Arctic Connections: policy framework evaluation

Executive summary

Overview

GC Insight was commissioned by the Scottish Government to evaluate effectiveness of the Arctic Connections Policy Framework (ACPF) and Arctic Connections Fund (ACF) in delivering Scotland’s international objectives in the Arctic region. The ACPF was launched in 2019 to strengthen Scotland’s role in addressing shared challenges with Arctic nations. It reflects Scotland’s commitment to international cooperation. Complementing the Framework, the ACF was introduced in 2021 and provided operational support through grant funding, to implement projects aligned with ACPF priorities.

Methodology

The evaluation sought to answer the following evaluation questions:

• To what extent has the Arctic Connections Policy Framework been delivered as intended, with specific attention to implementation through the ACF and the activities of the international network in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions?
• Based on the experiences of ACF recipients and SG’s offices in Arctic and sub-Arctic nations, what impact did the Arctic Connections Policy Framework have on:
  • Scotland’s relationship with Arctic stakeholders;
  • understanding of Arctic issues in Scotland;
  • and of Scottish issues in the Arctic?
• To what extent was the ACF delivered as intended, and what were the main impacts of ACF projects?

To do so, the evaluation adopted a mixed-methods approach with three main components:

• A desk-based review of relevant policy documents, including all project-reports from ACF-funded projects.
• Recipients of ACF funding, and interviews with SG officials involved in the development and operation of the ACPF, and representatives of SG international network offices in Arctic and Sub-Arctic locations.
• A small online survey of ACF recipients.

Key Findings

The ACF funded 31 projects in total, supporting workshops, research, cultural exchanges, and digital initiatives that strengthened Scotland’s Arctic engagement. These projects produced varied outputs (such as educational resources, studies, cultural works, and digital platforms) and built new partnerships. The ACF enhanced Scotland’s visibility, credibility, and soft power in Arctic and Sub‑Arctic regions, while creating long‑lasting networks and opportunities for continued collaboration.

However, there have been challenges for the ACPF. Participants felt that fragmented engagement with partners and limited understanding of governance and actors hampered effective relationship building. More recently, shifting priorities, budget constraints, and geopolitical pressures further constrained Scotland’s Arctic focus. For the ACF, the application process and small grant sizes disproportionately favoured academic institutions. Also, short delivery windows, seasonal constraints and logistical challenges in remote Arctic locations limited project accessibility and impact, particularly for non-academic organisations. Limited follow-on support and facilitated networking reduced opportunities to maximise collaboration and visibility.

Nevertheless the ACPF and ACF have raised Scotland’s profile and credibility in Arctic and Sub-Arctic regions, strengthening Scotland’s presence, influence, and engagement on the global stage. They have supported enduring partnerships and networks between Scotland and Arctic nations. ACF-funded projects have promoted soft diplomacy, cultural understanding, and the exchange of expertise. Many projects have supported long-term partnerships, enabling recipients to secure follow-on investment. The initiatives have enhanced Scotland’s soft power, showing its ability to coordinate Arctic-focused projects and sustain relationships despite changing geopolitical conditions.

Without funding, strategic direction and sustained policy focus, Scotland risks losing its visibility, hard-won relationships, and long-term legacy in Arctic engagement. Sustaining the benefits achieved will require renewed commitment, clearer purpose, and continued investment, without which Scotland risks losing its influence in Arctic diplomacy.

Recommendations

The following recommendations are made for future planning regarding the ACPF, recognising that the cycle for this specific policy framework has concluded.

• Recommendation 1: Long-term commitment to delivery, so that achievements can be built upon and real added value achieved.
• Recommendation 2: Conduct interim evaluations to assess progress against objectives, adjust priorities, and inform decisions on policy renewal or future funding allocations.
• Recommendation 3: Map regional governance and key actors to enable targeted engagement, strategic relationship-building, and more effective diplomatic influence.
• Recommendation 4: Clarify roles, responsibilities and purpose of any Scottish Government successor framework or policy to ensure clarity of purpose and spheres of operation.
• Recommendation 5: Integrate trade and economic objectives to provide a potential economic driver and demonstrate tangible benefits, enhance sustainability, and support Scotland’s Arctic presence.
• Recommendation 6: Simplify the application process for any future funding mechanism to reduce burden and improve accessibility for smaller and non-academic organisations, including additional support or expression of interest stage.
• Recommendation 7: Encourage and support third-sector participation through seed funding, mentorship, and guidance to build capacity and foster inclusive engagement.
• Recommendation 8: Provide formal networking opportunities for funding recipients to share learning, promote best practices, and build long-term collaborative partnerships.
• Recommendation 9: Embed Arctic specific seasonal, logistical, and cultural factors into funding rules and delivery timelines to enable adaptive project implementation.
• Recommendation 10: Arctic considerations should be embedded into relevant policy areas, to sustain knowledge-sharing, innovations and solutions to common issues, allowing for Arctic region engagement.