Inspiring conversation during the second day of #efglodzkie2023

We have just completed the second day of the 16th European Economic Forum – Lodzkie 2023. Again, there was an abundance of important topics and interesting discussions, such as the European Funds for Lodzkie, support for entrepreneurs, social activity of young people, or the hopes and dangers associated with the use of artificial intelligence.
One of the first panels was dedicated to entrepreneurs who wish to apply for European Funds. They can rely on the assistance and support of the Lodzkie Region, i.e. take advantage of, among other things, subsidies for employee training, vocational counselling, measures for people who are at risk of redundancy, and for improving working conditions.
In turn, “The European Year of Skills – Challenges from a local and regional perspective” was the subject of a panel whose substantive partner was the European Conservatives and Reformists Group in the European Committee of the Regions. Its members explored the challenges and opportunities created by Europe’s changing labour market environment. Together with Marshal Grzegorz Schreiber, they also debated how to create a more resilient labour market in the context of the EU’s green and digital transition.
“During this discussion, we wish to reflect on the assumptions of this programme, but most importantly on the opportunities it offers in our regions,” said the Marshal. “Its assumptions feature two important figures related to the social objectives for 2030. These are: 78% of people in employment and 60% of working people taking part in training activities every year. We meet this first requirement. Already today, 80% of Poles have a job, as the government policy of the Law and Justice Party strengthens employment opportunities, opens up labour markets. With the second requirement, it is not so good. Yet the programme offers us opportunities to improve these results.
The discussion was also attended by Marco Marsilio, President of the Abruzzo Region in Italy, President of the ECR, Juan-Garcia Gallardo Frings, Deputy President of the Castilla-y-Leon Region in Spain, Barbara Hegedűs, Member of the local assembly of Veszprém in Hungary, and Władysław Ortyl, Marshal of the Podkarpackie Region.
Infrastructure investments for the economic development of the Lodzkie Region were addressed during a panel whose special guest was Rafał Weber, Secretary of State at the Ministry of Infrastructure. “Efficient infrastructure generates dynamic economic development. Without a well-distributed network of expressways, but also – which is no less important – of local roads, it is hard to imagine sound economic development,” said the Minister, highlighting the improving quality of roads in the Lodzkie Region.
Artificial intelligence and robotisation, as well as the impact of the industrial revolution on regional development, were discussed, among others, by Janusz Cieszyński, Minister of Digitalisation. What conclusions did we arrive at? As a result of AI development, it will be possible to automate some tasks that have long required human work. This transformation will create entirely new opportunities for businesses, the economy, and society. Automation and robotisation of industrial processes driven by artificial intelligence will also strongly drive the region’s economy forward.
The second day of the EEC also allowed us to listen to the voice of the youth. During the panel entitled “Overcoming barriers: increasing social participation of young people through cooperation and innovative approaches”, experts and young activists discussed how social activism contributes to professional competences and skills appreciated by employers. The young people were met by Marshal Schreiber and Minister Cieszyński.