This background working paper has provided an overview of the labour market in the Nordic Region, drawing on indicators identified in an initial literature review and statistical data primarily sourced from national statistical offices. These data have been presented using maps and figures. Additionally, we have defined what we understand by remote local labour markets and mapped remote labour markets in the Nordic Region based on this definition.
Furthermore, we have examined the impact of key megatrends – demographic change, technological advancements, globalisation and climate change/the green transition – on Nordic labour markets.
In line with the SUNREM project's working definition of sustainable labour market participation , this concept encompasses three main dimensions: the balance between job supply and demand, decent jobs and job quality, both in the present and the future.
In this overview, we have examined the first two dimensions and can conclude that, overall, the Nordic Region has high employment levels and a relatively strong balance between job supply and demand. However, an analysis of statistical data at the regional and municipal levels reveals significant variation across countries, regions and municipalities. We have found that our case study areas perform above the Nordic average in some respects, but fall below it in others.
In the next phase of the project, we will further examine key labour market characteristics specific to each region. With these additional data at hand, we will be better prepared to engage with the case study regions through interviews and co-creation processes, allowing us to explore the more qualitative aspects of sustainable labour market participation, such as job quality.