Strategic Regional Plan for the years 2018–2024.

The present parliamentary resolution describes the Strategic Regional Plan for Iceland for the years 2018-2024. The principal concerns of the regional plan is to address depopulation in individual regions, lack of economic and industrial diversity, and technological changes and development and adaptation with respect to individual industries; to define essential countermeasures and adaptations to meet the impact of climate change; to ensure smooth communications and access to services; and to respond to hardening international competition for people and companies. Special emphasis is placed on regions that stand at an economic disadvantage in this regard.
It sets the following overall aims for the Government: (a) equalize access to services; (b) equalize employment opportunities; and (c) promote the sustainable development of regions throughout the country. The Action Plan builds on three main strategic areas: A. Access to services; B. Employment opportunities; and C. Sustainable development of rural communities throughout the country.
Strategic area A encompasses goals concerning: optical wireless connectivity throughout Iceland; services map; increased resourcing of research and scientific activity; interdisciplinary regional teams; distance health services; regional medical treatment; maternity and prenatal services; equalization of transport costs for retail and shops; shops and retail in areas of sparse population; public transport throughout the country; public transport by air; services to motorists in areas of sparse population; ‘Services on site’ for immigrants; equalization of energy costs; development of infrastructure for renewable energy on land and in harbors; utilization of information technology for university courses; regional offset of transportation costs; definition of public services and equalization of access; access to mental health services; and access to specialist medical services.
Strategic area B encompasses goals concerning: roll-out of three-phase electrical supply; electrical transmission system and improved energy security; support for the construction of small generating plants; cost-effective loans for agriculture; innovation in the food industry; tax allowance for travel to and from work by car; jobs without specified location; teleprocessing centres; variety of employment opportunities throughout the country; evening out differences of facilities at international airports; air gateways to Iceland; ‘The Radar’ development project in tourism; digital lead in rural areas; capital for innovation; allocation of regional quotas; exploitation of cultural monuments; farms in state ownership; and participation in the labour market and wage gap by place of residence.
Strategic area C encompasses goals concerning: ad hoc projects in special initiative areas; ‘Fragile communities’; support for individuals – student loans; Capital-city policy; installation of heat pumps in cold areas; housing; local authority housing plans; support for media in rural areas; nature conservation and the development of rural regions; expertise in infrastructure in nature conservation areas; more women in local government; promotion and adoption of tourist destination plans; public information in the area of regional affairs; collaboration between museums and collections – chartered museums; Art for All; and growth areas.