At the request of the region of Jämtland, which is a distinct part of  Sweden,  Norman Longworth visited Sweden last week. He was speaking to a Regional Development conference of the Europaforum Norra Sverige. Some 200 politicians from the four Northernmost regions of Sweden, chaired by the Swedish minister of regions and enterprise, Annie Loof.  All these regions are large but sparsely populated with great untapped resources. They are all almost 100% green in energy consumption through hydro-electric, windpower and biomass energies.

Norman, who was one of 2 external speakers (the other was Director of European Programmes and International States and Regions of the Climate Group, Luc Bas), spoke on the case for learning regions in order to be prepared for the great changes that will happen in the coming years. He described the expanding concept of a learning region and the need for flexible, adaptable and versatile mind-sets in the face of new challenges caused by changes in work patterns, climate, environment and the need for an international outlook. Feedback was only positive. At other times in the week he met with the Lifelong Learning Committee of Jämtland, spoke at a conference of Vocational Educators and met individuals responsible for regional development in Jämtland.