativity, innovation, inclusivity, resilience and sustainability, Nordic Bridges served to connect the Nordic Region and Canada by means of collaboration between Nordic and Canadian artists, innovators and thinkers. It presented multidisciplinary contemporary art, culture and ideas across Canada over the course of 2022. The evaluation concluded that Nordic Bridges had been a successful programme and a prime example on how Nordic funding can create significant impact and benefits for participating stakeholders and artists. This publication presents selected results, key learnings and features from the year-long programme
Nordic Co-operation Programme for Labour 2025–2030
No full textDuring the 2025–2030 period, the Nordic Council of Ministers for Labour (MR-A) will prioritise measures that promote good working conditions and gender equality, increase the employment rate and boost the adaptability and competitiveness of the Nordic labour market. The green transition will require investments and transformation, while demographic changes reinforce the need for a workforce that is both available and qualified. Digitalisation and new technologies present opportunities but also necessitate transformation and skills development. The Nordic Region has had a common labour market for over 70 years and must draw on its unique community to find sustainable solutions.