From June 11 to 13, 2025, the Center for Development of the Southeast Planning Region participated in the official kick-off meeting of the SIJMA project – Social Innovations for Jobs and Development in Mining Areas in Transition Across Europe, held in Oviedo, the capital of the Spanish autonomous region of Asturias.
The SIJMA project, funded by the Interreg Europe Programme, aims to develop innovative approaches that enhance employment opportunities and social inclusion for young people. The focus is placed on social innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and active involvement of local stakeholders.
The event began with a working session where partners from five countries – Spain, Germany, Greece, Hungary, and North Macedonia – presented the project’s objectives, structure, and the activities planned for the upcoming period. The meeting provided an excellent opportunity to establish the foundations for collaboration, strengthen the partnership network, and align the steps for implementation.
As part of the programme, a field visit was organized to the Muniellos Biosphere Reserve, a former mining area that today serves as a model for successful management of natural resources and a transition toward sustainable rural development. Participants were introduced to several local initiatives and activities aimed at reducing depopulation and promoting the circular economy. Regional mayors shared examples of how social innovation and economic diversification are revitalizing their communities.
The agenda also included a visit to the Nalón Valley, a former hub of heavy industry. The partners visited two key reference centers:
- Valnalón, a technology park that fosters an entrepreneurial spirit among youth through educational and startup programmes, and
- ARCU, a creative youth space where informal learning and collaborative action support the development of social and creative initiatives.
Both examples demonstrated how social innovation can generate long-term prospects for young people in less developed regions.
The SIJMA project seeks to enable the transfer of good practices between different regions and contribute to improving policies related to employment, youth engagement, and inclusive local development. The experiences from Oviedo serve as a strong starting point for the continued implementation of activities and for creating conditions for sustainable development in the Southeast Planning Region.
