The RFLLs go to Poland: Katowice's First Workshop!

The first Regional Futures Literacy Lab (RFLL) in Katowice brought together a dynamic and diverse group of participants, eager to engage in meaningful dialogue on critical sustainability challenges. Throughout the workshop, participants offered thoughtful reflections on the proposed transition themes and sub-themes—including dynamic Katowice, skills and jobs, infrastructure, education, culture and sport, mining sites, healthcare, and green tourism. 

However, many felt the overarching theme of "transition" was too narrowly focused on the city of Katowice rather than the broader coal region, and that the sub-themes were overly broad and disconnected from the specific concerns of their communities. Instead, they emphasised the need for transition themes tailored to the region’s distinct needs and opportunities—highlighting priorities such as education and retraining, and strengthening the region’s identity and economy. 

Education and retraining 

A key concern raised was the importance of education and retraining. Participants highlighted that supporting individuals—especially those with a background in the coal and energy industries—to acquire new skills is critical to ensuring access to sustainable employment. They recommended establishing specialised education and transformation centres, expanding vocational training for career changers, and encouraging greater collaboration between universities to align educational offerings with emerging market demands. 

Strengthening regional identity and economic appeal

Another major theme was the need to enhance the region’s identity and economic vitality. Participants underscored the importance of maintaining Katowice’s appeal—not only for attracting new industries and investment, but also for ensuring high-quality jobs and liveable communities.  

Beyond long-term strategies, participants brought attention to the immediate burdens households are facing, particularly rising living and maintenance costs. These day-to-day realities were considered a separate yet urgent category of concern. They noted that competitive energy prices would help draw business to the area and that strong growth sectors—such as green technology, logistics, construction, and transport—should be leveraged as foundations for future diversification. 

A strong work ethic, especially among older generations, was regarded as a cultural asset, with participants advocating for the preservation of knowledge and traditions. At the same time, concerns were raised about disparities between Katowice and its surrounding towns, particularly rural areas that seem to benefit less from regional initiatives. Participants called for a more equitable distribution of opportunities and stressed the importance of welcoming workers with diverse skills into the evolving labour market. 

Key stakeholders and community voices 

Participants identified a wide spectrum of local actors who can help guide a fair and inclusive transition. These included trade unions, civil society organisations, young people, miners, and retirees. Non-governmental organisations were praised for their active role in defending public interests, particularly in environmental protection. Miners were described as deeply committed to securing a stable future for their families, while retirees highlighted the importance of reliable pensions and dignity in later life. Each group brings a valuable perspective to be integrated into planning and implementation efforts. 

Policy reflections and communication gaps 

To provide a policy context, invited officials gave a brief overview of sustainability transition tools, including the Just Transition Territorial Plan for the Silesia Voivodeship and the European Funds for Silesia 2021–2027. These initiatives are intended to support regional development and social resilience. However, many participants voiced surprise and concern at learning about these frameworks for the first time. Prior to the workshop, they had little or no awareness of the European Commission’s support through the Just Transition Fund or the documents outlining its implementation. 

This significant communication gap between policymakers and the public points to the urgent need for more transparent, accessible, and targeted outreach. Without it, even well-funded and well-intentioned initiatives risk missing the mark with the very communities they aim to serve. 

One of the principal takeaways from RFLL Workshop 1 in Katowice, as emphasized by participants, is that social, economic, and cultural priorities are not in competition—they are interconnected and should be addressed as a unified, holistic set of themes.