Abstract
This article discusses the issue of what kind of a region Vestnorden is. The need for such a discussion arises from the challenges posed by globalisation for the idea and construction of the West Nordic space, and the need to observe how this regional unit counters these processes. The article is based on an analytical framework which presupposes that a functional region has to consist of four elements. First, whether the space has its own institutions for decision making; second, how far there is economic complementarities among the involved nations and territories; third, to what degree they have common economic interests; and finally, to what extent social, cultural and historical ties exist between the territories involved. The article argues that there is an urgent need to discuss and reorient the institutional functionality of Vestnorden as a regional unit.
Highlights
IntroductionThe purpose of this article is to identify and discuss the regional characteristics of West Nordic co-evolution and cooperation, with a view to produce a first conceptual framework for understanding the status and future possibilities of the West Nordic as a regional unit
The purpose of this article is to identify and discuss the regional characteristics of West Nordic co-evolution and cooperation, with a view to produce a first conceptual framework for understanding the status and future possibilities of the West Nordic as a regional unit.The broader background of this topic lies in the new mosaic of regions and regional co-operation entities that we have seen arising across Europe over the last few decades (Association of European Border Regions 1999; Lundqvist and Persson 1993)
This is for instance reflected in the West Nordic Parliamentarian Committee (WNPC)1, which tells us that these three countries constitute some sort of a political unit
Summary
The purpose of this article is to identify and discuss the regional characteristics of West Nordic co-evolution and cooperation, with a view to produce a first conceptual framework for understanding the status and future possibilities of the West Nordic as a regional unit. Fræðigreinar evolution has been prompted by fundamental changes in the structures of nation-states, changes in business cycles and technologies, in environment and security issues, as well as by changes in cultural habits and identities (Storper, 1997) One outcome of this trend has been the slow but steady institutionalization of several West Nordic regional bodies, i.e. frameworks incorporating the Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland, and in some contexts including Norwegian regional units. An illustrative example is that Vestnorden is most often referred to as a grouping of Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands This is for instance reflected in the West Nordic Parliamentarian Committee (WNPC), which tells us that these three countries constitute some sort of a political unit. In the year 2011, 75,7 per cent worked in the service sector, 18,4 per cent in the secondary sector, and 6 per cent in the primary sector (Statistical yearbook of Iceland 2012)
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