From Industrial Heritage to Economic Diversification: Kakanj in the SteelCityZen Project

On December 11 th , the Municipality of Kakanj held a meeting with local stakeholders aimed at strengthening cooperation and presenting ongoing development initiatives, including the SteelCityZen project. The meeting brought together representatives of public institutions, civil society organisations, schools and other key local actors, creating an open space for dialogue on Kakanj’s future economic transition.

During the meeting, participants were introduced to the SteelCityZen project – Diversifying Labour Markets in Industrial Cities of the Danube Region via Enhanced Stakeholder Cooperation and Skills Matchmaking to Support Local Transitions and Promote Long-Term Sustainable Development. The project is led by the Municipality of Dunaújváros and brings together eleven partners from nine countries across the Danube Region, including the Municipality of Kakanj.

SteelCityZen focuses on supporting cities in their transition towards more resilient and diversified local economies. By strengthening cooperation among municipalities, businesses, educational institutions, and civil society, the project aims to address labour market challenges, improve skills matching, and support long-term sustainable development in industrial regions.

A key part of the discussion in Kakanj was dedicated to the pilot actions that will be implemented locally through the project. These pilot actions generated the highest level of interest among stakeholders, particularly the planned Green Skills Co-working Hub and online platform. Stakeholders welcomed these pilot actions as concrete and practical solutions that respond to real local needs.

The Hub is envisioned as a multifunctional a platform designed to support local skills development, business growth, and networking among diverse stakeholders, with the aim of boosting green jobs and skills in the city.

The Municipality has identified a suitable space in a vibrant part of Kakanj, located near key institutions such as the Development Center of Kakanj Municipality, the Coal Mine Management Building, and local high schools. The core investment of the initiative is the renovation of the space, which will be transformed into a modern, functional co-working environment, creating a comfortable and fully equipped hub for collaboration, innovation, and learning.

In parallel, the online platform will serve as a digital tool for skills matchmaking, networking, and information exchange. It aims to connect job seekers, employers, educators, and other stakeholders, helping to better align local skills with labour market needs and to improve access to opportunities.

Through its participation in SteelCityZen, the Municipality of Kakanj reaffirms its commitment to proactive local development, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable economic transition. The innovative solutions developed within the project will not only benefit Kakanj, but will also contribute to shared knowledge that can be replicated across the Danube Region, supporting other industrial cities facing similar challenges.