This Fast Track publication is a collection of policy brief articles written by Nordic researchers participating in collaborative projects funded by NordForsk or Nordic Energy Research. NordForsk is aiming for this publication to contribute relevant and up-to-date research-based knowledge that facilitates the analysis of the challenges and opportunities of Nordic co-operation in the coming years. The articles are original and written in April and May 2023 in response to a NordForsk call for policy brief articles to invited researchers and research groups.

The 33 articles in this publication are broadly divided into three chapters. The challenges, opportunities, and consequences of digitalisation in our societies are discussed in the first, followed by the natural environment, climate, green energy, the bioeconomy, and healthy food systems of the Nordic Region in the second. The third and final chapter comprises articles debating the Nordic Region and relations with neighbouring countries, including research on migration, integration and how to preserve and promote safe and healthy Nordic welfare societies.

The papers provide status overviews, descriptions of opportunities and obstacles, and ambitious recommendations for Nordic co-operation and how the vision can be delivered by 2030.