Since November 2024, a new key area – business development – has been operating at the Innovation Center of the Ústí nad Labem. Its main goal is to support the development of industrial areas in the region and create conditions for the arrival of new investments. The pilot project of this initiative is the revitalization of the Předlice industrial zone in Ústí nad Labem. 

The cooperation between ICUK and the city of Ústí nad Labem began as a natural response to the need for strategic development of the region. ICUK and the city joined forces to identify key areas for transformation and create an environment that will support innovation, new investments and the development of job opportunities. Regular meetings and analytical work led to the selection of Předlice as a pilot project that can serve as a model for other locations. Thanks to the coordinated approach and the involvement of experts and the public sector, concrete steps towards the revitalization of this area were launched. 

"Předlice is proving to be a strategic location with huge development potential. This is an area that has historically served industry, but now needs a new impetus for modernization. We want to create an innovative economic zone that will attract new investors and offer quality jobs."," says Eva Fialová, councilor for spatial planning of the city of Ústí nad Labem. 

As part of the preparations, other locations were also examined through the State Investment and Development Company and in the context of the Development Policy of the City of Ústí nad Labem. The results of these analyses clearly show that the transformation of Předlice has great potential to become a key project for the economic development of the city and the entire region. 

"The Ústí nad Labem region is undergoing a dynamic transformation, and Předlice is an example of how we can connect modern industry with innovative urbanism. In addition to the industrial zone, we are also planning the development of housing and a connected experimental district, which will serve as a model for innovation throughout the region.,” adds Fialová. 

In order to implement this ambitious project, ICUK, together with its partners, is seeking financial resources within the framework of the Just Transition Operational Programme. This programme could ensure that Předlice becomes one of the most important strategic investments in the region. This is also facilitated by the fact that the city of Ústí nad Labem is preparing a new spatial plan, which creates ideal conditions for the coordination of all transformation activities. 

"We have a unique opportunity to change not only the face of Ústí nad Labem, but also the entire region. We want to show that thoughtful investments in strategic locations can bring economic prosperity, quality jobs and improve the living conditions of residents," adds Martin Mata, director of ICUK, in conclusion.

ICUK Business Development will continue to play a key role in these transformation activities. The example of Předlice will show the way how other locations in the region can be successfully developed and how to effectively connect industry, innovation and urban development. The Ústí nad Labem Region has a great opportunity ahead of it and now is the time to take full advantage of it.  

The ICUK team has been strengthened by Zbyněk Novák, who is in charge of this agenda and coordination of activities related to the development of strategic zones in the region. Thanks to his experience in the field of regional development and investment projects, ICUK can devote even more intensively to supporting industrial locations and attracting investors.

Zbyněk Novák is available for consultations and further information by e-mail novak@icuk.cz or by phone +420 607 998 279.