REFRESH accelerates applied sciences at the University of Ostrava

The REFRESH project has enabled the creation of a new research group URSA (Urban and Regional Studies & Applications), which consists mainly of PhD students in addition to academic staff. The young scientists are learning to effectively translate scientific knowledge into practice in the field of urban and regional development.

The new URSA research team consists of staff and PhD students from the Department of Social Geography and Regional Development at the University of Ostrava. Currently, its members are involved in research within the REFRESH project, which aims to transform the Moravian-Silesian Region into a region with unique conditions for research and transfer of technology and knowledge.

As it has long been shown, one of the main obstacles to social progress is the low ability to apply research results in practice. Unfortunately, this is also true for the development of cities and regions. The URSA group has come up with a rather innovative approach in the implementation of its research. In fact, it seeks to be as interdisciplinary and participatory as possible, involving local communities in the development strategy. In addition to this, the URSA team within the REFRESH project is focusing specifically on how to effectively apply research results to practice and improve the quality of life of residents and the environment in which they live.

REFRESH gives room for new ideas and collaboration with the city and the region "The idea for the research group gradually took shape over the last two to three years, when we started to work intensively with local authorities and companies. They started to show interest in our know-how. The REFRESH project then enabled us to systematize this work and focus on how to better transfer our knowledge about the region and its cities into practice," explains Ondřej Slach, Vice-Rector of the University of Ostrava and head of the URSA group.

The REFRESH project has also accelerated the activities of the URSA research team, which is now focusing on the development of strategic and conceptual documents. These should serve as a basis for sustainable regional development. URSA is currently addressing societal challenges such as the disappearance of traditional industries, social exclusion, the search for new industrial solutions and economic opportunities.

The strategy documents will lead to a higher standard of living for the population

Strategic planning is then an important area in which the URSA research team is establishing itself. To date, the team has produced 6 different strategic documents - for example, the Walkability Concept for the city of Ostrava and the Family Policy Concept 2030. The strategic plan shows, in general terms, the way to solve the current problems in the territory and how to strengthen the capacity to deal with future challenges.

If all the objectives of the URSA group and other research teams within the REFRESH project can be met, the Moravian-Silesian Region can serve as a model for other regions dealing with similar socio-economic problems or the impacts of transition. The research activities of the individual research teams working on the project focus primarily on ways to improve the living standards of the inhabitants of the Moravian-Silesian Region in the long term. The URSA team will make a significant contribution to linking research and application, i.e. local governments and companies, to make our region an inspiring and pleasant place to live.