Activities / News

In order to find innovative solutions to pressing social problems, the capital city - unsurprisingly - gathered a large number of competitors: 26 participants divided into six teams met on March 27 and 28, 2025, at the Science and Technology Park. This intensive two-day Social Innovation Lab aimed to address the major issues identified during the Local Dialogue held in December 2024, which included: declining trust in institutions, negative media narratives, insufficient use of tourism potential, lack of quality cultural offerings, and poor traffic culture affecting citizens’ sense of safety.

The first day of the Lab was dedicated to identifying target users and generating ideas; the second day focused on budgeting and the final pitch. According to the mentors, participants were “struggling with the luxury of choice” because the ideas were so diverse - ranging from platforms for artists to interventions in public spaces.

The following initiatives were supported:

“Prozbori*” - a tool and training program for establishing citizens’ assemblies and facilitating participation in local decision-making.

“Together for the Golden Years” - a program of digital literacy, services, and public events that empowers senior citizens.

“Heritage That Connects” - tours and workshops that bring foreign and local families together through exploring the city’s cultural heritage.

“Generations Through Stitches” - upcycling workshops that bring young and old together in co-creating sustainable fashion.

These teams received financial and mentoring support for the implementation of their proposed initiatives. “Prozbori” particularly stood out, as it was the only project among all five cities to receive the jury’s maximum score, highlighting the importance of transparent citizen participation in shaping a shared future.

*loosely translated as “Speak up”.