Work was carried out in Umeå to advance cross-border cooperation

In early December, representatives of the West Coast Cooperation traveled to Umeå to strengthen collaboration between Finland and Sweden in the fields of regional development, business, and higher education. The trip was part of a broader cooperation program supported by a million-euro grant from the Ministry of Education and Culture.

West Coast Cooperation is a network of universities of applied sciences that includes Vaasa University of Applied Sciences (VAMK), Turku University of Applied Sciences, Satakunta University of Applied Sciences (SAMK), Centria University of Applied Sciences, and Yrkeshögskolan Novia. The aim of the cooperation is to promote sustainable development, digitalization, and innovation, particularly within Western Finland’s industrial, energy, and wellbeing sectors.

Trip to Umeå to Deepen Strategic Cooperation and Build Future Nordic Collaboration

During the visit, a diverse program was organized, including opening remarks, workshops, and discussions. The event was opened by Marja-Riitta Vest, Rector of Vaasa University of Applied Sciences.

Susanna Slotte-Kock, Communications Manager for the City of Vaasa, presented the strategic cooperation between Vaasa and Umeå, with a focus on the regions’ economic and educational intersections and the potential to develop joint projects in areas such as digitalization, logistics, and clean energy. Discussions on the future of Finland-Sweden cooperation highlighted the importance of the Finnish-Swedish partnership in addressing future challenges. The event concluded with informal networking, allowing participants to exchange ideas about the future of cross-border collaboration.

The Umeå visit reinforced the importance of cooperation between nations. In particular, the energy transition, skills shortage, and changes in the security environment are key themes that require close collaboration between Finland, Sweden, and Norway. The next steps for West Coast Cooperation will focus on concrete development projects aimed at responding to the evolving needs of working life and strengthening the region’s innovation ecosystem. Thanks to the funding provided by the Ministry, it is now possible to launch new initiatives that benefit both the education sector and the business community.

Education and Industry Strongly Involved

The goal of West Coast Cooperation is to respond to the evolving needs of working life and businesses by offering innovative solutions and promoting research and development. Digitalization and the green transition are especially central themes, aimed at strengthening the competitiveness of companies in the region.

The funding granted by the Ministry enables the launch of new educational programs and research projects that support skills development and the creation of new business models. Close collaboration between universities of applied sciences and companies is crucial for attracting and retaining talent in Western Finland.

Businesses are actively engaged in the cooperation. The West Coast Cooperation’s Industrial Advisory Board consists of representatives from the region’s leading companies, including Wärtsilä, ABB, Danfoss, and Meyer Turku. The board’s mission is to ensure that the education and research provided by higher education institutions meet the needs of industry and support long-term development.

Nordic Cooperation

The Nordic countries engage in extensive cooperation in areas such as the economy, labor markets, climate policy, and security. Shared values, open markets, and strong trust support the development and stability of the region. The free movement of labor and partnerships between companies foster economic growth and competitiveness. At the same time, ambitious climate goals and investments in sustainable development strengthen the Nordic countries’ position in international markets. Growing security challenges, such as cyber threats and natural disasters, require joint preparedness strategies and rapid response capabilities. Nordic cooperation is continually evolving, with the aim of building a stronger, safer, and more sustainable future.

Labor Markets, Mobility, and Economic Cooperation in the Nordic Countries

The Nordic labor markets have long been characterized by the free movement of labor, which has promoted economic growth and flexible labor markets in the region. This cooperation covers employment, labor markets, working environments, and labor law, ensuring the protection of workers’ rights and improving working conditions across the region (Pohjoismainen yhteistyö, n.d.).

In recent years, the importance of recruiting foreign experts has further increased as the Nordic countries seek to address skills shortages in certain sectors. For example, Finland has developed a roadmap for education- and work-based immigration up to 2035, aiming to make the country an attractive place to work and study. Despite these efforts, a significant number of foreign experts leave Finland relatively quickly; within five years of arrival, nearly half have left, and within ten years, 60 percent have departed (ETLA, n.d.).

The orientation and integration of foreign workers require special attention. With increasing multiculturalism in workplaces, companies need to develop their management practices and intercultural understanding to ensure that international workers can smoothly integrate into the labor market. Language barriers and difficulties in finding work or making friends are among the most commonly cited challenges by foreign experts that hinder their integration (E2 Tutkimus, 2023). Bureaucracy is also a significant obstacle in the recruitment of international experts. According to a Chamber of Commerce survey, 47% of companies find the work-based residence permit process cumbersome, which complicates the hiring of foreign experts (STT Info, 2023).

In Sweden, recruiting foreign experts is also a key issue. The country’s labor market is open, and companies can recruit foreign labor without special permits, which facilitates the hiring of international experts (Pohjoismainen yhteistyö, 2022). This openness has helped Sweden attract talent from around the world and support economic growth.

Nordic cooperation promotes the region’s economic development and global competitiveness. The free movement of labor is one of the cornerstones of this cooperation, and several agreements have been made between the Nordic countries to facilitate the operation of workers and businesses across borders. For example, the common labor market area allows citizens to work in another Nordic country without complex permit processes (Norden, n.d.). This is a significant advantage, especially in sectors experiencing labor shortages, such as healthcare and the technology sector.

In the fields of industry and logistics, Nordic cooperation is strong, and several joint projects support infrastructure development. For instance, the Nordic countries are investing heavily in green logistics and sustainable energy production, such as renewable hydrogen and electric transportation systems, which reduce carbon emissions and enhance the region’s competitiveness (Nordic Council of Ministers, 2023).

Climate Policy, Logistics, and Industry in the Nordic Countries

The Nordic countries are renowned for their progressive climate policies and promotion of sustainable development. The countries in the region are committed to ambitious climate goals, such as achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Common environmental policies and the promotion of the green transition have been key themes in international forums, such as the UN and the EU (Norden, n.d.).

In addition to climate policy and sustainable development, the Nordic countries hold a strong position in the global economy. Their unified voice in international politics enhances their influence and allows them to make a significant contribution to advancing sustainable development. For example, on climate issues, the Nordic countries have acted as pioneers and pressured other countries to adopt more ambitious climate actions. Additionally, they have actively supported developing countries in transitioning to sustainable energy production by providing technological expertise and investments in renewable energy (Nordic Council of Ministers, 2023).

The climate goals and economic development of the Nordic countries are closely linked to the activities of industry and logistics. Industry covers a wide range of sectors, such as machinery and metal industries, bioeconomy, and circular economy, all of which benefit from seamless logistics solutions. For example, the Port of Kemi in Finland serves as a versatile export and import harbor, handling containers, forest industry products, and raw wood. The port supports transportation to the northern parts of Norway, Sweden, and Finland, enabling an efficient flow of goods and supporting the competitiveness of the industry (Port of Kemi, n.d.).

To develop logistics in the Nordic countries, several projects have been launched that also support the achievement of climate goals. In Finland, the “Logistics 2030” program by the National Emergency Supply Agency aims to strengthen critical logistics infrastructure as well as the operational capability and conditions of logistics services. The program recognizes changes in the logistics environment both nationally and internationally, and its goal is to improve the entire region’s security of supply (Huoltovarmuuskeskus, n.d.).

Nordic cooperation in the fields of industry and logistics extends beyond infrastructure development to include partnerships between companies. For example, Transval’s industrial service center in Hyvinkää acts as a logistics hub for several Finnish industrial companies. The service center consolidates material flows from suppliers, subcontractors, and customers, providing comprehensive logistics solutions that support industrial growth and competitiveness (Posti, 2023).

From the perspective of the circular economy, the role of logistics is further emphasized. Efficient management of material flows, accurate tracking, and innovative logistics solutions are key to implementing the circular economy. This requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including cross-industry and even competitor cooperation, to create sustainable and efficient logistics solutions (VTT, 2023).

Overall, combining climate policy, logistics, and industry strengthens the Nordic countries’ position as pioneers in sustainable development. Joint projects and strategies enable efficient resource use and the development of innovative solutions that benefit both businesses and citizens.

Strengthening Crisis Resilience and Security

As the security environment in the Nordic countries becomes more complex and threats diversify, strengthening crisis resilience and security has become a central goal of cooperation. The Nordic countries face challenges together, such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, and pandemics, which require close collaboration and shared action models.

The Nordic Council of Ministers is committed to enhancing the region’s crisis resilience by developing joint preparedness plans that cover, among other things, energy availability, food supply, and the security of infrastructure (Nordic Council of Ministers, 2020). This cooperation enables rapid and effective responses to various crisis situations, minimizing their impact on societies.

A key part of this cooperation is the Nordic Rescue Service Agreement, also known as NORDRED. This agreement provides the framework for mutual assistance between countries during major accidents and crises, enabling the sharing of resources and expertise across borders. NORDRED primarily focuses on operational activities, such as rescue operations, and it has been instrumental in effectively managing, for example, forest fires and floods in Sweden and Norway in recent years (Nordic Council of Ministers, 2020).

Cooperation between Finland and Sweden is particularly close, and the countries are committed to strengthening their joint crisis resilience. In 2024, the countries signed a declaration emphasizing, among other things, the importance of protecting underwater infrastructure and organizing joint exercises and training to enhance civil preparedness. This cooperation also covers security of supply and food systems, which are essential for the functionality of societies during crises (Government Offices of Sweden, 2024).

The Nordic-Baltic foreign and security policy cooperation, known as NB8, is another significant platform for strengthening crisis resilience. This form of cooperation enables regular information exchange and the development of joint strategies to improve regional security. NB8 cooperation complements the cooperation frameworks within the EU and NATO, providing a regional perspective on security challenges (Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, 2024).

Protecting critical infrastructure has become a key theme in Nordic cooperation. In particular, securing underwater infrastructure, such as gas pipelines and telecommunications cables, is vital, as their damage could cause significant disruptions to the functioning of societies. Finland and Sweden are committed to deepening their cooperation in this area, including developing joint preparedness plans and improving operational coordination (Government Offices of Sweden, 2024).

To achieve comprehensive security, the Nordic countries also collaborate with the EU and NATO. In a seminar held in Brussels in January 2025, discussions focused on how the EU and NATO could enhance their defense cooperation, particularly in countering hybrid threats and preparing for natural disasters. The event emphasized that a strong national and European defense requires commitment from all parts of society, including civil society, business, and the public sector (Hanasaari, 2025).

The close cooperation among the Nordic countries in crisis resilience and security reflects a shared commitment to ensuring the stability of the region and the well-being of its citizens. Joint agreements, such as NORDRED, as well as bilateral and multilateral initiatives, strengthen the countries’ ability to respond to complex security threats effectively and cohesively.

 

References

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Government Offices of Sweden. (2024). Declaration on Swedish-Finnish cooperation. Saatavilla: https://www.regeringen.se/contentassets/98ab1823ff8340c2a4e3d3970aed9bc4/240916-deklaration-svensk-finskt-samarbete-finska.pdf

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Nordic Council of Ministers. (2023). Investments in green logistics and sustainable energy production. Saatavilla: https://www.norden.org

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Pohjoismainen yhteistyö. (n.d.). Pohjoismaiden työmarkkinat. Pohjoismaiden ministerineuvosto. Saatavilla: https://www.norden.org/fi/information/pohjoismaiden-tyomarkkinat

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