Background & Purpose
Swedish regions are responsible for creating long-term plans to develop their local areas and countryside. However, there has been a need to clarify exactly who they must consult and collaborate with when making these plans.
The Decision
The Swedish parliament voted to clarify the rules, making it mandatory for regions to consult with representatives from civil society organizations and independent higher education providers.
Does this affect you?
- Civil society organizations: They will get a guaranteed opportunity to influence how their local region and countryside are developed.
- Independent higher education providers: Private colleges and educational institutions will be actively consulted to align education with regional development needs.
- Regional decision-makers: Regional boards will have clearer guidelines on who they must involve before finalizing development strategies.
In Practice
- Regions must actively invite local non-profit organizations to share their views on development plans.
- Independent higher education providers must be included in discussions about regional growth.
- Rural development strategies will be more collaborative, aiming to ensure all parts of Sweden can thrive.
- The new rules will apply uniformly across all of Sweden's regions.