Work package (WP) 1 of H2CE “H2-ready for European regional spatial planning and development” analyzes and identifies common challenges & solutions in planning and governance processes for H2-ready regions from a regional, transregional & transnational perspective to develop joint strategies and action plans. Activity 1.1 deals with “Planning the transition in European regions: challenges and solutions in H2- ready regions and establishes the foundation for the WP’s outputs. In the first stage (during Period 1) PPS jointly developed a set of common indicators, which will create the basis of the “template” for the Factsheets for each of the regions participating in H2CE. In a further step (until Period 6), PPs will carry out their regional analysis based on this set of common indicators and elaborate their regional Factsheets on H2-readiness. Eventually, a Summary of regional results transferable to other regions, including challenges, best practices, and solutions will be developed. The common indicators for H2-readiness of regions presented in this Deliverable (D.1.1.1) are the result of the discussions amongst all PPs. They will start to carry out their regional analysis on this basis.

Based on the concept note (D3.2.1), Collaboration Platform under coordination of PP9 (ESC-UR) will be developed . Based on the preparatory consultations within the partnership, the Platform prototype will be implemented gradually over the project lifetime to ensure proper testing and functioning. Initial features will include H2CE solutions. All PPs will contribute to the content update on a regular basis and be ready to evaluate and provide feedback on new platform functionalities. To better identify the specific needs and future platform features, the H2CE partnership, under the guidance of the Economic and Social Council in Ústí region (Czech Republic), carried out a transnational questionnaire survey to gather information from stakeholders, which were divided into two distinct sectors: private and public. The total number of respondents reached 84, with 40 of them responding to questions related to the private sector and 44 respondents providing answers regarding the public sector. Based on the results, there is an existing demand for the Collaboration Platform. The highest demand is predominantly for practical analytical and reporting tools to be provided by the platform, as well as its training and education capabilities supporting the importance of skill development and knowledge enhancement. The insight from the survey serves as valuable input for the H2CE Collaboration Platform development. All of the feedback has been included in the Platform Concept Note, which provides an initial framework for its future development. The expected platform prototype should be launched at the beginning of 2025. The deliverable D.3.2.1 is attached.