SPHERE - the courage to discover. An innovative education centre open to all.

SPHERE project was initiated to modernize and expand infrastructure for technical and polytechnic education. Its goal was to create a space for high-quality education in technical and craft skills, accessible to a wide range of users, including primary and secondary school students, vocational school students, and the general public.

Key motivations for the project included insufficient infrastructure, as the city lacked modern, well-equipped workshops aligned with current technological demands; the evolving education needs because there was a growing demand for facilities that could support the development of new competencies required by the changing labour market; inclusive access, with the motivation to ensure equal access to educational infrastructure for diverse groups, including disadvantaged individuals, with a focus on inclusive education; digital and distance learning, as the second phase addressed the need for modern teaching methods, including online education, informed by experiences during the pandemic. 

The project aimed to establish a modern center for technical and scientific education within the revitalized brownfield site of the historic Automatic Mills. The new workshops, specialized classrooms, and other facilities serve schools and the public, filling a gap in regional educational offerings.

SPHERE is innovative in its accessibility to diverse target groups. It complements schools by providing equipment they often lack (e.g., laboratories) and operates beyond school hours, offering courses on creativity, technology, and practical applications of science (e.g., chemistry in daily life).

Educational impacts include the modernisation of teaching in technical and scientific fields using advanced ICT technologies; the increase of interest among youth in STEM disciplines; the expansion of opportunities for lifelong learning and professional training; and the support for inclusive education, ensuring accessibility for those with special needs.

Socioeconomic benefits include the creation of new jobs within SPHERE and related services (e.g., tourism), an increased foot traffic to the revitalized Automatic Mills area, boosting local businesses; and the development of a creative district attracting regional and international attention.

SPHERE operates seven days a week, offering approximately 75 educational programs. Its collaboration with companies (e.g., Škoda Auto, Foxconn) and research institutions has integrated industry professionals into teaching, enhancing the quality of education while preparing students for future employment.

The project also engages in international collaborations to promote innovative teaching methods. Its architectural design respects the heritage of the Automatic Mills while earning multiple international awards. Despite challenges such as coordinating multiple projects within one site and securing sustainable funding, SPHERE has become a model for creative learning spaces with significant regional impact.

Within a year, the SPHERE organization emerged, overcoming challenges like rapid space accessibility and developing unique, engaging programs. The SPHERE equipment project was completed in 09/2023 and full operation began in 11/2023. In 2024, the SPHERE was visited by 50 938 visitors, 25 198 of whom were members of the public and 25 740 pupils and students. 1 723 educational programmes were organized.

The exceptional contribution of the project lies not only in the revitalization of a former industrial brownfield in the city center, which is also a national cultural monument, but especially in fostering collaboration between public sector applicants (City of Pardubice, Pardubice Region) and a private entity (Automatic Mills Foundation). This exemplary cooperation, from project preparation to implementation and use, serves as a model transferable to other regions.

One reason the Automatic Mills area is considered inspirational is the successful coordination of five projects within the same timeframe and location. These projects were part of the ITI Strategy for the Hradec Kralove-Pardubice agglomeration, focusing on integrated solutions in education as well as culture and heritage preservation. All of the projects received EU co-financing, with a total cost of 46,450,000 EUR and EU subsidy from the ERDF amounting to 19,650,000 EUR. Two of these projects, aimed at developing the SPHERE Education Centre, were carried out across different programming periods: 
- 2014-2020: total costs 14,191,200 EUR, EU subsidy from ERDF 5,713,000 EUR;
- 2021+: total costs 3,529,900 EUR, EU subsidy from ERDF 2,722,800 EUR.

A key achievement is the establishment of an educational center that enhances the existing system with engaging and advanced learning opportunities. It offers a wide range of informal education programs for the public. The project has garnered interest from partners in mobility and adult education initiatives funded by ERASMUS+, demonstrating its broader relevance. The innovative educational concept addresses diverse target groups and adapts to labour market needs. Recognized as one of five best practices in the REGIOSTARS 2024 competition (category: Bringing Europe closer to citizens), it highlights the project's socio-educational impact and sustainability.

https://www.sferapardubice.eu/