27. May 2026

The Nordic region joins forces on the green and digital transitio

The green and digital transition requires closer cross-border cooperation. The Nordic countries are now launching a joint initiative to strengthen the use of standards as a strategic tool for turning knowledge into solutions that work across the region as well as at European and global level.

The initiative, The Nordic Region Sets the Standard, is supported by the Nordic Council of Ministers and brings together the national standardization bodies of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The goal is to strengthen Nordic cooperation and promote the use of standards within innovation, sustainability, and new solutions. Through closer collaboration, the Nordic countries aim to create a more coherent and effective approach to the green and digital transition.

"By strengthening Nordic cooperation on standards, we can turn shared knowledge into practical solutions that support more sustainable growth and innovation. At the same time, the initiative makes it easier to develop, scale, and implement solutions, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of businesses," says Tina Helsted Vengsgaard, Director at Danish Standards.

"Standards are an effective tool in societal development. They promote innovation and pave the way for new technology, not least in the green transition. Closer Nordic cooperation will strengthen coordination and increase impact across the entire region," says Dan Koivulaakso, Head of Growth and Climate at the Nordic Council of Ministers.

Through the project, the Nordic standardization organizations will collaborate to:

• strengthen the use of standards in areas that are strategically important to the Nordic region
• support the integration of standards into regulation, research, and innovation
• increase awareness of how standards can help companies and authorities meet new requirements and turn them into solutions
• build Nordic competencies and cooperation within future-oriented areas
• develop common approaches that reduce barriers and make it easier to develop and scale solutions across borders

The project focuses on key areas shaping the future, such as the circular economy, digitalization, and more sustainable use of resources. Particular emphasis will be placed on artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, and quantum technology, as well as developments in the minerals sector.

By strengthening cooperation and creating common approaches, the initiative will support more effective implementation of new technology, promote innovative solutions, strengthen value chains, and improve conditions for Nordic businesses and authorities.

"This initiative reflects our ambition to create value for businesses and society. By collaborating more closely across the Nordic region, we increase the value and impact of standards and strengthen our role in the development of standards in Europe and globally," says Tina Helsted Vengsgaard.

The project will also help strengthen competencies and participation in standardization work throughout the Nordic region, both among experts and young professionals in new fields.