Smart region

The Moravian-Silesian Region encourages and embraces innovation, having transformed itself from a traditional heavy industrial powerhouse to a modern, forward-looking hub for smart technologies.

The Region is one of the foremost pioneers of smart solutions in the Czech Republic. Its support for smart technologies is set out in the Smart Region Development Strategy for 2017–2023 (“A Smarter Region”), which targets development in 5 key areas – transport, IT, cost savings, health care, and de-bureaucratization.

The biggest smart transformation is taking place in the Region’s energy infrastructure. There is a strong emphasis on the use of renewable resources and innovative solutions by industry – including sustainable mobility and eco-friendly or zero-emissions public transport. The Region has a large fleet of electric buses, and it was the first Czech region to introduce hydrogen-powered buses. In 2027 the Region is planning to introduce its first hydrogen trains.

The Moravian-Silesian Region offers strong support to start-ups and young businesses. It organizes competitions (Smart Idea) and accelerator programmes (Green Light) which help innovative companies to develop and prosper. The Moravian-Silesian Innovation Centre (MSIC) in Ostrava is responsible for coordinating and providing support for start-ups and helping already-established businesses to boost their development. Local companies also have the opportunity to feature in the Region’s presentations at a range of promotional events, exhibitions and trade fairs in the Czech Republic and abroad.