2. Research approach and fieldwork methods

The case studies’ aim was to generate contemporaneous knowledge of the practicalities and processes of just transitions. All case studies were conducted in the form of expert interviews. This core material was complemented by background material such as observing public events and analysing reading material produced by energy projects. In addition, the case studies used workshop discussions among the thematic group members and other Nordic stakeholders to broaden our understanding of the results and verify initial conclusions. 

During the interviews, our main focus was on uncovering the variety of forms that local green transition benefits (may) take in Nordic rural contexts. What does justice look like to diverse groups living in these regions? How does it differ in the short-term, mid-term and long-term perspective? Land use, employment and questions relating to culture and identity are traditional areas of research when reviewing the justice aspect of a green transition (Sovacool et al. 2021). The case studies follow adopt this traditional starting point, as well as the groundwork laid by the Discussion Paper by Karlsdottir et al., (2022). During the interview process, local particularities helped develop the initial hypothesis further as it became clear that in certain regions, other questions were more pertinent than those related to land use and employment. As a result, we formulated the following research questions:

The case studies took place in three Nordic countries and six locations: in Northern Ostrobothnia and Northern Central Finland, Finland, involving wind power and land use planning; in Nord-Fron and Nord-Odal in Norway, involving both wind power and strategic sustainability work; and in Skive and the island of Bornholm in Denmark, involving a hybrid mix of renewable energy sources in the context of industrial park development. The locations were selected following a round of suggestions gathered from thematic group members, complemented by previous knowledge obtained during the course of other research work. In total, 22 experts were interviewed (Denmark 7, Finland 8, Norway 7), of which most represented local stakeholders, with some national-level experts used as consultants (see Appendix 1 for details).