Inside the Nitty-Gritty of Norrbotten’s Third RFLL Workshop

In Norrbotten, participants recently gathered for the third Regional Futures Literacy Lab (RFLL), where they helped shape the future of the region by formulating statements for wider public deliberation using the e-democracy tool, Pol.is. Building on insights from earlier sessions, the workshop invited participants to review and refine draft “policy seed statements” across key areas such as housing, public transport, land use, energy, welfare, and culture. Each statement was open to critique and reshaping to better reflect what truly matters to local communities. 

Housing: beyond construction, towards community 

“Housing policy should encourage the development of single-family houses and villas in rural areas throughout Norrbotten” versus “housing policy should promote large-scale housing projects in Norrbotten's urban areas/capital cities and towns.” 

These seed statements submitted to Pol.is speak volumes about how housing is a major concern, particularly how to ensure accessible, liveable homes across Norrbotten’s diverse landscapes. The conversations reflected the complexity of building not just more housing, but better communities. 

Proposals included encouraging municipalities to purchase land and develop neighbourhoods designed for social connection. Financial mechanisms were also discussed, such as requiring banks to support rural mortgages or enabling the state to guarantee loans in areas where building is currently risky or unprofitable. 

Participants debated permitting processes and shoreline protection laws, advocating for more flexibility in rural areas. They also explored ideas around alternative ownership models, affordable rental housing, and pilot projects to test new approaches. 

The issue of abandoned houses surfaced repeatedly, with calls for an inventory and community engagement to repurpose these structures. Holiday homes were another point of tension: while some saw them as hollowing out rural communities, others emphasised their economic role. Suggestions included tax reforms and distinctions in regulation between residents and non-residents. 

Public transport: access, efficiency, and innovation 

Mobility is a lifeline in rural regions, and participants expressed wide-ranging views on how to improve public transport in Norrbotten. Some pushed for expanded services and better rural–urban connectivity, while others called for more efficient, reliable and flexible systems and prioritising urban commuting. 

Ideas included adding more rural stops, introducing express buses between key hubs, and implementing a unified ticketing system across operators. Participants also suggested that public transport should support not only work commutes but also leisure, errands, and social life - essential parts of daily living. 

Schools and healthcare: anchoring services in community 

There was strong agreement on the importance of local schools and health services. Many supported small, multi-age schools in rural areas and even proposed reversing the current model, suggesting that urban children could travel to rural schools. Elevating the status of teachers was also seen as salient for attracting talent, with proposals to focus on pedagogical skills rather than only formal qualifications.  

On healthcare, equity was a common theme: quality care should be accessible to all, regardless of geography. Participants acknowledged the benefits of telemedicine but emphasised the continued need for physical access to care, such as small clinics or basic health services provided in elderly homes. 

Land use and energy: seeking a sustainable balance 

Policy seed statements around land use and energy often prompted participants to challenge binary thinking and instead offer nuance. Rather than choosing between large- or small-scale forestry, for instance, many argued for a balance, recognising that both have roles, but that small-scale operations need more support and large-scale ones require stronger regulation to address significant ecological damage. 

Similar sentiments applied to farming: participants wanted financial incentives and policy backing for small producers, alongside a more holistic approach to the entire production-to-consumption chain, including processing and local use (e.g. for heating).  

On renewable energy, most supported the transition but voiced concerns about battery sustainability and the long-term impacts of some technologies. For example, while there was strong agreement on transitioning transport to renewable energy, skepticism remained regarding the sustainability of electric vehicle batteries. Mining, meanwhile, was seen as acceptable only under Swedish ownership, strict environmental protocols, and with active involvement of local communities. 

Wind energy sparked some of the strongest reactions. Many felt Norrbotten already contributes more than its share to Sweden’s energy needs, and new developments should be limited, small-scale, and carefully sited. 

Culture: sustaining identity and openness 

“Culture in rural areas should flourish through investment in theater, film and art” and “cultural centers should only be located in urban areas.” 

Cultural life in rural areas was described as both vital and vulnerable. Participants highlighted how local traditions, such as community theatre (revyer), often rely on dedicated volunteers, or eldsjälar, but face chronic underfunding. While some felt cultural activities in larger towns were also under-resourced, the group expressed broad support for ensuring culture remains accessible across the region. For instance, there was a strong desire to support and expand rural cultural initiatives, alongside a recognition that interest in arts and culture often begins at school.  

“An increase in English-speaking residents and multicultural traditions should be supported” versus “rural communities should preserve local Swedish traditions over multicultural influences.” 

Debates around multiculturalism and tradition revealed tensions. While there was agreement on the need to attract foreign workers, many communities struggled to support migrants once they arrived, due to barriers like limited public transport, lack of access to driving licences, or social isolation. 

Gender roles 

“Traditional gender roles should no longer define rural society” versus “Traditional gender roles should be maintained in rural areas.” 

The conversation on gender roles was equally nuanced. Although there’s widespread support for equality, traditional norms remain visible in community events. Participants suggested reframing policies to reflect both aspirations for change and the realities still on the ground. 

AI and digitalisation 

“Everyday life in Norrbotten should be strongly influenced by AI and digitalization” versus “restrictions should be imposed on the expansion of AI and digitalization.” 

Digitalisation and AI were seen as having potential, but only if basic infrastructure, like reliable internet, was in place. In areas where even mobile data is limited, participants suggested alternatives like staffed service desks for digital support. 

The third RFLL in Norrbotten highlighted the power of community dialogue and engaging directly with policy seed statements, not as a policymaking mechanism, but as a way to surface deeper hopes, concerns, and trade-offs. Participants didn’t just provide feedback, they challenged assumptions, voiced contradictions, and offered ideas rooted in local realities. See how these efforts culminate in the last RFLL in Norrbotten!