Regional growth policy

The Government will pursue an active policy of renewal that gives all areas of the country opportunities to develop on their own strength and contribute to the common good. All of Sweden's strength must be used. The goal of the new regional growth policy is dynamic development in all areas of the country with greater local and regional competitiveness. The policy is based on the capacity of individuals themselves to take action. A prerequisite for this is that women and men regardless of ethnical and cultural background as well as sexual orientation, shall have equal opportunities to develop in all areas of the country. Strengthened local and regional influence over and responsibility for government funds also constitute the grounds for regional growth policy.

The potential for growth across the country can be boosted by increasing local and regional competitiveness and creating a better climate for entrepreneurship, inno­vation and investment. National dynamic development is dependent on how well the unique conditions that are found locally and regionally are best used by citizens, companies and other actors. Sweden's growth is nothing else but the sum of the growth created in all areas of the country.

Political measures that promote entrepreneurship, innovation and renewal, skills supply and increased labour supply, accessibility, and a good level of service are necessary to enhance local and regional dynamic development. The measures should be adapted to both local and regional differences and conditions. There is a continued need for initiatives targeting geographically defined areas that are considered to be in need of special measures to strengthen their potential for sustainable growth.

Aims of the policy

The aims of the regional growth policy are:

• strengthened local and regional influence over and responsibility for government funds;
• to make use of the unique conditions for individual development and corporate competitiveness found in different types of regions, such as sparsely populated and rural areas, small and medium-sized towns and metropolitan areas;
• strategic government initiatives and measures for sustainable growth in interplay with actors at local, regional, European and global levels;
• a cross-sectoral working method and a more co-ordinated government interacting with local and regional actors;
• good access to commercial and public services for citizens and businesses in all areas of the country;
• increased labour supply through such means as widening regions and increasing mobility within and between regions;
• regional strategies and programmes conducted with support of partnerships and in interplay with national and European levels, aimed at strengthening local and regional sustainable growth efforts.