The competitiveness of Europe and the Nordic region is on the political agenda and a key issue for regional cooperation. In a new publication, NIKK offers perspectives on the importance of gender equality for the competitiveness of the Nordic region. 

Gender equality has long been an integral part of the Nordic social model and has played a significant role in the region’s economic development. Well-developed welfare systems, including childcare and parental leave schemes, have enabled more women to participate in the labour market, which in turn has contributed to increased productivity and growth. 

Today, there is growing interest in how gender equality and other social dimensions contribute to economic competitiveness, in addition to being important goals in their own right. For the Nordic region, this presents an opportunity to build on an established strength at a time of increased global competition. 

The new publication was produced by NIKK at the initiative of the Nordic Council of Ministers for Gender Equality and LGBTI. It offers new perspectives on how the competitiveness of the Nordic region can be strengthened, focusing on three areas: 

1. the importance of the digital transformation,

2. the green transition of industry and working life and

3. welfare and social care as social infrastructure.