Profile of the month September: Michal Hladký

After studying architecture Michal Hladký got involved with the European Capital of Culture initiative just before graduation. He contributed to the initial phase of writing the bid for Košice in Slovakia 2013 European Capital of Culture, creating the concept for the bid book.

Since then Michal Hladký has held various roles, including managing investment projects, organizing architecture competitions, and overseeing CCI development programs and international networking activities. Eventually, he became the director of the organization responsible for ECoC post-2013, which was rebranded as Creative Industry Košice”.

“My expertise lies in leading and implementing strategic projects, particularly in the fields of CCI development, cross-sectoral collaborations, education, and business modeling. I also represent Košice in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and serve as interim director for an emerging co-location center within EIT Culture and Creativity,” says Michal Hladký.

Kosice – a dynamic center

Since being named European Capital of Culture in 2013, Košice has transformed into a dynamic center for culture, creativity, and technology. The revitalization of key infrastructures like Kasárne/Kulturpark has not only energized the local arts scene but also attracted international artists, designers, and entrepreneurs, making the city a vibrant cultural hub.

“Simultaneously, Košice has established itself as a significant player in the IT sector, with initiatives such as IT Valley Košice fostering a robust tech ecosystem that has attracted global companies and startups”, Michal Hladký explains.

Košice’s ongoing commitment to integrating cultural and technological advancements is further exemplified by its membership in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Media Arts. This recognition has not only amplified the city’s global reputation but also opened doors to international collaborations and projects.

“Today, Košice stands as a model for how cultural initiatives can drive sustainable urban development, fostering economic growth, creating jobs, and enhancing the quality of life for its residents”.

Art & Tech festival

One of the flagship events showcasing the city’s unique blend of art and technology is the annual Art & Tech Days festival, held every November. This festival highlights the intersection of creativity and innovation, drawing participants from around the world.

“A key highlight this year is the top-level conference on November 21st, where thought leaders in art, architecture, technology, and media will discuss the latest trends and future directions under the topic Periphery”, says Michal Hladký.

Boost the future

EIT Culture & Creativity is the 9th Knowledge and Innovation Community (KIC) initiated and co-funded by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.  All KICs work through a physical hub that promotes links between and active collaboration among knowledge triangle actors to access facilities and the expertise needed.

CLC East in Košice focuses on blending culture, creativity, and innovation to boost the future of regions like Poland, Slovakia, and Hungary. What are you overall goals how to connect education, research, and business?

“This community integrates stakeholders from the Cultural & Creative Sectors and Industries in education, research, innovation, business and culture across all 15 sectors, disciplines and some 30 nations to provide new connections and opportunities”.

Michal Hladký emphasises the power of what can be achieved together.

“EIT Culture & Creativity empowers this ecosystem and its members to turn innovation into societal impact, and to do what one cannot obtain alone”.

EIT Culture & Creativity works for small, medium and large organisations, commercial and non-profit alike, for single creators and networks, for private investors and public funders as well as for cities and regions.

Its headquarters are in Cologne with six regional Co-Location Centres in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Bologna, Helsinki, Košice and Vienna facilitating region-specific innovation grounded in the needs of its stakeholders to generate growth and scale internationally.

“We foster novel connections and collaborations across Europe for all players in education, research, innovation, business/cultural institutions and NGOs ,the so-called Extended Knowledge Triangle, working for small, medium and large organisations, commercial and non-profit alike, for single creators and international, interdisciplinary networks across all 15 sectors of CCSI”, says Michal Hladký.

Regional potentials

The aim is to facilitate new opportunities in each region through collaborations across sectors, nations and disciplines i.e. to nurture a region’s potential and provide a local value-added that cannot be attained otherwise.

Embedded in the European innovation community, each CLC leverages also the European value-added to its regional players to realise ambitions in international networks and markets”

“CLC East is dedicated to enhancing well-being through innovative approaches in architecture and design, with a strong focus on sustainable and resilient urban development”.

Co-Location Centres provide a range of support initiatives and services. These include: 

• Discover new opportunities more rapidly: Tailored navigation support to new connections in the EIT CC Community in Europe, providing concrete value-added.
• Participate in tailored training offers that upskill and reskill staff for future tasks.
• Gain immediate access to European networks and markets, and soft landing points at the other CLCs in Europe.
• Start-up and scale-up support: Participate in regional pitching rounds to qualify for the European Finals to win EIT CC public grants or support from private investors.
• Cost effective access to markets: The cities & regions networks as well as the investment networks facilitate pre-selected and curated access to first clients or capital in Europe.
• Visibility and branding in Europe: apply for EIT Culture & Creativity’s seal of excellence
• Have a say in Europe: Present your needs and challenges to co-design future EIT CC support programmes and activities.
• Apply for financial support easier: Be informed about and connected to EIT CC support programmes