INNlocal 2025 in Opava: Driving Innovation into Local Public Administration

The II European (Local) Public Innovation Conference was held from September 16 to 18, 2025, at the Silesian University in Opava, Czech Republic, gathering researchers, policymakers, and practitioners from across Europe to exchange knowledge and experiences on the future of local public administration.

Over three days, participants explored key themes, including civil participation, digital transformation, environmental sustainability, and diversity and inclusion, through engaging panel sessions, workshops, and study visits. The conference opened with a workshop on micro-credentials, presented by the Bragança Polytechnic University, showcasing new learning opportunities designed to strengthen innovation skills in local governments. This was later followed by the INNlocal “Game On: Innovation Journey” workshop, an interactive activity that challenged participants to co-create solutions while reflecting on real governance problems playfully and collaboratively.

The program also included a visit to Ostrava, where attendees met with representatives of Dolní Vítkovice and Mappa to learn about innovative local projects and cooperation practices. The event concluded with an interactive workshop focused on collaboration and co-creation, emphasising the importance of connecting research with real-world governance challenges.

With its mix of academic insights, practical case studies, and interactive activities, the conference highlighted the urgent need for innovative skills, inclusive strategies, and sustainable approaches to shape the future of local public administration.