Few other countries feature the combination of very low population densities and difficult topography that hinders communication, in addition to a variety of contrasting climates. But the “Nordic welfare model” strives, with a good degree of success, to offer equal living conditions to all citizens by providing proper access to quality public services across the country. This comes, however, at great cost. This publication asks whether such a model can be sustainable in the long run, when population ageing and the reduction of petroleum reserves will reduce the leeway that the rapidly growing economy offers. It examines whether competitiveness and innovation could be further developed, given the high share of resource-based and traditional activities and whether urban policy could be better integrated into regional policy so as to better harness the energy of regional growth engines in different areas of the country, including the northern most parts. Lastly, it looks at whether impending regional reform could facilitate the necessary adaptations by transferring more power to regional councils.
Tables des matières:
Assessment and Recommendations Chapter 1. Regional Performances and Underused Potentials -Introduction -Major Demographic and Economic Trends -Regional Trends -Underused Potentials -Major Issues Chapter 2. Assessing Regional Policies -Evolution of Regional Policies in Norway -Policy for Peripheral and Declining Areas -Regional Competitiveness Policies -Service Delivery in Areas with Population Decline Chapter 3. Governance Issues -Regional Policy Challenges -The Institutional Framework -Local Government Finances -Vertical and Horizontal Co-ordination -Citizen Participation Bibliography
