The role of collaboration in the renewal of Arctic waste management

Abstract

ABSTRACT This paper aims to investigate the possibilities of renewal of the waste management sector in the Arctic through increased regional collaboration. The theoretical part of our article focuses on collaboration in the foundational sector. The empirical study analyzes municipal waste management in Northern Norway, which is characterized by low diversity, large distances between settlements and recycling facilities, and relatively small internal markets. Despite the relatively thin regional structures, we identify a strong capability for performing regional collaboration and joint renewal initiatives among the waste management actors in North Norway. We argue that in the foundational sector, research can highlight innovative firms in the periphery that contradict the mainstream narrative in the literature and give attention to the regions outside the most innovative and propelling cities.