[1] The mainly rural region of Varmland located on the Oslo-Stockholm cross-border corridor and influenced by proximity to Oslo in Norway, comprises three administrative organizations with 16 municipalities, some with development zones. There is a strong sense of regional identity and much cooperation. The 273,000 population has struggled with demographic issues for some decades; immigration remains low and 19% of the population is over 65. Karlstad is the main focus of economic activity. Innovation and economic development are significant concerns, there are social and environmental concerns, and a sense of poor support from central government.
What does Varmland do with Pascal?
Varmland Region funds the Pascal's PURE study in its region
Varmland Region has provided a member of the Consultative Review Group for the PURE study in Jamtland (Anders Olsson).
Through taking part in the PURE project, Värmland gets a clearer view of the region in relation to other regions and how far we have come to mobilize actors in regional development. We had not realized how far we had come in developing a regional innovation system. Thanks to the PURE project, we bring together stakeholders to jointly raise Värmland to the next level of regional development.
Anders Olsson, Regional Innovation Manager, Varmland Region