According to Region Stockholm, the area boasts strengths such as quality of life, proximity between city and countryside, strong tourism, an innovative business sector, a robust labor market, and prominent research. However, it faces challenges including sustainable growth, equal living conditions, safety, skills supply, an inclusive labor market, competitiveness, climate goals, and robustness. Since the 2018 plan, the world has changed with a deteriorated security situation, climate change, increased living condition differences, rapid digitalization, the pandemic, nearby war, energy supply and safety challenges, and new civil and military preparedness demands.
The plan contains a vision, goals, and spatial direction for sustainable development, aiming for Stockholm to be Europe's most attractive and sustainable metropolitan region to live, reside, and work in. Sub-goals include an accessible, resource-efficient, robust region without climate-impacting emissions; an equal, safe, inclusive region with good living conditions; and a globally leading growth and knowledge region. Goals are set for both long and short term.
Development Director Anton Västberg said the plan results from extensive county-wide collaboration, showing strength in working together. The plan was developed in dialogue with municipalities, business, academia, authorities, and civil society. Region Stockholm noted the region is a driver in the green transition.
Västberg added that the shared vision is to become Europe's most attractive and sustainable metropolitan region, and the plan provides a common direction, but now it must be translated into concrete work through continued collaboration.