On March 11, a working meeting titled “Policy Lab in 2026” was held at the Life After Coal project, coordinated by the Poznań Science and Technology Park.
As part of Policy Lab, experts gathered input from residents, researchers, organizations, and decision-makers, and then translated it into concrete recommendations for regional authorities. As a result, decisions concerning the future of the region after the phase-out of coal can be based on reliable knowledge and up-to-date research.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Marshal Office of the Wielkopolska Region, the Wielkopolska Spatial Planning Office in Poznań, the Regional Development Agency S.A. in Konin, the Wielkopolski Atom Association, the Poznań Science and Technology Park, as well as Policy Lab experts.
The meeting provided an opportunity to summarize the work completed so far and to discuss the next stage of activities. Participants reviewed the assumptions of the third stage of Policy Lab, which focuses on viewing the transformation process from the perspective of residents and local authorities. Planned activities include participatory “Energy of Dialogue” workshops and other measures aimed at better tailoring recommendations to the needs of different parts of the region.
The experts also referred to the outcomes of the two earlier stages of work, which included an analysis of the experiences of six European regions undergoing energy transition, a review of good practices, and an assessment of the feasibility of implementing them in Eastern Wielkopolska. Among the highest-rated solutions were measures addressing energy poverty, improving the energy efficiency of public buildings, and developing new economic and energy models.
We also encourage you to read the latest version of the Report prepared as part of the Policy Lab under the Life After Coal project. The document analyzes the experiences of European regions with a profile similar to Eastern Wielkopolska and shows how these lessons can be applied in the subsequent stages of the transition. It also highlights that successful change requires not only technological investments, but also effective governance, institutional cooperation, and the involvement of local communities in the transformation process.
