Education is a powerful tool not only for obtaining information and knowledge, but it is a powerful tool for creating opinions and decision making as well. Education is capable of changing views and stereotypes associated with various industrial sectors. Therefore, it was chosen as a tool to change opinions about the mining industry as an outdated sector, which is not able to keep pace with the modern sectors of economy. This article shows the possibilities of using modern presentation methods to highlight the importance of raw materials and the attractiveness of mining as a sector which uses the most up-to-date technical tools.

Studies on tourist attractiveness of landscapes and regions often also comprise of the analysis of industrial and post-industrial landscapes, among them those previously exploited. In the case of post-industrial objects situated in urban areas there is also the connection with historical context i.e. the influence of the branch of industry on architecture and functioning of contemporary cities. Neglected or devastated post-exploitation landscape requires activities of restructuring character but also enables for its further shaping – e.g. through adaptation for new functions. The present paper analyses and assesses spatial transformations connected with revitalization of brownfields, particularly post-mining areas in Poland and around the world. In this context, the authors analyse the valorization of mining objects and areas, opportunities and threats connected with the transformation of landscape of such character, as well as mistakes in revitalization pro- cesses. Also proposed is the methodology of procedures regarding post-industrial area aimed at proper man- agement based on realization of spatial policy.

The successful commercialization of the results of research works, R&D projects and inventions, as well as the cooperation between research centres, industry and business, is becoming commonplace and crucial in regional development. Regardless of the scientific level of the research results, the utility of these results and the adopted business model for their implementation are the key factors determining the market success. Currently, the recognized skills and competencies of academic staff at Eastern and Southeastern European universities in the field of the implementation and commercialization of scientific research results do not seem sufficient. This article presents the methodology, development and results of the tailor-made Science to Business transfer program implemented within the TrainESEEv.2 ‘Training the trainers in East and Southeast Europe’ project, with a focus on the Raw Materials sector needs.

Each geotourist venture should be related to the creation of a tourist product from the geological or post­‑mining object. This preparation to tourist traffic through the adaptation or making the object available to visitors is the primary objective which implies the series of different tasks. These tasks of geotourism, in post­‑mining objects and sites – the special type of cultural heritage resources, are presented in the paper.Execution of each task was discussed on the basis of different examples of development of post-exploitation sites all over the world, e.g. in Spain, Poland, Germany, England, and Australia. The form and scope of the geotourist tasks execution formed the base for the authors for the assessment of selected development practices, as well as the definition of application guidelines introduced in this paper. All tasks facing geotourism based on former industrial and mining facilities should form a coherent whole, covering the economic (profitability), ecological (neutrality) and socio­‑cultural aspect (social justice), and thus fit in the concept of sustainable development in tourism. These pillars should be treated equally, because only their reasonable combination has the chance to result in the creation and development of sustainable tourism.

Copper is a strategic raw material for the European economy, while the sector’s ongoing green and digital transformation is creating new competency requirements and intensifying workforce development challenges. The objective of this study was to identify and analyse competency gaps among selected occupational groups considered strategic for the sustainable development of the copper sector, with a specific focus on European countries covered by the Regional Innovation Scheme (RIS). A mixed-methods research design was applied, combining desk research, a computer-assisted web interview (CAWI) survey and focus group interviews (FGIs). Six strategic occupational profiles covering EQF levels 3–7 were identified through desk research and expert input from industrial partners. The quantitative survey comprised 250 complete responses from employees and managers of copper-sector companies in Poland, Greece and Bulgaria, while the qualitative stage involved focus group interviews with employees representing different organisational and occupational groups in the same three countries. The findings indicate that the analysed occupational profiles require a combination of specialised STEM knowledge and skills with competencies related to modern automation and digitalisation, including VR/AR/XR and artificial intelligence. The identified competency gaps concerned both professional skills, including the use of digital technologies, information processing and technical documentation, and transversal skills, particularly problem solving, adaptability, communication, teamwork and analytical thinking. The findings provide an empirical basis for identifying priority areas for upskilling and reskilling and for developing targeted lifelong learning solutions for the occupational profiles and industrial contexts examined in the study.