The Centre for Development of the South-East Planning Region actively participated in the second interregional meeting held on 28–29 April 2026 in Leipzig, Germany, organised within the project “Social innovations for job opportunities and development in mining areas in transition across Europe – SIJMA”, implemented under the Interreg Europe Programme. The meeting was hosted by the project partner Aufbauwerk Region Leipzig, Germany.
The meeting brought together project partners and regional stakeholders from across Europe with the aim of exchanging experiences, strengthening cooperation, and identifying innovative approaches to address labour market challenges through social innovation, particularly in regions undergoing transition.
Importantly, the delegation from the South-East Planning Region also included an expert and a stakeholder representatives, who were actively engaged in the workshop sessions. Their contribution ensured that the regional perspective was strongly reflected in the discussions, particularly in identifying challenges and proposing practical solutions relevant to the local context.
During the first day, participants took part in a series of study visits across the Leipzig district, where they explored practical examples of successful initiatives. These included a student cooperative in Borsdorf, a youth engagement centre at Störmthaler See, and the transformation of former mining areas into sustainable development zones. The visit also included a presentation on regional cooperation and structural transition in Central Germany, as well as a company visit showcasing innovation in the private sector.
On the second day, the meeting continued in Borna with a Steering Committee session and expert presentations focused on structural changes in European regions. A dedicated workshop enabled partners to jointly identify key challenges, compare regional contexts, and discuss potential solutions within the SIJMA framework. The session also facilitated the exchange of good practices and ideas for improving employment opportunities through social innovation, with active input from the regional expert and stakeholder.
The participation of the Centre contributed to strengthening the regional perspective of the South-East Planning Region, while also providing valuable insights that will support the development of future measures and policies aimed at enhancing employability and social inclusion.
The SIJMA project continues to serve as an important platform for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the promotion of innovative solutions that respond to the evolving needs of regional labour markets.
