Adéla Hradilová - Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Moravian-Silesian Region
86ǀ POSITIV WOMAN
ŽENY
Supporng
Entrepreneurship and Innovaon
in the Moravian-Silesian Region
Entrepreneurship as a Key Tool for Revitalising the Region? In an interview with Adéla Hradilová,
the Director of the Moravian-Silesian Innovaon Centre (MSIC), you'll discover how her
internaonal experiences have shaped her approach to leadership. The conversaon also delved
into her views on the challenges of talent migraon and the projects through which the Innovaon
Centre empowers young people to pursue their own ideas.
As of July 1, 2024, you took on the role of
Director at the Moravian-Silesian Innovation
Centre. Throughout your career, you have had
the opportunity to work on various projects both in
the Czech Republic and on a European level.
How have these experiences influenced your
approach to leading MSIC and supporting
innovation in the region?
I am not originally from this region, which allows me to
have a certain level of perspective and distance. When
it comes to international experience, I see it on two
levels. The first relates to the team – at MSIC, we have
a very open, non-hierarchical culture. Everyone has the
space to bring ideas and try new things. The second
level involves drawing inspiration from abroad. You
can’t simply copy and paste things, they must be
adapted. It’s about finding the right mix and trying to
implement it.
Did you have ambitions to pursue leadership roles
from the start, or did this goal evolve over the course
of your career?
I never had the ambition to become a leader. I always
focused on making sure my work had meaning, and
I tried to do it as well as I could. Leadership then came
naturally. I believe that’s the key – doing your work
honestly and being ready when the opportunity arises
to take a risk and move forward.
In my experience, even in a male-dominated
environment, you can earn respect if you prove your
abilities. When women decide to start a family while
still wanting to remain in their professional life, they
often face judgement. I returned to work part-time
when my son was 1.5 years old, and the time we spent
together after work was of high quality. It’s all about
how you set things up, and that’s something we should
respect.
What key challenges do you see in the region that
can be seen as opportunities for innovation and
entrepreneurship?
One opportunity for supporting entrepreneurship
in cooperation with partners is the low rate
of entrepreneurial spirit in the region. Another is
the outflow of people from the region. In Ostrava,
this trend is reversing – the city is attracting interesting
“
In my experience, even in a male-
dominated environment, you can earn
respect if you prove your abilies.
”