Municipal and regional development

We research how Norwegian municipalities can function and develop in the best possible way.

This involves a particular focus on mapping, analyzing, understanding, and further developing the municipalities' role as community developers, service providers, and democratic arenas.

Since its establishment, Telemarksforsking has been a leading player in research on municipal and regional development.

Central to our research are questions related to municipal finances, governance, and the funding of the municipal sector. After working closely with Norwegian municipalities for nearly 40 years, we have developed an in-depth theoretical and historical understanding of municipal governance, which we combine with deep insights into practical applications.

We also have national expertise in analyzing and understanding the relationships between population development, business development, attractiveness, and place development. Such analyses are crucial for planning, facilitating, and developing municipal operations.

Our research also includes solutions for managing tasks and driving innovation and development work both within organizations and in collaboration with other municipalities and actors.

Our key clients include municipalities, inter-municipal collaborations, county municipalities, state administrators, KS (the Norwegian Association of Local and Regional Authorities), directorates, ministries, and the Norwegian Research Council.

Our team has also been represented in several national committees, including those on municipal structure, business development, and municipal finances.