New European Bauhaus Could Boost Innovation and Sustainable Development in Košice

In June 2024, Košice hosted its first ekip policy assessment workshop at the CIKE office, focusing on advancing the New European Bauhaus (NEB) policy area. This event gathered local government representatives, cultural institutions, and educational bodies with one goal in mind: exploring how NEB principles can drive innovation and sustainable development in the city.

“We see Košice as a prime candidate for NEB integration. The city already has a solid foundation with its cultural and educational infrastructure, and the active involvement of citizens in decision-making is key to its success,” said a representative from the local government.

Key outcomes

The workshop revealed several strengths within Košice’s innovation ecosystem. One of the main highlights was the city’s tradition of collaborative planning, which actively involves citizens and stakeholders. This creates an environment well-suited to implementing NEB principles.

“Citizen participation in planning processes has been crucial in shaping sustainable initiatives,” noted a participant from a cultural institution.

Košice’s ongoing environmental initiatives, such as the development of climate parks and energy-efficient building projects, were also noted for aligning well with NEB’s sustainability goals. Additionally, the city’s robust cultural and educational infrastructure provides a solid backbone for further NEB-driven projects.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite these strengths, the workshop also identified significant challenges. “The key issue here is inclusivity. We must ensure that marginalized communities benefit from these development projects,” stressed one participant. Ensuring energy efficiency in panel housing and improving public knowledge of sustainable practices were also discussed as critical areas for development.
A major focus was fostering social cohesion by developing accessible housing that promotes community well-being. “We need to strike a balance between sustainable development and ensuring everyone has access to these advancements. It’s not just about building green; it’s about building for everyone,” commented a workshop attendee.

Impact and broader context

The insights from Košice’s workshop extend far beyond the city’s borders. They feed directly into ekip’s broader mission of crafting innovation policies for Cultural and Creative Industries (CCIs) across Europe. Košice is setting an example of how NEB principles can be effectively applied to foster sustainable urban development.

“Košice’s efforts are a microcosm of what we’re trying to achieve across Europe. The focus on human-centered, sustainable urban development is exactly the kind of approach that other cities can follow,” said an ekip representative.

Next steps

The outcomes of this workshop will guide ekip’s ongoing work throughout Europe. Košice’s success stories and challenges will provide valuable insights for other cities looking to implement NEB-aligned strategies.

“We are confident that by addressing the challenges and leveraging local strengths, Košice can serve as a model for sustainable urban development across Europe,” concluded a local policy expert.

The ekip policy assessment workshop in Košice marks a significant step toward integrating NEB principles into city planning. The lessons learned from this localized assessment are crucial for developing policies that can be scaled across Europe, promoting innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity in urban environments.