Nordic test and demonstration facilities


Book Description

In the Nordic countries, manufacturing plays a vital socio-economic role by contributing to employment and the economy at large. The key prerequisites are a high productivity and a strong competitive edge. One of the ways to obtain and maintain a competitive edge is if (small and medium-sized) companies apply new knowledge and new technologies. To support the use of new technologies by companies, easy access to testing of new products and technologies is a decisive factor for the companies to gain knowledge of and inspiration for the use of the new technologies in their current business. This report presents a mapping of test and demonstration facilities in the Nordic countries, including ten good practice examples of such facilities as well as political initiatives in the Nordic countries, including specific strategies for setting up and structuring test and demonstration facilities




Nordic Bioeconomy Programme


Book Description

The Nordic Bioeconomy Programme presented in this document combines environmental, social and economic ambitions for a more sustainable Region. The bioeconomy is of fundamental importance to the national economies of the Nordic countries, and especially important for rural development in large parts of the Region. The programme aims to create new industries and value chains and to facilitate and guide the transition of bio-based industries into technology advanced industries, and to optimise the production and value creation of biomass. The programme sets out a vision for the Nordic bioeconomy based on four pillars: - competitive bio-based industries - sustainable resource management - resilient and diverse ecosystems - inclusive economic development To reach this vision, the programme defines 15 action points under three thematic areas: Innovate – Accelerate – Network. The focus is on development of new policies on regional, national and Nordic level, for increased funding, better education, labelling and certificates, bioeconomy clusters and several other areas. The programme also contains an appendix with sustainability principles that can be seen as a step towards developing common ground and good practices for a sustainable bioeconomy in the Nordic Region.




Development of the Nordic Bioeconomy


Book Description

In 2014 NCM initiated a new project: “Test centers for green energy solutions – Biorefineries and Business needs” to strengthen Nordic bioeconomy by identifying potentials, obstacles, needs and opportunities. The Nordic bioeconomy has a unique profile: Upgrade of many types of residues also to higher value products; good collaboration between private and public sector; R&D efforts in all Nordic countries. However, shortcomings were also identified: few activities across Nordic countries beyond designated Nordic programs; too few upscaling facilities; need for improved framework conditions (within regulatory and market stimulus) for biobased products. This report is part of the Nordic Prime Ministers' green growth initiative: “The Nordic Region – leading in green growth” - read more in the web magazine “Green Growth the Nordic Way” at www.nordicway.org or at www.norden.org/greengrowth




Digitalisation and automation in the Nordic manufacturing sector


Book Description

Since the beginning of the nineties, the total employment in Nordic manufacturing has fallen with app. 500.000 persons. In spite of this fall in the employment level, manufacturing still has considerable importance for the Nordic countries. This shows for example in exports, research and development, growth in productivity and the development of rural areas. The report points that manufacturing is on the brink of a new era, called “Industry 4.0.” Tomorrow’s successful manufacturing business will be characterized by the way they are able to integrate new advanced production technology, especially digitalisation and automation. The report goes through status, barriers and political initiatives taken concerning digitalisation and automation in all of the Nordic countries. The report also brings recommendations to common Nordic initiatives and opportunities for co-operation on the area.




The Nordic Region leading in green growth


Book Description

In November 2011, the Nordic Prime Ministers commissioned the Nordic Council of Ministers to launch a new cross sectoral initiative for green growth. The Prime Ministers’ commission was based on the report, The Nordic Region – leading in green growth, prepared by a Nordic working group for green growth. The Nordic countries should together utilise their position in terms of energy efficiency, development of sustainable energy, environmental awareness, innovation and research initiatives, and high international goals in the environmental and climate area. The aim is to work in areas in which the Nordic countries can build on and develop existing positions of strength, improve co-ordination between the Nordic countries, and take the lead in relation to the development in the European Union (EU). The Councils of Ministers are making tangible the working group’s eight recommendations for project activities, which have been granted a total of DKK 45 million in the period 2012–2014. This status report presents the most important advances in each project. More information on the initiative is also available on the home page of the Council of Ministers, www.norden.org/greengrowth.







A Good Life in a Sustainable Nordic Region


Book Description

A Good Life in a Sustainable Nordic Region – Nordic Strategy for Sustainable Development is the overriding and cross-sectoral frame-work for the work of the Nordic Council of Ministers. All work carried out within the Council of Ministers will incorporate a sustainability perspective. The Nordic Council of Ministers will help the Nordic countries successively continue to improve welfare and quality of life for present and future generations, by protecting and using the earth’s ability to sustain life in all its diversity. The strategy provides long-term guidelines as far as 2025 in the following focusareas: the Nordic welfare model, viable ecosystems, changing climate, sustainable use of the earth’s resources, and education, research and innovation. The sectoral ministerial councils within the Nordic Council of Ministers will supplement the strategy with concrete measures.




OECD Rural Policy Reviews Innovation and Modernising the Rural Economy


Book Description

This book show how innovation can take place in rural areas and how the modern rural economy differs from the traditional rural economy and metropolitan areas. In addition, it offers four perspectives on modernisation and innovation in rural areas by experts.




Academic Framework for 21st-Century Schooling: Promoting Global Peace and Harmony


Book Description

In an era, fraught with existential threats, Academic Framework for 21st-Century Schooling: Promoting Global Peace and Harmony answers the urgent call for a new path forward. The UN Secretary-General's recent address, echoing decades of warnings from UNESCO, has underscored the dire state of our world. Global warming, pollution, terrorism, unchecked population growth, discrimination, refugee migration, consumerism, and the ominous specter of weapons of mass destruction loom large in an age marked by nationalism and imperialism. The very fabric of human existence is unraveling, and even the UN's well-intentioned MDG and SDG initiatives are in jeopardy. This book, authored by esteemed scholars, proposes a transformation of global education as the antidote to this crisis. It champions the cultivation of a fresh generation with essential attributes like critical thinking, empathy, respect for diversity, and a profound sense of global responsibility. Schools are envisioned as the crucible for shaping these future citizens. At its core, this book offers a well-founded academic framework for global peace and harmony education, addressing the intricacies of 21st-century schooling, curriculum transformation, global best practices, and the vision of 'happy schooling.' It is a clarion call to scholars and educators to lead the way toward a world where peace and harmony are not just ideals, but the very foundation upon which humanity thrives. Our world and future generations depend on this transformative journey, one we must embark upon without delay.