The research project N-B Connect builds on the findings of the 5G Nordic-Baltic Monitoring Tool project (5G NB MT) which was concluded in spring 2023. Moving beyond the techno-centric focus of its predecessor, N-B Connect emphasises improved usability of the 5G Data Hub and the social-scientific contextualisation of increasing low latency connectivity in the Nordic and Baltic countries.
Sparsely populated areas, where laying down physical broadband infrastructure is often impractical and expensive, stand to benefit from 5G and other mobile connectivity options. However, 5G NB MT revealed significant geographic disparities in 5G deployment, adoption and overall connectivity, with much of the potential 5G innovation and competitiveness still untapped despite substantial investments. Many projects remain in testing phases, and the business case for 5G across the region is limited. While rural areas are rarely central to discussions of technological innovation, this project focuses on smart communities beyond urban hubs to understand the societal impact of new technologies and to learn how they are adopted and adapted to the populations’ specific needs. By focusing on smaller, closely-knit communities, the project also examines the role of trust and security in the rollout and use of new technologies. It prioritises the human experience, moving beyond purely technical aspects.
With this, N-B Connect contributes to ongoing discussion on digital divides and the risks of exclusion for underserved populations as well as the role of responsible innovation practices. While these concerns are often highlighted in the literature, there is little research on the societal impacts of smart solutions in rural Nordic and Baltic settings. Understanding these impacts is critical for addressing issues such as social exclusion and outmigration while also offering valuable insights for technology design to ensure the development of more sustainable and inclusive solutions.
The project’s outputs shall serve to
- advance the political digital inclusion agenda for rural areas,
- promote collaborative networks among relevant stakeholders in the Nordic-Baltic region,
- offer policy makers a broadened information basis on 5G uptake and its societal consequences,
- contribute to the literature on responsible innovation and
- ensure the continuous relevance and improved usability of the 5G Data Hub.
The project is financed by The Nordic Council of Ministers, and it is run by Nordregio.
Nordic-Baltic 5G Expert Group:
- Kaidi Ristal (Estonia)
- Þorleifur Jónasson (Iceland)
- Þorgeir Sigurðarson (Iceland)
- Eliza Roszkowska Öberg (Sweden)
- Jarl Kristen Fjerdingby (Norway)
- Heidi Himmanen (Finland)
- Robert Lindgaard (Denmark)
- Neils Kalniņš (Latvia)
- Jana Lūsvere (Latvia)
- Martynas Špiliauskas (Lithuania)
Nordic-Baltic 5G Monitoring Tool (completed)
The Nordic-Baltic 5G Monitoring tool project’s aim was to contribute to the development of a more integrated, connected, and inclusive Nordic Region by developing and maintaining a tool to monitor the roll out of 5G in the Nordic-Baltic countries. The objective was also to identify concrete examples of applications of 5G technology within different verticals. The project organized matchmaking events to connect stakeholders within identified focus areas with the intention to drive innovation by showcasing applications and facilitating connections between actors. The expectation was that this could promote cross-border collaboration in the industry verticals, presenting great potential for Nordic-Baltic added value. The project runs from August 2021 to December 2023.
The project was financed by The Nordic Council of Ministers and run by Nordregio.