Throughout the Nordic Region we face several challenges to our ability to sustain growth and employment – growth and employment that facilitate our continued improvements to welfare and cohesion. This co-operation programme outlines the primary co-operation areas and sets a clear direction for Nordic co-operation on business policy. Through this co operation programme the Nordic ministers for business and industry want to safeguard the region’s ability to adapt quickly, to support innovation and competitiveness, and to improve global market opportunities. Furthermore the ministers want co-operation that promotes Nordic interests in the EU. The programme shall be based on each country’s focus areas and national initiatives in relation to business policy. Similarly the programme builds upon the success of previous Nordic initiatives and relevant UN 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.