The establishment of higher education institutions in insular areas plays an important role in terms of job creation and economic development. Eyjafjör∂ur, Kainuu, and Gotland have all benefited from such policies.
Typically, these institutions entail an influx of highly qualified people, who contribute to the development of the area both culturally and in terms of raising its tax income. Secondly, they also provide opportunities for local people that have already gained higher educational qualifications else-where, to return to their home region to work.
In insular areas, the rate of transition from secondary school to higher education is lower than the national average. The educational level of the population as a whole is also comparatively low. Having universities as an integral part of the fabric of local life, may contribute to social change such that young people in these areas, to a greater extent that ever before, continue to study.
Of the six regions on view here, Eyjafjör∂ur probably has the most comprehensive options on offer in the shape of the University of Akureyri, followed by the more recently established Gotland University.
In Akureyri, important industries were declining at the time of the University's establishment. Subsequently, many have wondered what would have happened to the region had the University not been established in 1987.
In recent years, there has been a huge increase in the supply of education possibilities in Icelandic society. The number of enrolled students in North East Iceland more than doubled between 1997 and 2003 up to 1 200. This is undoubtedly one of the most important changes to have taken place in the region.
Educational possibilities were also substantially improved on Gotland after the University collage was established in 1998. Basic adult education for those that have not achieved final grades in compulsory and secondary schooling is in addition provided through municipal adult education. There is also a residential college for adult education with two sites, one in Hemse and one in Fårösund.
The Kajaani University Consortium began its activities in 2004. The consortium received 0.8 million euros from the municipalities in the region and 0.4 million euros from local companies.