« back...SAN joins in designing new energy for the region
The Just Transition Observatory has been established – a regional tool designed to support the management of economic and energy change in 35 municipalities undergoing the transition process.
Mirosław Olszewski, Director of the Office for Cooperation with the Socio-Economic Environment of the SAN participated in the meeting inaugurating the Observatory's activities.
This initiative was established by, among others, the Marshal's Office of the Łódź Province, the Łódź Special Economic Zone, and the Bełchatów-Kleszczów Industrial and Technological Park. The institutions were represented by:
1. Piotr Wojtysiak – Deputy Marshal of the Łódź Province
2. Tomasz Sadzyński – President of the Łódź Special Economic Zone
3. Błażej Mielczarek – President of the Bełchatów-Kleszczów Industrial and Technological Park
During the meeting, Deputy Marshal Piotr Wojtysiak emphasized the importance of the project:
“This is a concrete tool supported by concrete finances. Transformation cannot be an intuitive process, but rather a dialogue between residents, entrepreneurs, local government officials, and trade unions.”
Mr Dariusz Stępczyński, Vice President of PGE Górnictwo i Energetyka Konwencjonalna, also delivered a speech in which he noted that the energy transition requires responsible, long-term planning and close cooperation between all stakeholders – from the energy sector, through local governments, to the scientific community.
Director Mirosław Olszewski pointed out the role of the university in this process:
"The transformation of the region must be based on knowledge, reliable analyses, and training personnel for new sectors of the economy. As a university, we are ready to support this process both expertly and educationally, building the competencies of the future and a space for dialogue between science, business, and administration. "
The aim of the project is to set development directions and prepare the region for effective acquisition of EU funds in the coming years. The observatory will analyze the labor market and indicate what skills and professions will be needed in 5, 10, and 15 years.
Over 100 events are planned: workshops, meetings with entrepreneurs and residents, study visits, and exchanges of good practices. This year, there will be study visits for entrepreneurs to Belgium, the Netherlands, and Canada, technological and business consultations for start-ups, work on a database of investment areas—including post-mining areas—business mixers, and activities aimed at young people.
The event was also attended by Łódź Provincial Council members Adam Nowak, Magdalena Spólnicka, and Maciej Sulgan.
As the SAN University, we are actively involved in projects related to energy transition, entrepreneurship development, and building new competencies. We see this as a real opportunity to create new jobs, attract investment, and build a modern, diversified economy.
