The green transition demands a fundamental shift in existing production and consumption patterns. This includes both adapting current industries and developing new sectors to support the move toward a more sustainable future, particularly in energy and transport. The NorSkift project is based on the idea that Norwegian municipalities can play a central role in transitioning the Norwegian society.

Norway has 357 municipalities, each with different capacities to contribute to the green transition. Variations in natural resources, human capital, and economic capacity create significant differences in how municipalities can seize the opportunities presented by the sustainability transitions. To understand the roles Norwegian municipalities can play in this transition, we are working with three key research questions:

1. How are municipalities working with industrial development related to the green transition?
2. What scope of action do municipalities have in land management related to industrial development?
3. What opportunities and challenges do Norwegian municipalities experience in relation to the green transition?

Method and Activities

To explore these questions, we will conduct workshops with three Norwegian municipalities—Vefsn, Verdal, and Orkanger—where we will examine their strategies, challenges, and solutions related to the green transition. In addition, the project will carry out field studies in these municipalities to gain deeper insight into their work on sustainability transition. These activities will help gather valuable information for both academic research and practical recommendations for municipalities.

Objectives

The NorSkift project aims to:

1. Generate new knowledge about how Norwegian municipalities are working with the green transition, and how this affects their economic and societal development.
2. Develop insights that can help political and administrative leaders in municipalities better understand and manage the challenges and opportunities of the green shift.
3. Contribute to filling a knowledge gap about how Norwegian municipalities can play a role in the green transition.

Why Is This Important?

The green shift can create significant opportunities for economic growth and development, but it also involves considerable challenges. Some municipalities may experience economic growth, while others risk decline and depopulation. At the same time, navigating between different levels of government, sector interests, and industrial actors can be demanding. By examining how municipalities navigate this landscape, we aim to contribute to increased understanding and knowledge of municipalities’ role in the green shift.

NorSkift is led by Henrik Brynthe Lund at NTNU and receives funding from the Faculty of Social and Educational Sciences at NTNU.

Contact Us

Would you like to learn more about the project or collaborate with us? Feel free to contact project leader Henrik Brynthe Lund.