Blog

The EU Cohesion Policy Interreg Northern Periphery and Arctic 2014–2020 Programme invested approximately EUR 56 million in 58 main projects, generating impact for communities across eight countries. Check out the key achievements. 

Innovation: New Tools and Technologies for SMEs 

The TARGET project created a transnational innovation toolkit used by manufacturing SMEs across six countries. For example, Axon Power and Controls (Northern Ireland) used the diagnostic tools to identify logistical bottlenecks, while Lough Erne Cakes cut electricity costs by adopting low-energy lighting and hybrid vehicles following expert mentoring. These interventions delivered direct performance improvements and supported long-term sustainability.  

Entrepreneurship: New Business Models and Market Access 

The SCITOUR project launched a new “scientific tourism” brand, enabling SMEs in Greenland, Iceland, Finland and Scotland to market authentic cultural and research-based experiences jointly through the Wonderseekers digital platform. This transnational brand offered small providers access to global visibility and new customer segments, while integrating sustainable and culturally sensitive tourism practices.  

Energy Efficiency: Community-Led Renewable Solutions 

The LECo project supported remote settlements in Finland, Ireland, Sweden and Norway in designing local energy concepts. In Vuollerim (Sweden), community stakeholders identified additional renewable energy options beyond hydropower and improved their understanding of how different technologies interact. Local pilots raised awareness and strengthened community participation in energy decision-making.  

Heritage and Governance: Strengthening Land-Use Planning 

The BusK project developed practical tools for integrating scientific, local and Indigenous knowledge into land-use planning across Finland, Sweden, Greenland, the Faroe Islands, Ireland, Norway and Iceland. By facilitating shared governance processes, the project helped communities handle resource conflicts and improved regional capacity to manage environmental and cultural heritage in rapidly changing conditions.  

Business Development: Circular Models and New Value Chains 

Concrete innovations emerged in circular economy sectors. SYMBIOMA demonstrated how food-industry by-products can be repurposed into new value chains. At Bottenvikens Brewery (Sweden), one tonne of weekly spent grain was converted into feedstock for mealworm cultivation, which subsequently replaced imported chicken feed. Residual grain was repurposed as organic fertiliser for greenhouses. These solutions reduced waste, cut emissions and created new business opportunities for rural SMEs.  

Improved Access to Services: Digital Health and Remote Care 

Seventy-one percent of projects improved access to essential services. The SENDoc project tested wearable sensor technology in 13 pilots to support prevention, diagnostics and rehabilitation for older adults in remote areas. The project produced two operational service models demonstrating how home-based rehabilitation can be delivered using sensor data, and how early intervention needs can be detected through daily-life monitoring. Trials showed high acceptance, especially when devices were comfortable and easy to use.  

 

Raising Awareness: Culturally Sensitive Arctic Tourism 

Through the ARCTISEN project, service providers across the Arctic received guidelines, online courses, videos and toolkits promoting culturally sensitive tourism. These materials were based on community interviews, benchmarking and local–Indigenous collaboration. The project strengthened understanding of respectful representation of Sámi and other Indigenous cultures in tourism products.  

Changing Attitudes: Empowering Women Entrepreneurs 

The W-POWER project introduced gender-sensitive coaching across rural regions, enabling business advisors to better support women, Indigenous entrepreneurs and migrants. Participants reported stronger confidence, expanded networks and improved business capabilities. In Shetland, the Realise group offered peer support that significantly improved local women entrepreneurs’ resilience and visibility.  

Influencing Policy: Climate Adaptation Across Northern Ireland 

The C.L.I.M.A.T.E. project delivered the International Best Practice Model for climate adaptation planning, used to shape Derry City & Strabane District Council’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2020–2025. Following the project, all other Northern Ireland councils joined a new Local Government Climate Action Network to develop their own plans, marking a major shift towards coordinated climate resilience.  

Social Cohesion: Supporting Intergenerational Integration 

The PLACE-EE project addressed social isolation by organising intergenerational workshops across rural regions. In Limerick County, young people taught older adults how to use digital devices for communication and online services, strengthening independence, reducing loneliness and enhancing community connections.  

Arctic Cooperation: Strengthening Cross-Programme Synergies 

Four Arctic Cluster projects brought together partners from five Interreg and cross-border programmes. For example, ARCTIC PACER connected 30 organisations across 20 regions to exchange good practices on community energy solutions, building stronger links between national and regional actors across the Arctic.  

The Northern Periphery and Arctic 2014–2020 Programme’s results demonstrate how cooperation across long distances can deliver concrete innovation, improve public services and strengthen resilience in remote areas. The Programme continues in 2021–2027, supporting sustainable growth and community wellbeing across the northern periphery and Arctic.