There is an increasing global demand for batteries in the decarbonisation process and an attempt to increase its production within Europe, thereby reducing the dependency on the Asian market. Consequently, the battery industry cluster is emerging in the Nordic region with the requisite raw materials for battery production in Norway, Sweden, and Finland. The industry will encounter medium- and long-term challenges in its supply value chain due to the envisaged transport connectivity issues in the region, especially as the industry begins experiencing growth. Regional networks will play a key role in mitigating these challenges by providing a space for cooperation among actors; however, how regional networks address these transport connectivity issues still needs to be explored. This paper introduces results from a qualitative study that adopts the network approach in examining the nature and the role of a novel network within the Nordic battery cluster. They show that the Nordic Battery Belt (NBB) is an emerging cross-border regional network established to proactively identify the prevailing and the envisaged connectivity challenges within the Nordic region. The NBB, therefore, contributes to the development of logistical strategies and inventories for sustainable and cost-effective transport systems, which will support the battery industry’s supply chain and reduce the industry’s carbon footprints. Overall, the paper advances the understanding of networks and their role in the regional energy transitions literature viz-a-viz the battery industry.

Accelerating technological transitions (TT) from carbon-based aviation to Electric Regional Aviation (ERA) is contingent on increased awareness and innovative ideas. Finding innovations to Accelerate the Implementation of Electric Regional Aviation (FAIR) aims to facilitate TT to electric aviation in the Kvarken-Nordland region of Finland, Sweden, and Norway. This paper reviewed 13 reports used in the FAIR project. These reports suggest that TT will provide many socioeconomic and environmental benefits. These include increased connectivity to new areas with zero operational carbon footprints, reduced cost, and travel time. However, most of the investigations in the FAIR reports focused on economic and technical aspects. Studies suggest that TT is also contingent on human factors such as public engagement and participation. Therefore, this paper notes that it is imperative to increase the knowledge of ERA among young people in higher educational institutions in the region, particularly given that they constitute an integral part of the aviation market. In addition, although the three universities participating in the FAIR project have energy-related studies, which are essential in advancing knowledge on TT, they lack aviation-specific courses. This paper proposes that, in their next agenda, regional actors could advocate for the introduction of a multidisciplinary aviation-centred course into the university curriculum. The idea is that such inclusion not only will increase the knowledge of ERA and the chances for accelerated innovative ideas in the implementation process but could also motivate and spur increased engagement in climate actions among young people.