The Nordic battery industry cannot rely on technology alone – the public sector plays a pivotal, yet limited role
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A doctoral dissertation in regional studies to be defended at the University of Vaasa explores the role of public actors in cross-border regional development, focusing on the Nordic battery industry. Ejike Okonkwo’s doctoral research demonstrates that public actors play a crucial, yet simultaneously constrained role in the development of an emerging industrial sector.
Battery production and utilisation are central to the green transition. However, industrial development does not rely solely on technology and markets, as Ejike Okonkwo’s doctoral research shows. Effective public coordination, skills and expertise, infrastructure, and cross-border cooperation are of equal importance.
“When discussing the green transition, the focus is almost always primarily on technology, whilst the social dimension is left unaddressed. Naturally, this may also be because the sector is so new,” says Okonkwo.
In his dissertation, Okonkwo addresses the agency of regional public actors within the emerging Nordic battery industry. The study provides fresh perspectives on Europe’s pursuit of energy autonomy and strategic resilience.
– Public actors mobilise resources, coordinate networks, facilitate the social acceptance of projects, and support skills development across different levels of governance. At the same time, however, market forces, infrastructural shortcomings, and geopolitical factors limit their influence.
According to Okonkwo, green industrial path development emerges precisely through the interaction between human agency and structural conditions, such as geoeconomical realities.
The risks of large-scale investments must be recognised before decisions are made
The dissertation is based on a wide range of empirical materials, including policy documents, regional development reports, scientific literature, online sources, and more than 20 interviews. The interviewees included public officials, regional development agencies, companies, educational institutions, and researchers.
The findings illustrate how public policy decisions shape local development outcomes. From a regional development perspective, key questions include whether green investments generate lasting local employment opportunities and whether educational institutions provide the skills required by employers. It is also important to assess whether transport systems, housing availability, and public services can meet the demands generated by green investments.
– The results of this research can help decision-makers in municipalities, development agencies, educational institutions, and central government avoid costly projects in which market risks, environmental impacts, or concerns of local communities are overlooked.
Doctoral dissertation
Okonkwo, Ejike (2026) The agency of regional public actors in the emerging Nordic Battery Industry. Acta Wasaensia 598. Doctoral dissertation. University of Vaasa.
Doctoral defence
The public examination of M.Sc. Ejike Okonkwo’s doctoral dissertation “The agency of regional public actors in the emerging Nordic Battery Industry” will be held on Wednesday 18 November 2026 at 12 at the University of Vaasa, auditorium Nissi.
It is possible to participate in the defence also online:
https://uwasa.zoom.us/j/68086297578?pwd=hNZ9bESTZZii8J5XDj1ZNmDF5tAW0I.1
Password: 869057
Principal Researcher, Dr. Rita Lankauskiene (Lithuanian Centre for Social Sciences) will act as opponent and Professor (emerita) Seija Virkkala as custos.
Tietolaatikko
Further information
Ejike Okonkwo holds two Master of Science (MSc) degrees: one in International Relations and the other in Energy, Environment and Society. He is currently a Doctoral Researcher in Regional Studies at the School of Management, University of Vaasa.