University of Silesia in Katowice

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The mission of the academic community – particularly of universities – is to serve society, including public authorities, by providing reliable knowledge that supports the development and implementation of effective public policies. Since its establishment, the University of Silesia in Katowice has been fulfilling this role, actively responding to emerging challenges and anticipating future changes.

Guided by this mission, the University of Silesia established the Observatory of Urban and Metropolitan Processes – a research and cooperation initiative that contributes to the dynamic yet sustainable development of the Upper Silesian metropolitan area. Managing such a complex and diverse urban organism would be impossible without access to credible data, in-depth research and a deep understanding of processes occurring at supra-urban and metropolitan levels. The idea to establish the Observatory originated with Assoc. Prof. Robert Pyka, PhD, an expert in metropolitan studies, whose research experience in France – particularly with urban planning agencies serving major French agglomerations – strongly influenced the concept. As early as 2010, he launched an informal metropolitan observatory, which has since evolved into the current, formalized initiative.

The Observatory operates under the coordination of the University of Silesia and is open to collaboration. Academic and research institutions from the region have been invited to join the initiative. To date, eight partner institutions have joined the agreement:

• University of Silesia in Katowice

• University of Economics in Katowice

• Academy of Fine Arts in Katowice

• University of Bielsko-Biała

• Central Mining Institute

• Silesian University of Technology

• WSB University

• Humanitas University in Sosnowiec

Initial Actions and Focus Areas

One of the Observatory’s first activities was a comprehensive analysis of the knowledge needs and information gaps among local governments operating in the Upper Silesian metropolitan area. This assessment enabled the identification of key research priorities to be addressed by the Observatory team.

At the same time, the Observatory conducted a study on the current state of cooperation between local governments within the Upper Silesian Metropolitan Association, in the context of forming the Metropolitan Union of the Silesian Voivodeship.

Objectives of the Urban and Metropolitan Processes Observatory

• Collecting information and expanding knowledge on the social, cultural, political, and economic processes shaping the Silesian conurbation;

• Conducting research on metropolitan processes, especially those arising from the specific needs of local and regional authorities;

• Promoting knowledge on urban and metropolitan issues among academics, institutions, and the broader public;

• Enriching public debate on the challenges, opportunities, and risks faced by the Silesian metropolitan region in the context of sustainable development;

• Creating a platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue among stakeholders engaged in the metropolitan development of Silesia;

• Organizing events, such as meetings, lectures, and conferences;

• Publishing research and expert analyses;

• Collaborating with individuals and institutions that contribute to the Observatory’s mission;

• Supporting other initiatives aligned with the Observatory’s goals.