This study investigates the state of play of skills supply and demand in the Bothnian Arc cross-border region. Empirical evidence is gathered to shed light on some of the reasons behind the present and future challenges in meeting the demand for skills supply. The empirical evidence also pinpoints key types of mismatch between supply and demand and in which areas. The research investigates the different roles of education providers, employers, and a range of other regional actors in skills development and governance. Finally, specific attention was put on analysing the potential for cross-border labour mobility in closing some of the skills gaps in the labour markets across the Finnish-Swedish border.

This study builds on previous research carried out by Nordic Thematic Group on Innovative and Resilient Regions 2017 - 2020 established by the Nordic Council of Ministers.