On June 4, the Kyiv School of Economics hosted an event titled "Business and Urban Space: Partnership for the Future," bringing together representatives from business, local government, and activists.
The discussion centered on how businesses can and already do influence urban development, what motivates entrepreneurs to invest in the surrounding space, and the barriers they encounter along the way. The entire discussion was built around the real-world experiences of the speakers.
The goal of the event is to explore real-life cases, collaboratively consider solutions for various scenarios of interaction between business, the city, and the community, and to facilitate networking among like-minded individuals who care about the spatial development of Ukrainian cities.
A public discussion took place among entrepreneurs who already work with urban space and communities in Odesa, Lutsk, Lviv, Vinnytsia, Ukrainka, etc.:
- Adam Kharlampovych — philanthropist, IT entrepreneur, ideologist and co-founder of the "Action Algorithm" platform;
- Serhiy Lukachko — Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Netpeak Group, Chairman of the Board of the public organization “Social Platform “My City”;
- Roman Sagan — Alterra Group representative, chief marketing officer;
- Tetiana Vodotyka — Academic Director of the Master's program in Urban Studies and Postwar Reconstruction of Kyiv School of Economics, business historian.
Key topics discussed at the event:
- Institutional sustainability instead of spot philanthropy.For businesses, developing urban spaces is crucial, not so much from a philanthropic standpoint, but rather from a long-term perspective, because well-developed environment creates an attractive market ecosystem. Specifically, Lutsk's experience demonstrates how local entrepreneurs can initiate district research and engage in city development..
- The "community – business – government" triangle.Truly effective cooperation between entrepreneurs and local governments and civic initiatives is possible only on the basis of trust, shared values, and full transparency. Although business can and does finance specific initiatives, a strategic approach is much more effective for it — institutional support for the sustainable development of cities and citizens.
- Research as a “zero” step.Any sustainable project should start with researching the local context. Even the choice of location for events, potential partners or collaboration tools should be based on an analysis of the real state of affairs in the community. Simply copying other people's models without understanding the context is the path to unsuccessful projects, while research helps to find common values and common ground that will become the basis for effective solutions.
- The importance of localization.When scaling any successful practices, it's crucial to localize them. Each time, it's important to consider the contexts of different cities, communities, and settlements. Research is precisely what allows us to account for the unique needs and resources of each community, including its history, culture, level of trust, and existing initiatives.
Why such events are important
This meeting became not only a platform for exchanging experience and networking but also a starting point for creating new partnerships and collaborations. After all, the sustainable development of Ukrainian cities is only possible through cooperation, shared goals, and dialogue.
Organizers: the team from the "Urban Studies and Post-War Reconstruction" Program of KSE, the KSE Business School, "Action Algorithm" platform and Urban Vision Lutsk Program.
