Małopolska – European Entrepreneurial Region
Małopolska is the only region in Europe to have twice received the title of European Entrepreneurial Region – first in 2016 and then again in 2024. This distinction confirms the region’s consistent economic development, its innovativeness, and its effectiveness in creating a favorable environment for entrepreneurs, startups, and investors. During the panel, experts discussed, among other things, the role of universities, technology parks, innovation clusters, and the key challenges facing local businesses.
During the panel, experts discussed, among other things, the role of universities, technology parks, innovation clusters, and the key challenges facing local businesses.
The moderator of the panel was Monika Firlej, Director of FutureLab, Tadeusz Kościuszko Cracow University of Technology.
The panelists were:
Andrzej Kulig, President of the Management Board, Kraków Technology Park; Jacek Hudyma, Starost, Tarnów District Office; Krzysztof Świerczek, Starost, Miechów District Office; Rafał Sonik, President of the Management Board, Owner, Gemini Holding Sp. z o.o.; Weronika Smarduch, Member of Parliament, Sejm of the Republic of Poland; Piotr Dziurdzia, Councillor, Małopolska Regional Assembly.
The discussion began with the question of whether Małopolska truly deserves to be considered one of the most dynamically developing regions in Poland. Rafał Sonik emphasized that the entrepreneurship of its residents is not accidental but the result of a long-standing ethos of work, determination, and ambition. He also pointed to the immense progress achieved since the 1990s – today’s companies benefit from modern infrastructure and facilities that enable international expansion, which were absent three decades ago. “Today it is Polish companies that are acquiring German ones, where we once gained experience,” he noted. Piotr Dziurdzia, in turn, stressed that the region’s residents have always been characterized by courage in taking risks and a natural economic instinct. Combined with local support instruments, this creates an ecosystem conducive to entrepreneurial development.
An important theme of the conversation was the role of tourism and academic resources in building the region’s innovativeness. Weronika Smarduch pointed out that Małopolska combines a strongly developed tourism industry with access to highly qualified scientific staff, which fosters the implementation of advanced technologies. She recalled that the second artificial intelligence factory in Europe is being built in Kraków – in cooperation with AGH University of Science and Technology. She also noted that special economic zones have become one of the government’s priorities, and local governments can benefit significantly by viewing development in the context of larger functional areas rather than single municipalities.
Local government representatives also presented projects implemented in their regions. Krzysztof Świerczek reported on preparations to establish a technology park on the border with the Świętokrzyskie Voivodeship, along the strategic S7 route. However, he pointed out problems such as unfavorable soil classification, which hinders making investment areas available. Meanwhile, the Tarnów starost, Jacek Hudyma, emphasized the importance of cooperation with village heads and mayors, as well as the need to consider the voice of residents – in his view, no development is possible without their approval.
Later in the debate, the participants discussed the potential and challenges related to building a technology park in Miechów. Krzysztof Świerczek identified the main barriers – financial constraints and insufficient access to energy. He stressed that the Kraków Technology Park is a key partner supporting the development of necessary infrastructure. He also assured that although the park’s tenants will mainly be large companies, local entrepreneurs will also benefit from access to modern solutions.
The panelists also considered how to maintain the prestigious title of European Entrepreneurial Region. Piotr Dziurdzia pointed to the crucial role of local governments as initiators of new projects and the importance of cooperation with universities – an example being the partnership with AGH in creating a faculty of space technologies. Weronika Smarduch presented government plans to support entrepreneurship, including deregulation, acceleration of administrative procedures, and investments in innovation implemented under the Innovate Poland program.
At the conclusion, Jacek Hudyma discussed initiatives undertaken in the Tarnów district: land consolidation, expansion of road infrastructure, and streamlining of construction procedures. He noted that the varied terrain requires close cooperation with residents to convince them of the proposed changes. Meanwhile, Rafał Sonik, responding to a question about the biggest challenges for entrepreneurs, pointed to demographics – the decline in natural population growth, especially among highly educated individuals, and the risk of shortages of skilled workers.
