From current situation to new situation: Attractiveness as a basis for regional development in Sollefteå municipality

For a long number of years, Västernorrland has had a weak economic development and a stagnating/declining population, but is now facing a revolutionary wave of industrialization and transition. This means both problems and opportunities.

Based on overarching and delimited research questions, the project aims to provide research-based knowledge that can contribute to regional development and attractiveness through increased theoretical understanding and practical advice regarding obstacles and opportunities for skills supply, business expansions, establishments and growth in a municipal context. For the participating municipality – in this case Sollefteå – empirical studies are included based on its municipality-specific conditions.

Background

Sollefteå municipality's growth strategy defines that "Sollefteå municipality shall develop and be renewed with a well-educated population, a good living environment, diversity in entrepreneurship, good care and a welcoming attitude". Large, decided and planned establishments pave the way for growth; as well as the existing, expanding business community.

A main challenge is the supply of skills, not least in the energy sector and the public sector, where skills are lacking or will be lacking due to retirements. Skills influx and local skills development (e.g. via distance education) are key factors and place high demands on the municipality, where the location, services, living environment and housing situation have a major impact.

Location marketing is a tool in attraction work and focuses on packaging visits, relocation and jobs with the message: come here, come home! These challenges are well within the framework of the outlined project and relevant issues can be detailed together with representatives of the municipality.

The study is expected to provide insights that can contribute to the theoretical understanding of the attractiveness of places and how it can be developed in different ways. Expected practical results are also that Sollefteå municipality will gain increased knowledge about the attractiveness of places and access to a general model and working methods for growth-promoting network collaborations with a focus on increased attractiveness as a basis for skills supply. business expansions, establishments and growth. 

Dissemination

The intention is to create arenas for the exchange of experience and knowledge development in the form of workshops based on the project's issues. The themes covered will cover both general and municipality-specific issues and the conversations can be a starting point for future collaborations.

Mid Sweden University's participating researchers will present scientific contributions at a conference and publish a research article. In addition to this, the ambition is to write a popular science chapter for a future anthology. Popular science presentations, for example in connection with CER's research forum, are also possible to carry out.

Project organization

The project is funded by Mid Sweden University's municipal collaboration agreement and is coordinated by researchers from the Centre for Research on Economic Relations (CER) and CERUM at Umeå University. Representatives from the municipality concerned also participate.