12. 06. 2025
Author: Zuzana Novotná
SMARTNET.CZ - a new platform for smart cooperation between regions and the state
At the URBIS 2025 fair, we officially signed a memorandum establishing a new national innovation platform, SMARTNET.cz, which connects regional innovation centres with public administration and the services they provide. This initiative aims to systematically support the introduction of smart solutions into the practice of cities, municipalities, and entire regions.
The importance of this event was underscored by the state's involvement. The Memorandum was personally signed by the Minister of Industry and Trade Lukáš Vlček and the Minister of Regional Development Petr Kulhánek.
SMARTNET.cz represents a cooperation between the state administration, research institutions, and regional actors, which should lead to the systematic development of Smart Cities and Smart Rural concepts. The platform focuses on promoting green and digital transformation, developing innovative infrastructure, sharing data, and connecting science with practice.
The main objectives of the platform are:
- Implementation of SmartCity and Smart Rural according to the methodologies of the Ministry for Regional Development of the Czech Republic and Jan Evangelista Purkyně University in Ústí nad Labem.
- Development of innovation brokerage in the Czech Republic.
- Consulting and technical support for municipalities in the implementation of innovations.
- Data sharing and creation of a unified data platform.
- Cooperation with European partners and involvement in international platforms such as ERRIN.
- Engaging citizens and promoting community development through smart tools.
The SMARTNET.cz platform will be coordinated by JINAG through a steering committee, thematic working groups, innovation brokers, and a communication network that will ensure connectivity across regions. Pilot projects in each region will help to test specific solutions and create a methodological basis for their wider use in the Czech Republic.
The Memorandum was also signed by representatives of TIC Zlín, the Innovation Centre of Ústí nad Labem Region, z. s., the Investment, Development, and Innovation Centre from Hradec, the Karlovy Vary Business Development Agency, a contributory organization, and ARR - Regional Development Agency spol. s r.o. from Liberec.
SMARTNET is a part and output of the CESMOD project, which is supported by TAČR, and builds on the existing infrastructure of innovation centres in the Czech Republic.
The project ‘RESEARCH CENTRE FOR A RESILIENT, SMART, INNOVATIVE AND SUSTAINABLE SOCIETY’ (CESMOD" No. TQ12000017) is co-financed with state support from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the 5th public competition of the Programme for Support of Applied Research and Innovation SIGMA.