Journal of Nordregio no 3, 2006

The challenge of territorial R & D

During November two different reports were presented at two different events in Finland. Both reports underline the important role 'territoriality' continues to play in the debate over competitiveness and globalisation. In The State of the Regions Report 2006 presented at the summit of the Baltic Development Forum in Helsinki the key message is that location matters, and even more so now in an economic environment characterised by globalisation.

Journal of Nordregio no 3, 2006

Journal of Nordregio no 2, 2006

Cohesion through competitiveness

In 2004, the EU expanded from 15 to 25 member countries. In 2007, Romania and Bulgaria will also join. In terms of allocations per capita there will be an overall reduction from 302 to 247 euros per annum – comparing these two years. More important however, is the fact that allocations to the relatively rich (older) member states will be reduced substantially. Thus far, a comprehensive post-2007 picture has not been made available, although some key figures have been published, giving clear indications of likely future patterns and developments.

Journal of Nordregio no 2, 2006

Journal of Nordregio no 1, 2006

Insular Employment

Typical of many Nordic insular societies is their profound vulnerability to external forces. Almost without warning can a major source of income disappear overnight. In both Gotland (Sweden) and Bornholm (Denmark), such vulnerability was experienced first hand with the end of the cold war. Military bases were closed down and hundreds of jobs, both in the military and in the civilian ancillary sectors were lost. Similarly, in Ulstein (Norway) a rapid decline in the demand for new ships and naval equipment was equally damaging. The human cost of such events moreover pose difficult questions for the individuals concerned, perhaps the most important of which concerns whether to leave or remain.

Journal of Nordregio no 1, 2006