Q: Who were your digital ambassadors?
A: The Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency (SIEA) and the office of the Banská Bystrica Self-Governing Region (BBSK Office) appointed Mr Juraj Šipula, and subsequently Ms Dagmar Šušková, as digital ambassadors for the JETforCE project in Slovakia. Mr. Šipula, who was the head of the energy department at the BBSK office from April 2023 to December 2024, before retiring, was selected for his longstanding personal interest in local energy and digitalization, his governance skills, and his extensive network of regional actors. Following his retirement, Ms Šušková assumed the role in January 2025, building upon his work and ensuring Slovakia’s continued participation in JETforCE activities.
Q: What was their role?
A: Mr Šipula played a key role in coordinating and assembling the Slovak JET Alliance, drawing on his established relationships with local stakeholders. He contributed to the development and review of Transnational Pilots 1 and 2, and assisted in identifying and submitting local JET challenges via the challenges mapping tool. Ms Šušková took over in early 2025 and has since been actively involved in mapping strategic documents and initiatives within the Banská Bystrica self-governing region, providing input from Slovakia into the joint JET Strategy.
Q: What worked well?
A: The Slovak JET alliance has become a strong platform for testing digital tools and incorporating local perspectives into the joint JETforCE strategy. The alliance has also helped SIEA and BBSK to present the project at national and international meetings under the EU Danube strategy, thereby showcasing Slovakia’s active role in the just energy transition.
Q: What challenges did you face?
A: The biggest challenge has been limited public awareness of the JETforCE project in affected regions. Although the professional and institutional network is strong, it remains difficult to reach a broader segment of the general public.
Q: Is there anything you would change about how you managed or structured the process?
A: While the internal coordination and stakeholder engagement worked well, a greater focus on public outreach and collaboration with local media could have helped to mobilise more citizens and raise awareness of the benefits of the project.
Q: Did you receive any feedback from the community?
A: Local stakeholders appreciated the opportunity to address key regional challenges and trial innovative digital tools.
Richard Modrák (KEKS Energy) said: ‘I really appreciated the opportunity to present the issue of energy communities as a challenge in the challenge mapping tool, as well as the chance to evaluate an energy community case study through the technology evaluation tool.’
Radovan Hilbert (YMS, a.s.) said: ‘I strongly support the way the JETforCE project aims to contribute to resolving the issue of “just energy transition” in affected regions.’
Vivien Žabka (BBSK Office) said: ‘I am very ambitious about identifying local JET challenges in the Banská Bystrica self-governing region, and I have made a significant contribution to Slovakia’s entry into the JETforCE strategy.’