Wrocław the technological heart of Poland - Over 600 companies invest in research and development
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The latest report by the Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency and Antal , ‘Research and development potential in the Wrocław Agglomeration ’, shows how this technological boom is driving the local economy and what new opportunities it is opening up for entrepreneurs
R&D potential in Wrocław
The number of companies conducting R&D activities in Wrocław grew by 34% from 2019 to 2022, with internal R&D expenditures reaching PLN 3.9 billion in 2022, placing the city among the nation's top R&D centers. Currently, the R&D sector employs 15,483 people, including both seasoned specialists and recent graduates from local universities, supporting an innovative local ecosystem. The dominant sectors include engineering and manufacturing (51%), information technology (37%), and chemistry and materials (16%), fueling innovation on both a local and global scale.
Main areas of R&D activity in Wrocław companies
|
Engineering and Manufacturing |
51% |
|
Information and Communication Technologies |
37% |
|
Chemistry and Materials |
16% |
|
Energy |
9% |
|
Transport and Logistics |
9% |
|
Sustainability and Ecology |
9% |
|
Medicine and Pharmaceuticals |
8% |
|
Biotechnology |
7% |
|
Other |
10% |
Source: ARAW and Antal, 2024
Investment in research and development (R&D) is a key driver of the Lower Silesian economy, influencing its development on many levels. In the short term, they attract talented employees from outside the region, while offering local university graduates unique career opportunities. This makes Lower Silesia a centre of innovation, increasing its attractiveness for both young talent and experienced professionals. In the long term, intensive investment of capital in R&D can create a kind of innovation ecosystem in Lower Silesia. It will not only support the largest local investments, but also increase innovation and competitiveness of companies and start-ups in the entire region ,' says Grzegorz Wołodko, Vice President, Head of GDC Application Business Line, Capgemini Poland.
42 thousand students on key R&D courses
|
High level of education |
71% |
|
Creativity and innovativeness |
60% |
|
Knowledge of modern technologies |
52% |
|
Extensive professional experience |
40% |
|
Flexibility and adaptability |
40% |
|
Strong links with universities and research institutes |
28% |
|
High availability of IT specialists |
27% |
|
Good project management skills |
25% |
|
No strengths |
4% |
|
Other |
4% |
Cooperation between companies and universities in the R&D sector is growing rapidly. More than 58% of companies offer internships to students and 37% carry out joint research projects, which shows the huge potential of this partnership in developing new technologies. The leading sector on the Wrocław market, in terms of employment opportunities and professional development, is information technology (IT) in the broadest sense. Graduates find jobs in the following positions: programmers and software engineers with experience in programming languages such as Python, Java, C++, and in AI technologies, big data, machine learning, cyber security specialists, system and network administrators, adds Artur Skiba, president of Antal.
Wrocław as a HUB of R&D functions
Development opportunities for R&D activities in the coming years
|
Digital technology development |
56% |
|
Increase in demand for R&D products and services |
50% |
|
Development of international cooperation |
42% |
|
Foreign investment |
39% |
|
New programmes supporting innovation |
30% |
|
Company reorganisation |
29% |
|
Start-up development |
22% |
|
Concentration of services |
14% |
Source: ARAW and Antal research, 2024
The dynamically changing economic environment creates new opportunities for companies, especially in the R&D sector, which is reflected in increasing business activity. Our task as a city is to support this process by developing the infrastructure and the system of institutions that facilitate entrepreneurs' access to Wrocław's resources. Thanks to pioneering initiatives such as the Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency (ARAW) and the Wrocław Academic Centre, the city has become a leading centre for R&D and innovative projects. Today, Wrocław is a space where specialists find not only work, but also comfortable living and development conditions. We are trying to further strengthen these advantages, among other things, through cooperation with the scientific sector and support for start-ups ,’ comments Dr. Magdalena Okulowska, President of the Management Board of the Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency (ARAW)
