In recent months, Gatum Group has prepared the analytical part of a strategic development plan for a major municipality in the Karlovy Vary Region. The objective was to establish a solid data-driven and conceptual foundation for the period 2026–2041 and to define a realistic framework for long-term sustainable development in the context of ongoing regional transformation.
The study builds on the previous strategic cycle and provides not only an evaluation of past implementation but, more importantly, a comprehensive analysis of the city’s current socioeconomic conditions, institutional capacities and development potential.
Key Findings of the Analytical Phase
Demography and Economy as Structural Challenges
The analysis confirms long-term demographic challenges, including population ageing and a limited number of local employment opportunities. These factors contribute to the outflow of younger residents, higher unemployment levels and weaker economic dynamics.
One of the most critical areas remains the development of entrepreneurship and the business environment. Strengthening the city’s economic competitiveness will therefore be a central theme of the upcoming strategic period.
Post-Coal Transformation
A fundamental contextual factor is the gradual transition away from coal mining and the broader structural transformation of the region. The strategic framework therefore aligns with regional transformation instruments and European priorities related to the Just Transition.
Future development must be built on economic diversification, innovation support and the effective use of external funding opportunities.
Energy as an Emerging Strategic Topic
One of the most significant findings is the absence of an integrated approach to energy planning. Currently, there is no long-term strategy addressing energy efficiency, systematic monitoring of energy consumption in public buildings or a structured framework for alternative energy sources.
Given the ongoing regional transition, energy management and energy resilience are becoming key pillars of future development.
Digitalisation and Governance
Positive developments include the gradual expansion of eGovernment services, investments in cybersecurity and growing internal capacity in project and grant management.
However, the analysis also highlights the need for stronger links between the strategic plan, municipal budgeting and investment planning. Establishing a systematic monitoring and evaluation mechanism will be essential for effective implementation in the next planning period.
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Related topics
Smart Cities
Strategy
Sustainable development
Quality of Life and Infrastructure
The analytical phase also identified several positive trends:
• improving environmental quality
• major investments in the renovation of public buildings and schools
• gradual improvement of transport infrastructure
• a strong role of the city as an educational hub within the region
Residents appreciate investments in public space, although challenges remain in housing availability, road infrastructure and local job opportunities.
Participation as a Foundation for Strategy
The analytical phase included a large-scale public survey and a series of semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders. Nearly 1,000 respondents participated, providing a representative perspective on the needs and expectations of local residents.
This participatory approach confirmed that effective strategic planning cannot rely solely on statistical data but must also reflect the real experiences of people living and working in the city.
Strategy as a Driver of Change
The analytical assessment shows that the city has strong institutional capacity, experience in project implementation and the ability to leverage external funding sources. At the same time, it faces significant structural challenges that require long-term strategic management.
Success will not depend solely on the implementation of individual projects, but on systematic development management, data-driven decision-making, continuous evaluation and the ability to respond to evolving external conditions.
At Gatum Group, we believe that a well-prepared strategy is not merely an administrative requirement. It is a fundamental tool for creating value for both our clients and society.
The Gatum team was responsible for:
• preparation of the full analytical framework
• evaluation of the previous strategic period
• implementation of the public survey
• collection and interpretation of statistical and spatial data
• conducting expert interviews
• methodological coordination of the entire process
Our objective was not only to deliver a document, but to establish a systemic approach to urban development planning. The strategy was designed to naturally integrate Smart City principles, data-driven governance, energy responsibility and long-term financial sustainability.
