The Transformation Centre in the Ústí nad Labem Region, along with investments in educational institutions and high-speed connectivity, seeks to enhance living standards and wages in the area. The Just Transition Fund supports projects from cities, towns, municipalities, and businesses, encouraging innovation, digital transformation, and energy efficiency. Meanwhile, the region is boosting its image with initiatives like landscape enhancement, creation of new reclamation lakes, and a network of well-equipped cycling paths to promote tourism and support small enterprises. Governor Richard Brabec outlined the plan to transition the region from heavy industry to a modern, smart economy.
As the Ústí nad Labem Region undergoes structural renewal, which particular projects do you see as key to enhancing residents’ quality of life? Additionally, are you effectively leveraging funds from the Just Transition Fund?
The structural renewal of our region is essential. After years of heavy industry and coal mining, we now have the chance to change direction. The Just Transition Fund (JTF) represents a unique historic opportunity we might not see again. The development and innovation projects co-financed by the JTF must involve not only the regional administration but also the entire area, leveraging its strong stakeholders in the process of change and innovation. This means that cities, towns, other public institutions, and businesses, including long-established large companies, can all benefit from the JTF resources.
The Transformation Centre of the Ústí nad Labem Region is considered a vital project. This initiative involves not just an interesting investment and the redevelopment of a brownfield site – specifically, an abandoned school building in the city centre – but it will also coordinate various related activities, including business support, energy management, and data services.
Looking ahead, one of the most crucial factors might be the present emphasis on supporting education and investing in our schools. This encompasses comprehensive projects focused on connectivity, such as equipping schools and connecting them to state-of-the-art networks, as well as enhancing digital literacy and incorporating artificial intelligence in the educational process. These initiatives will not only assist teachers and make teaching more effective but will also enable students to acquire new skills that will improve their job prospects.
What strategies do you have for altering the region’s image, and do you have plans to invest in new tourism infrastructure?
One campaign alone will not transform the region’s image; it requires a series of well-thought-out actions, and the change must originate from within. We aim to cultivate a strong sense of pride and connection among our residents to the region where they have grown up, live, and raise their families, despite the historical and social burdens associated with the area. Our focus is on improving service quality and integrating our existing assets: the stunning landscapes of the Bohemian Central Uplands, Bohemian Switzerland, and the Ore Mountains, as well as our industrial heritage and lively cultural scene. New attractions for visitors could include the lakes created from reclaimed coal mining sites. We support destination management and smaller projects by local municipalities and entrepreneurs that enhance visitor comfort, such as quality facilities along routes, new cycling paths, parking for caravans, and bike charging stations. As a region, we are committed to expanding and improving the network of cycling routes, including their planning, construction, and signage. I see investments in tourism infrastructure as investments that will pay off. I want people to associate the Ústí nad Labem Region with positive experiences and be eager to return.
Which industries do you think have the most potential to become key drivers of the regional economy?
Our region has traditionally been an industrial hub, primarily known for mining and the subsequent development of the chemical industry. As coal mining is inevitably coming to an end, this represents a positive change for both the landscape and the quality of life. However, it is crucial to replace it with other opportunities, such as modern energy solutions. This could involve the use of renewable resources or innovative approaches like small modular reactors, which have potential here. There has also been considerable discussion about utilising hydrogen, which is available in our region. It is important to note that this shift will bring entirely new requirements from employers, opening doors for highly skilled professionals. Ideally, the region will be able to educate and train these experts locally.
Additionally, we should not overlook the tourism sector, which has the potential to invigorate numerous small businesses throughout the region. Our aim is not to introduce a single “miracle” industry but to foster a combination of smaller and larger projects that will collectively enhance the economic resilience of the region.
In what ways does the region facilitate innovation and foster collaboration among businesses, universities, and research institutions?
The Ústí nad Labem Region is home to a significant public university, Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem. This university is expanding by adding new faculties and focusing on training specialists in various fields. We work closely with the university by providing financial support for some projects and by co-founding the Innovation Centre of the Ústí nad Labem Region. This centre aids entrepreneurs and startups, collaborates with students, and teaches current skills. One of the major initiatives of the Innovation Centre is the Centre for Technology and Knowledge Transfer at the university, which is vital for connecting academic research with industry. The Innovation Centre is well-positioned to assist businesses with digitisation, production automation, and adopting artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0 solutions. The university also features a DigiLab, which provides facilities to schools and the public, including an Electronics Lab, a 3D and VR Workshop, and an Engineering Workshop, offering a place for research activities and skill development.
We consistently offer financial support to new entrepreneurs. Through the Just Transition Fund, we have introduced vouchers to encourage innovation and digitalisation among entrepreneurs.
Thank you for the interview.
