In this section we will look into future perspectives by asking four daring and forward-looking questions, with the aim of starting a discussion about how the common Nordic labour market can be developed further. The questions have emerged from the document studies, the survey conducted and in discussion with stakeholders. 

It should be noted that this is only a selection of four questions. Many more questions could and should be raised in the discussions on the future of the common Nordic labour market, but we hope that these can serve as a starting point. The questions are phrased as “what if” or “what would” with the intention of encouraging readers to think more broadly and look ahead to the future. 

Why? Cross-border obstacles are widely referred to as hampering mobility.

What would it mean for the common Nordic labour market? A Nordic Region without internal borders would mean no border controls at any point, neither for Nordic citizens nor for third country nationals. It would ease all mobility.

How? Remove the border controls.

Pros: The pull factors, i.e. the ease of moving or commuting to another Nordic country, would increase. It would enable third-country nationals to access to the Nordic labour market. It could increase temporary migration, reduce unemployment and help solve a lack of labour in some areas. However, according to what we know of migration between rich countries, it is unclear if this would have a major or only limited impact on migration and commuting patterns.

Cons: Controlling the border is a key competence of the national state. It could mean increased labour market mobility, but also increased mobility of criminals, for example.

Why? To dampen economic cycles, reduce unemployment and increase the skills match on the labour market. Could it also solve a lack of labour? 

What would it mean for the common Nordic labour market? It would make it easy to take up a job in another Nordic country, with no need to contend with administrative hurdles regarding taxation, social security, eID, validation of education or work experience etc. Better knowledge about the Nordic countries, cultures and languages would facilitate integration on the common Nordic labour market. 

How? Remove cross-border obstacles related to the common labour market. Invest in exchange in all areas and at all levels (labour market, business, education, culture, youth etc.) to promote an integrated Nordic Region.

Pros: A fully integrated labour market would mean that the costs of taking up a job in another Nordic country would be low. The skills match would benefit both the individual and national economy. Quality of jobs could be increased.  Old-age dependency could potentially be solved through a better integrated Nordic labour market and by involving the entire workforce. It could mean increased flexibility and resilience in times of economic crisis.

Cons: The Nordic countries are in need of much of the same labour: mainly highly skilled people in the business sector and in the public service sector, in particular healthcare and social care. That implies competition for labour.

Why? Nordic residents do not seem too attracted to moving to another Nordic country. Proximity matters for migration and commuting, but also the prospect of better life circumstances.

What would it mean for the common Nordic labour market? Access to affordable, reliable and sustainable transports for commuting, attractive and affordable infrastructure, housing and broadband, easy access to interesting jobs and exciting educational opportunities, and the feeling that working in another Nordic country represents an improvement of some kind.

How? Invest in strategic Nordic infrastructure that can boost the common Nordic labour market.

Pros: The prospect of a higher quality of life can be assumed to add to the pull factors for taking up a job in another Nordic country or for working remotely in another Nordic country.

Cons: Big and broad investments. Who is responsible for prioritisation and realisation? Who should be financing? 

Why? Linguistic and cultural barriers are increasingly reported. Knowledge of the Nordic languages has been on the decrease. The Nordic value of trust across borders is being challenged and belief in the Nordic welfare societies is being debated.

What would it mean for the common Nordic labour market? Nordic cohesion for the next generation would mean that it is easy to speak, live and work across the Nordic countries. Nordic networking is frequent and values pertaining to the Nordic welfare societies are sustained (such as equality, universality and trust). 

How? Invest more in Nordic linguistic and cultural cooperation.

Pros: Strong social and cultural relationships could increase access to and interest in the labour markets in the other Nordic countries. 

Cons: The Nordic Region is competing for interest with the other EU countries and the world, where many destinations could seem more attractive. To have an effect on the common Nordic labour market, the removal of cross-border barriers, such as eID and transport, would also be required.