Regional Development

Region Stockholm’s responsibilities include the Stockholm region’s Regional Development Plan, RUFS 2050, and the County Plan for Transport Infrastructure. Region Stockholm’s mission also includes being a voice for the county’s residents, and the collective force for the county’s other stakeholders; municipalities, trade and industry, academia, government bodies, and civil society. Together, we work for the best interests of the Stockholm region, with the vision of becoming Europe’s most attractive metropolitan region.

There are currently more than 2.2 million people living in the county. By 2050, we expect to have 3.4 million inhabitants, just over 50 per cent more. This rapid population growth is positive for the region, yet brings with it major challenges that require good planning and good cooperation between many different parties.

Direction for the Stockholm Region

The Regional Development Plan for the Stockholm region, RUFS 2050, shows the region’s direction, and aims to ensure that the right wheels are set in motion in the near future, enabling us to reach long-term goals, and to achieve the greatest regional benefits by 2050.

The vision is for the Stockholm region to be Europe’s most attractive metropolitan region. To make this possible, there are four regional goals towards 2050. They concern attractive living environments, equality, openness, accessibility, and innovation and industries. RUFS 2050 has been developed in close dialogue with the region’s stakeholders in municipalities, trade and industry, academia, and civil society.

Operational Areas in Regional Development

Region Stockholm drives the region’s development forward in a number of different operational areas:

Labour market and competence development

Access to competence and new knowledge is crucial for ongoing development of trade and industry and public sector operations.

Housing

A functional housing market is important for a good living environment, and to promote growth in the Stockholm region.

Climate and energy

The long-term goal of the region’s climate work is to reach net-zero emissions by 2045. The Climate Route Plan 2050 for the Stockholm region serves as a guide for regional climate work.

Countryside and archipelago

Population-wise, Stockholm County is Sweden’s third biggest countryside county. It must be possible to live and support oneself in all parts of Stockholm County – that’s an important part of the whole region’s appeal.

Trade and industry and growth

The Stockholm region is Sweden’s leading growth and knowledge region, and a growth motor for the whole country. Trade and industry development and promotional systems are supported to further strengthen the region’s growth and appeal. The Stockholm region’s Strategy for Trade and Industry and Growth governs regional growth work.

RDI

Region Stockholm’s work with research, development and innovation gives the Stockholm region the conditions to remain a leading, innovative and sustainable growth motor for all of Sweden. A strong researcher presence creates benefits for the whole region and Region Stockholm’s own operations. Universities, university colleges, and trade and industry are responsible for research and development with support from and in collaboration with Region Stockholm.

Transport and infrastructure

Region Stockholm works with transport, travelling and infrastructure in many different ways. Stockholm Public Transport (SL), Waxholmsbolaget and Färdtjänsten are responsible for public transportation services. The goal is a society with smart and sustainable transport systems. Bicycles are an important contribution in this change. The regional cycle plan helps to increase cycling.

Region planning

Region Stockholm is responsible for the county’s physical region planning, which provides guidance for the municipalities and other stakeholders in their successive planning. Region planning is based on a system view and analyses of long-term societal changes and needs. It’s an ongoing process that takes place in collaboration with many stakeholders. Planning is based on various geographical perspectives – from inter-municipal and -regional to larger scale regional, national and European perspectives.

International and EU Collaboration

Region Stockholm collaborates to monitor and influence decisions on an EU and global level.

Baltic Sea Commission and CPMR

Through its membership and collaboration with other regions in the EU, Region Stockholm monitors and influences EU policy in transport, maritime issues, cohesion policy and more.

METREX Network of European Metropolitan Regions and Areas

Through membership and collaboration with other regions in the EU, Region Stockholm monitors and influences regional development issues.