07. 06. 2023
Author: David Šebeček
During the MegaCommunities study tour to Slovakia and the Czech Republic, which took place from 28 May to 4 June 2023, participants travelled to various destinations. They started in Przemyśl, Poland, and then travelled to Modra, Slovakia, where they explored the Lesser Carpathian Wine Route. They also visited the Bata Canal, got to know the Horňácko and Ostrožsko LAGs and explored innovative solutions with the JINAG agency. As the JINAG Agency for Public Innovation, we participated with the aim of presenting advanced trends in energy, mobility, environmental protection and social services.
The meeting with the JINAG agency started at the Regional Office of the South Moravian Region with a packed meeting entitled "How to do things differently". Refreshments from the winner of one of the "Golden Taste of South Moravia" categories were prepared for the participants so that they could taste traditional Moravian sausages, smoked sausages, bacon, tlačenka and much more. We also introduced the participants to the JINAG agency, which consists in supporting innovation in the public sector. The whole meeting was filled with inspiring presentations and interesting discussions that lasted much longer than the scheduled time.
The study tour brought together a diverse group of representatives, including small business owners and representatives of cities and municipalities from Western Ukraine. Their interest in renewable energy cooperation was inspiring, especially given the limited infrastructure and lack of investors in this area. Cooperation in waste management was also discussed, and the importance of sustainable practices was emphasised. The development of tourist areas was an important topic, and participants stressed the need for improved infrastructure. Ukraine shared its water problems during dry years, highlighting the importance of clean water availability. The use of mountain rivers for renewable energy and the establishment of wind farms in the Carpathian Mountains for electricity generation were other topics discussed.
The event was enriched by the insights of Radomir Pavlicek representing the Committee for Regional Development. He praised the digital transformation of public administration in Ukraine and highlighted the specificities of the South Moravian Region. The Partnership Foundation presented its achievements in the development of renewable energy networks and discussed possible cooperation with Ukraine.
We were very pleased with the passion of Lipka for transformation of education. Their innovative methods aim to promote independence, entrepreneurship and active participation of children. They shared their experience of a school in the Ukrainian region of Transcarpathia where the landscape of Ukrainian education is changing and the positive influence of foreign teachers.
JINAG's presentation focused on the #Brnoregion2022 initiative and emphasized the importance of public engagement, effective public hearings and strategic dissemination of information. The enthusiasm and curiosity of the participants demonstrated a growing desire for change and collaboration. The MegaCommunities Study Tour was a great success, showcasing how innovation and collaboration can shape a better future for communities.
As JINAG, we were thrilled to be able to make this knowledge exchange happen and foster relationships that inspire the creation of meaningful initiatives. Together, we are building MegaCommunities that will lead us to a more sustainable and prosperous future.