Over the past decade, societal security has evolved as a prominent research field in the Nordic region. Numerous universities have launched academic courses dedicated to this subject. Moreover, a practical application of societal security is emerging, evidenced by the Nordic Council’s 2019 Strategy on Societal Security and the ongoing Action Program of the Council for Baltic Sea States (CBSS). The NordForsk initiative has significantly shaped these developments throughout the decade.
However, the requirements for knowledge in both policy and practice are dynamic. They change with shifting socioeconomic, technological, and geopolitical landscapes, as well as the advancement of research and innovation. As we move beyond 2023, the research agenda for societal security will naturally diverge from the focal points set in 2013. Technological breakthroughs, especially in artificial intelligence and the surge of social media, are set to redefine research necessities. There’s a pressing need for multidisciplinary research projects, as they are vital to bridge the knowledge gaps in this fast-paced domain.
The transboundary nature of emerging risks and threats will become even more intricate. Interdependencies, which have repercussions for people, organizations, economies, and governments, are on the rise. Addressing these concerns requires joint problem-solving and governance collaborations that transcend traditional boundaries, including national borders. This became abundantly clear during the global pandemic of 2020-22, which heavily impacted societal security in the Nordic region and beyond.
Today, the adversarial aspect of international relations is more pronounced than a decade ago. This resurgence of antagonistic geopolitics, especially around the Nordic region, has profoundly influenced societal security and resilience strategies. Such geopolitical shifts will undoubtedly shape the Nordic research agenda for the upcoming decade. Antagonistic threats now stand alongside structural, natural, or human-induced risks in the realms of national, societal, and human security. The all-hazards approach to managing threats has gained renewed significance among security practitioners, with substantial implications for both research and training the upcoming generation of professionals.
The Nordics remains a fertile ground for comparative studies, as acknowledged at the inception of this program. Such comparative analysis should continue to guide future research investments. An intriguing possibility is expanding this perspective beyond the N5 to include the NB8 – integrating the experiences of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This shift from 5 to 8 has already manifested in related policy and practical realms.
Furthermore, EU-based security research programs remain crucial for Nordic scholars. Participating in these EU-funded projects can significantly benefit Nordic research communities. The NordForsk program plays an instrumental role in amplifying Nordic representation and fostering connections within these broader EU initiatives. This strategic vision, established at the program’s foundation in 2013, holds true today and promises to remain relevant in the coming years.