Nils Björling's keynote speech
Last changed: 02 April 2025
This was the extraordinary lineup of keynote speakers for the 6th year Nordic Conference for Rural Research. These prominent researchers and innovators shared their unique insights, experiences, and visions. They provided invaluable perspectives on the overall theme of the conference: New paths to sustainable transitions. Our keynote speakers brought a wealth of knowledge and expertise, offered fresh perspectives to inspire and challenge us and our way of thinking as we explored the future of Rural Research.
Re-industrializing Sweden – What is the mission?
The European initiatives of The New European Green Deal, Fit for 55, and New European Bauhaus are all examples of how the implementation of a mission-based approach aims to re-establish a political leadership in sustainable development. Common missions have the strength to join forces and share responsibilities between actors in different sectors and levels. However, the spatial transformation of ongoing re-industrialization in Northern Sweden shows the need to also create possibilities for re-negotiation and transfer of knowledge “up” and “back” in the planning process. The presentation discusses how this is important to both handle emerging conflicts, and uneven geographic development, but also to make use of untapped potentials that are revealed when the missions touch ground.