Overall, the findings of this study shed light on the remote work policies and opportunities in municipalities across the Nordic rural regions and municipalities. The stories of Keuruu, Stykkishólmur, Orkland, Åland, Jämtland Härjedalen and Bornholm exemplify different approaches to remote work and regional development. These cases emphasise the need for coordinated efforts between public and private actors, continuous adaptation and improvement, and strategic planning.
The study shows that hybrid work has become the new normal, but its implementation varies across municipalities at the discretion of individual businesses and managers. Remote work is recognised as a means to recruit and retain highly qualified staff, attract new inhabitants and enable the transfer of businesses to more affordable locations.
There is political ambition to develop remote work opportunities, and both public and private actors play a role in promoting remote and hybrid work. Co-working spaces and improved digital infrastructure contribute to facilitating remote work. Through their spread and embeddedness in local networks and markets, many people believe co-working spaces are central for rural development as they can have positive effects on the surrounding areas (Rex and Westlund, 2024).
Remote work has the potential to impact on both urban and rural areas. It can help rural municipalities combat out-migration, while also providing opportunities for skilled individuals to work elsewhere without relocating. Remote work has evolved into a fundamental part of modern working culture, extending beyond a phenomenon triggered solely by the COVID-19 pandemic. The supportive actions needed to promote remote work often start with municipalities in rural areas and contribute to their overall vitality.
However, challenges remain in securing qualified personnel for on-site services and adapting legislation to accommodate the flexibility of remote work. Also, the challenges related to legislation, connectivity, taxation and the provision and funding of quality public services in remote areas need to be addressed to fully leverage the benefits of remote work.
The study highlights the significance of the overall appeal of an area in attracting new inhabitants and remote workers. Access to services, vibrant communities and the surrounding nature all contribute to a region’s allure. Digital infrastructure, availability of housing and fair taxation are also important considerations. Remote work is viewed as one of many features that makes a region attractive, and it is not sufficient on its own. Therefore, it is essential to focus on broader regional development strategies to enhance vitality and maintain essential services.
In conclusion, remote work policies and opportunities offer the municipalities in the Nordic regions significant opportunities for future development. It is a way of combatting out-migration, attracting new residents and contributing to essential public services. Municipalities play a critical role in the establishment of remote working hubs and the provision of necessary infrastructure. The direct impact of remote work is evident in the establishment of alternative workspaces, improved services and the formation of knowledge worker communities. This contributes to the potential to attract and retain highly qualified staff, enhance regional development, maintain public services and create innovation environments.
To fully harness the potential of remote work, invest must be made in digital infrastructure, different levels of authority must create supportive work environments and foster collaboration. By leveraging the advantages of remote work while addressing the challenges, municipalities can better create thriving communities and vibrant economies. Remote work, when integrated into comprehensive strategies, can in this way contribute to a more sustainable regional development, attract migration and promote equal opportunities.