Shaping the Future: Insights from the Third RFLL in Katowice

The third Regional Futures Literacy Lab (RFLL) in Katowice was a dynamic step forward in shaping the region’s future through the DUST policy co-creation process. Bringing together voices from youth, miners, and retirees, the workshop dived into draft policy statements crafted from previous sessions, testing their relevance and impact. Participants offered candid feedback and thoughtful tweaks, ensuring the policies reflect both community needs and regional realities. Read on to explore a snippet of their insights on Katowice’s path ahead!

Industrial Heritage

Statement (a): “The industrial heritage of the region is the driving force behind new development processes in Silesia.”

This statement was generally well received. Youth found it self-evident but suggested strengthening it by adding “only” to position heritage as the sole driver of development. Miners supported the original version without change, reflecting their strong connection to Silesia’s industrial roots and its role in economic renewal.

Statement (b): “The industrial heritage of Silesia hinders the development of new businesses in the region.”

This sparked more debate. Youth appreciated the statement’s clarity and provocative tone. Miners questioned what was meant by “new business,” highlighting a need for clearer terminology. Seniors raised broader concerns—asking whether “heritage” includes not just structures but also culture and memory. Despite these reflections, they suggested keeping the statement as is, noting its potential to prompt meaningful dialogue.

Employment Prospects

Statement (a): “Job prospects in Silesia will be very good – young people will be attracted to the region.”

Most participants supported the intention behind this statement but wanted refinements. Youth recommended referencing improvement over current conditions, while miners suggested adding “due to the potential” to make the optimism more grounded. Seniors felt the original version was already well phrased.

Statement (b): “The lack of promising job opportunities in Silesia will force many young people to move to cities such as Kraków, Wrocław or Warsaw.”

This version felt more realistic to many. Youth proposed shortening the sentence and avoiding named cities in favour of “other regions,” while also noting that many young people move abroad—not just for work, but for a better life overall. Miners found the statement thought-provoking, and seniors were comfortable with it as written.

Reskilling, Upskilling and the Role of AI

Statement (a): “The use of AI in the workplace will result in people spending more time on creative work rather than on routine, repetitive tasks as in automated production.”

Across all groups, the consensus was clear: the sentence was too complex. Youth found it confusing, and both miners and seniors called for a simpler, clearer version that’s easier to engage with, both in structure and content.

Statement (b): “Artificial intelligence will not change labour markets where manual labour is required.”

This was more accessible. Youth still preferred a simpler formulation, but grasped the meaning. Miners accepted the statement without edits, and seniors appreciated its relevance and subtle controversy, choosing to keep it unchanged.

Community Adaptation

Statement (a): “Helping communities adapt to change comes down to the creativity and determination of ordinary people.”

This statement met confusion. Youth found the structure unclear, and miners echoed that sentiment. Seniors themselves questioned the overall meaning and called for a complete rewording.

Statement (b): “Helping communities adapt to change requires support from the city, region and state.”

This alternative was clearer. While youth again suggested minor clarifications, miners raised a valid point about ambiguity, specifically, who is helping whom. Seniors felt this version was more understandable, especially compared to the first.

Funding and Support

Statement (a): “Funding and support for the transformation is available and distributed in a fair manner, ensuring that everyone in Silesia affected by changes in mining and traditional industry receives appropriate assistance.”

Statement (b): “Financing and support for the transformation is not easily available and does not apply to everyone in Silesia who experiences the costs of phasing out mining and other traditional industries.”

Youth found both versions too long and not bold enough. They proposed alternatives:

• For (a): “Every miner affected by the closure of mines should receive long-term financial support from the State.”

• For (b): “The State should not financially support or interfere in the lives of people affected by the transformation.”

Miners shared frustration with current support, describing much of it, particularly training, as symbolic or ineffective. They argued that real help must come with legal guarantees, such as access to sales markets. Seniors suggested clarifying that these statements specifically refer to energy transformation to avoid ambiguity.

Metropolising: To Be or Not To Be?

Statement (a): “Creating a Metropolis can strengthen regional identity and support transformation – together cities can be stronger.”

Statement (b): “Creating one strong city from the cities forming the Metropolis (GZM) will not accelerate the transformation and will not help in sustainable transformation and strengthening the regional identity.”

Youth proposed rewording (a) to foreground collaboration: “Together, cities can be stronger in their transformation as a mega-city without losing their identity.” Miners were content with both statements. Seniors, however, cautioned against the term “mega-city,” preferring alternatives like “strong urban centre” or “strong administrative unit” that better reflect the region’s scale and character.

These conversations reflect the ongoing balancing act between realism and ambition, tradition and innovation. From industrial heritage to AI, from community resilience to regional identity, participants across generations are helping shape a shared and practical vision for Silesia’s transformation.

Stay tuned for more insights from the next Regional Futures Literacy Lab!