Jan Kříž: REFRESH stands out for its ambitious goal of bringing together science, business, and public administration

The Operational Programme Just Transition (OP JT), which awarded REFRESH a grant of CZK 2.5 billion, represents a completely new experience for the Ministry of the Environment. Nevertheless, it is often referred to as one of the most successful programmes in terms of drawing funds from the Just Transition Fund (JTF) in the European Union. We spoke with Jan Kříž, Senior Director of the Environmental Economics Section at the Ministry of the Environment, to discuss the reasons behind this success and other related topics.

How do you explain the success of the OP JT?
From the beginning, we designed OP JT with the actual needs of regions undergoing transformation in mind. The key was to provide targeted support while maintaining flexibility and emphasizing collaboration with local actors. We leveraged our experience with structural funds to establish processes that are straightforward, transparent, and effective. The active involvement of regional partners, the readiness of projects, and the ability to respond swiftly to calls and regional proposals have also played significant roles.

What stage is the implementation of OP JT at now? What is going well, and what challenges have you faced?
Currently, over 80 calls for proposals have been announced, totaling CZK 40 billion. We are gradually completing the intensive evaluation of applications and moving on to the implementation phase of approved projects, which already amount to almost CZK 30 billion. We are particularly successful in areas where strategic projects and a strong network of partners were already established, such as education, entrepreneurship, infrastructure, and public services. We have embarked on a number of unconventional solutions, blending hard and soft activities from a wide range of topics. In some cases, the challenge remains to set conditions that do not impose an excessive administrative burden on applicants. Additionally, there are longstanding issues associated with European and national subsidies, such as sufficient capacity to prepare projects for smaller municipalities or securing resources for co-financing in the non-profit sector. To address these, we are systematically working on simplifying procedures and providing methodological support, and as a result, we have already managed to reimburse over six billion crowns to projects.

How do the Moravian-Silesian Region and the REFRESH project fit into this framework? What is your perception of our project?
The Moravian-Silesian Region has long been a leader in transformation efforts— it has a clear strategy and a well-functioning ecosystem capable of achieving its objectives. I see the REFRESH project as an example of innovative transformation based on research and development in key regional sectors such as energy, materials, and the automotive industries. I particularly value the integration of research capacities, companies, and regional institutions. Projects like REFRESH demonstrate, through specific examples that transformation is not solely about technological change but also about developing human capital and fostering innovations that are competitive at least at the European level.

Are there other projects similar to REFRESH that focus on regional development driven by research and innovation results?
Within OP JT, there are projects that utilize research and innovation—whether in renewable resources, sustainable technologies, or new educational methods. However, REFRESH stands out due to its complexity and its ambitious goal to create synergy between science, business, and public administration. In this regard, it is truly unique and can serve as an inspiration for other regions.

With over 80 calls issued under various OP JT initiatives, how are insights from previous experiences reflected in the current implementation process? What types of projects are most common?
The most frequently submitted projects focus on education. For instance, we are modernizing traditional classrooms as well as those equipped with robotics or virtual reality technologies. Supporting small and medium-sized enterprises is another key area—through smaller projects with straightforward vouchers for startup businesses or interest-free loans for larger investments, such as acquiring expensive equipment or renovating buildings, with budgets up to CZK 100 million.

An essential part of the transformation involves rehabilitating landscapes affected by coal mining. Restoring these areas is crucial for removing the scars of mining activity. The goal is to return these landscapes to nature by supporting biodiversity enhancement measures, or to communities through improving public services, boosting tourism, and fostering cultural and sports activities. Our focus is on solutions that generate tangible impacts—initiatives that deliver enduring benefits to local communities, employment opportunities, and the environment.

As the Senior Director of the Environmental Economics Section, which projects resonate most strongly with you?
I am particularly engaged with initiatives that integrate environmental conservation with economic viability—such as renewable resource utilization, circular economy principles, energy efficiency, and adaptive strategies to address climate change. Equally, I value projects that involve young people, educational institutions, and local entrepreneurs, as these are vital for cultivating sustainable, long-lasting change.

A pivotal issue concerns the financing of the transition beyond 2027. What are the prospects?
The European discourse on the future of cohesion policy, including the continuation of the Just Transition Fund post-2027, remains ongoing. We are actively participating in this debate, highlighting the Czech Republic’s experience and successes with the OP JT. Ensuring the availability of targeted tools for regional transformation amidst structural shifts will be essential, as well as leveraging private capital and developing innovative financial instruments. Our goal is to ensure that the transformation is not merely a series of isolated projects but a systemic, sustainable process with long-term stability