About Us

KRI – Climate and Development Institute

was establish in 2004 with the original name Carpathian Development Institute – KRI. The basic idea was to create an independent space for the promotion of well-founded approaches to the development of the territory, which reflect only professional opinions supported by arguments. Adhering to this principle, we have gradually become a renowned Slovak organization that supports and promotes a systemic, comprehensive approach to regional and local development. In this approach, we emphasize not only the needs and requirements of the given territory, but also the existing and expected threats that already have and will have an impact on the development of the territory. We are particularly dedicated to the transformation of the governance processes and the creation of public policies, the quality of which, in our opinion, is a fundamental tool for sustainable development. In our projects and activities, we project our own research, the latest global knowledge, and experiences with the functioning of local governments.

Most KRI activities are pilot in nature with the possibility of subsequent replication in similar conditions. An important part of the KRI approach is the participation in international research projects and cooperation with various foreign and Slovak institutions such as universities, specialized professional organizations, local and regional spatial development departments, professionally related non-governmental organizations, as well as with different sectors experts.

As part of our expertise, we provide development analyses, studies, scenarios and methodologies, and we develop strategic concepts, development plans and programs, including their implementation mechanisms. These serve as a basis for the planning and decision-making process at the regional and local level.

We engage publicly in our topics, we actively contribute to the design of a national enabling environment for self-governments and building capacities of their representatives, and last but not least, we have been passing on our knowledge to university students at universities for many years.

Key principles of KRI work

Comprehensive concept of development

KRI understands the development of municipalities/cities/regions as a broader concept that includes not only the economic dimension, but also positive change in other areas – social, cultural, health, environmental, technological, but also in the area of human resources development and civil society development.

Knowing and using the uniqueness of each territory

KRI tailors all its activities and outputs to the territory in question and its challenges (problems and opportunities), builds on local knowledge and respects the local spirit of each territory.

Inclusion of external impacts

KRI considers it correct that processes in governing the territory are not only based on past experience, existing requirements and the traditional system of development management, but also reflects the expected threats and opportunities coming from outside the given territory.

Mobilizing local subjects and human potential

KRI is aware that for the purpose of dynamic and synergistic development of the territory, it is necessary to accumulate local human capital and coordinate goals and interests of a large number of subjects (institutions and individuals) operating in the territory.

Irreplaceable key role of territorial self-government

The KRI is based on the fact that the territorial self-government is directly responsible for the transparent and participative management of the territory, and therefore the KRI helps it to find ways so that planning and decision-making is the result of the coordination of various activities and interests of citizens, but also of public and private institutions.

Research & Innovation

KRI considers the application of research and innovative solutions to be an integral part of its activities and projects.

An enabling environment for regional and local solutions

KRI promotes „good solutions“ at the local and regional level by engaging in national and transnational strategic, institutional and legislative processes.

Exchange of knowledge and experience

KRI considers international cooperation and the mutual transfer of knowledge and experience between countries to be its priority.

Milestones

2004

Foundation of the KRI

2007

Governance

We are implementing the first major project "Good governance at the regional level in the field of regional development in Slovakia"

2010

Climate change

We are opening a new topic "Climate change - a challenge for local development in Slovakia"

2014

First Adaptation strategy

In cooperation with the city of Trnava, we prepared the first comprehensive urban adaptation strategy for climate change in Slovakia

2017

Catalog of adaptation measures

Successful publication "Catalog of adaptation measures of BSK cities and municipalities to the adverse consequences of climate change" usable for the cities and towns throughout Slovakia.

2022

Climate strategy of the Malacky city

Producing the first climate strategy that integrates mitigating climate change and adapting to its impacts.

They said about us

„KRI inspired us to start thinking about climate change adaptation in our city. They have provided us with expert assistance making sure our efforts are systematic. Moreover, KRI transferred their knowledge and experience to Trnava in close cooperation with our staff and with sufficient expert (as well as human) understanding.“

Peter Brocka, LL.M., Mayor, City of Trnava

„Support and know-how transfer from KRI, which respected our specificities and expertise, allowed us to introduce new topics, knowledge and, last but not least, new approaches into our way of thinking about regional development priorities.“

Vladan JEREMIC Director, Regional Development Agency Eastern Serbia (RARIS), Zajecar, Serbia

„In my opinion, what makes KRI unique is mainly the fact they not only highlight but also bring solutions to new and highly topical European issues pertaining to public administration and governance in Slovakia.“

Vazil HUDAK Vice-president, Globsec

„Specific approach, vast experience and high-quality outputs are what makes KRI a unique expert organisation, one of a kind not only in the region of Eastern Slovakia.“