Polish Market Clusters Special Edition

PU B LISHED SIncE 199 6 No. 212 /2014 :: www.polishmarket.com.pl

Content partner: The Agency for enTerprise DevelopmenT lTD.

BUSINESS

ECONOMY

ENTERPRISE cluster InnovatIve POLAND

DEVELOPMENT SPEcIaL EDItIon :

INDUSRTY

A womAn PoLISH cLUStErS

in A mAn’s worlD inTerview wiTh iwonA gAwel, only womAn AwArDeD in The conTesT microenTrepreneur of The yeAr 2013

Polish Clusters

1st Congress of Polish Clusters

Bartłomiej Bodio, Member of Parliament, President of Parliamentary Group on Cluster Policy

Krzysztof Krystowski, President of the Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’

Bogdan Węgrzynek, Vice-President of the Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’, Main Coordinator of the 1st Congress of Polish Clusters

Management of the Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’ - from the left: Jarosław Bulanda, Tomasz Kozłowski, Bogdan Węgrzynek, Mieczysław Kwiatkowski, Artur Wojciechowski, Janusz Sobieraj

from left: Grażyna Henclewska, Andrzej Spychalski, Bogdan Węgrzynek, Bożena Lublińska-Kasprzak (President of PARP), Tomasz Kozłowski, Iwona Wendel

June 3, 2013, 1st Congress of Polish Clusters

Grażyna Henclewska, deputy Minister of Economy

Column Hall of the Polish Parlament building during the First Congress, which attracted more than 400 people

Iwona Wendel, deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Development

Wojciech Materna, Vice- President of the Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’

Panelists of the 1st Congress of Polish Clusters

1st Congress of Polish Clusters in the Polish Parliament bulding in Warsaw

SPECIAL EDITION /2014 :: polish market :: 1

Polish Clusters

212/2014

special edition POLISH CLUSTERS

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Krzysztof Krystowski, President of the Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’, Preface

Our Guest

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Iwona Gaweł, Coordinator of Polish Wood Cluster: With will one can do anything that is a woman in a man’s world

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Bogdan Węgrzynek, Vice-President of the Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’, President of the Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd., President of OKIP Clusters: Future for clusters development

About clusters Piechociński, deputy Prime Minister, 4 Janusz Minister of Economy

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Elżbieta Bieńkowska, deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Development

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Bartłomiej Bodio, President of Parliamentary Group on Cluster Policy

OKIP clusters

9 Polish National Cluster of Innovative Enterprises - OKIP 10 Polish Innovative Medical Cluster PIKMED 10 South Cluster Bio-energy

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Bożena Lublińska-Kasprzak, President of Polish Agency For Enterprise Development Ltd.

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The Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd.

Clusters

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Business clusters

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Michał Jasieński, professor WSB–NLU in Nowy Sącz, a graduate of the Jagiellonian University and Harvard University (PhD): Clusters must have their business models too

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Dariusz Dziadzio, Vice-President of Parliamentary Group on Cluster Policy, Vice-President of PIKMED Cluster: Medical Clusters - an alternative to the development of innovative health care in Poland

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Polish Clusters

Preface Krzysztof Krystowski President of the Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’

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n the days of increasing global economic problems and intensified intercontinental and international competition, both companies and governments seek solutions aimed at improving their competitiveness. Therefore, countries create and develop so called ‘cluster policy’ in their economies. It is a policy, which aims at helping with establishing and stimulating the development of clusters, their coordination, as well as at stimulating the economic environment. It can be used at local, regional, national and international level. Based on the assumption, it is a horizontal and broad policy. It is worth to indicate, that the policy of establishing and developing of clusters is nowadays considered in economy as one of the best forms of supporting local and regional development.

Actually, the establishment of clusters can be observed all over the world. That phenomenon includes not only high technologies sector, but also equally concerns traditional, manufacturing and service business.

It is worth mentioning that in 2006 European Union presented a broad strategy of innovation, in which clusters were presented as one of nine strategic priorities of successful promotion of innovation. Around 250 clusters’ initiatives have been established in our country in the last few years, including 47 of formalized clusters.

The special place among cooperative structures is held by innovative clusters. They differ from traditional clusters’ structures in, that essential partnership relations are created not only between manufacturing and service business. Those entities which are directly related to R&I sphere are included in the cooperation network. The most important reason for concentration of innovative companies’ activity in a specific geographical area is the fact, that dissemination of knowledge within a cluster is more efficient than between companies from outside the cluster. Those companies, which participate in

innovative clusters’ structure, are very often characterized by specialization and complementarity of products and services. That generates a dynamic process of gaining and transferring the knowledge. Thus collective processes of learning take place inside clusters, which lead to initiation of innovation and growth of competitiveness in high-tech sectors. It is said that those clusters constitute local innovative systems.

Poland is preparing for the usage of structural funds and national public funds in the years 2014-2020. Thus, matters such as: new strategy and methods of stimulation and development of the mentioned initiatives, determining their role in economy, means of their financing and stimulation of broader expansion, have been under discussion recently.

Fundamental value gathered from development of clusters’ initiatives should be growth of innovative, competitive and economic potential of Polish economy.

The Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’ was formed at the moment of an animated discussion about strategy of clusters’ policy in Poland for the nearest years. The fundamental purpose of its activity is, among others, establishment of Cluster representation in Poland, which task is to represent interests of clusters coordinators and clusters initiatives, as well as represent entities united in the clusters initiative towards administration representatives of central and regional level.

Undoubtedly, we are the representative of the most innovative part of Polish companies, as we gather those ones in our ranks. We also want to represent Polish clusters’ innovations at international forum.

In the current macroeconomic situation Poland, as a fast developing European country, has become an important economic partner in the international area. The most significant benefits arising out of cooperation within cluster is access to knowledge, innovation and know-how. Those benefits also determine the competitive advantage of the contemporary

country and companies functioning within its’ structures. Businessmen, who are active within the realities of modern economy, seek for sources of competitive advantage in order to achieve a ‘new quality’, development paths and, thus, generate profits for their companies. They can achieve that thanks to the clusters. The source of success can then become ideas and talents, qualified professionals, richly equipped laboratories provided by local universities and new technologies’ centers, new suppliers and customers, innovative companies, technologies which are owned by other cluster’s companies. In Poland, a clear growth of development and interest in cooperation between entities gathered in clusters is noticeable. To a large extent, that factor increases their international competitive advantage and stimulates search for innovative organizational and production solutions. It also enables them to increase financial and technological potential, allows equal participation in international market play to be carried out, as well as finding their place in the world of international corporations. :: SPECIAL EDITION /2014 :: polish market :: 3

Polish Clusters

Janusz Piechociński Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economy

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he influence of innovation, transfer and commercialization of knowledge and the relationship of science and business for the development of enterprise should be one of the main areas of economic and social policy. That is why we have underlined in Strategy for Innovation and Economic Efficiency that our competitiveness must be based not only on knowledge, but also on cooperation of all economic institutions. I think about public service, local governments, science and business institutions.

Obviously, cooperation of entrepreneurs and representatives of science is fundamental for innovation. The innovation of the whole

economy depends on intensive cooperation between enterprises with science. Therefore, it is essential to associate business partners effectively, facilitate the movement of personnel and create clusters.

Help in the commercialization of research and development results should depend on strengthening the cooperation within the clusters.

We want the entrepreneurs to change their opinion about researchers. We would like them to realise that innovation is a constant work on new products, services and technologies. Owing to innovation Polish companies are becoming more competitive in our country and abroad.

And, which is even more important they can gain bigger profits. ::

Elżbieta Bieńkowska Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Infrastructure and Development

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ompanies and institutions operating together create a new quality in terms of commercialization of new technologies, implementation of joint products or conduct of joint marketing. Therefore, the synergy arises. Entities working together would not be able to achieve the desired results on their own.

Not only investing in proven, innovative solutions is essential, but also a creation of new, innovative ones. Therefore, more emphasis will be put on giving support to projects performed in cooperation between science and business. Activities will include e. g. research funding for an innovative economy, supporting the development of research staff,

an increase its participation in international projects as well as cooperation within technology platforms and clusters.

We have prepared the whole package of extensively itimized activities aiming towards building a greater R&D potential in businesses and greater cooperation along with universities - in both Smart Growth Programme and regional programmes - because both of them are addressed to businesses. In the Smart Growth Operational Programme there are two packages - the first one is addressed to universities and the second one is for businesses in order to cooperate in creating highly processed products that will be bought by both - the Europe and the world. ::

Bartłomiej Bodio Member of Parliament, President of Parliamentary Group on Cluster Policy, President of Intelligent Transportation Systems Cluster

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n September 23, 2013 The Intelligent Transportation Systems Cluster was set up. The objectives of the Cluster primarily include activities such as: support for the development and innovation in the field of intelligent transport solutions, development of transport policies, providing intellectual support in the field of Intelligent Transport Systems, popularization and increase of the knowledge of the area of Intelligent Transport Systems and cooperation with local governments, trade unions, social and economic organizations and state institutions.

The cluster aims to create a comfortable business environment for the development of competitive market for modern technologies in transport and at the same time strengthen the role of regions and the

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country. Members of the cluster represent the transport sector, identify law barriers and propose legislative changes. The cluster has the possibility to introduce together developed proposals as urgent initiative.

On January 14, 2014 the Agreement for the Future Intelligent Transportation was signed. The objective of the Agreement is the promotion of modern infrastructure, the formation of the Partnership for the Growth of Mobility and the creation of an interoperable system, based on intermodal transport nodes under a national transportation management system, which will support the evacuation and crisis management system. The effect of the agreement is the establishment of the Platform for the Partnership of Knowledge and the development of innovation in transportation. ::

Polish Clusters

Bożena Lublińska-Kasprzak President of Polish Agency For Enterprise Development Ltd.

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he cooperation within the R&D area is a complex process that requires involvment of financial and human resources as well as an efficient management.

Justifiably, large international enterprises with effective organization play a leading role in the R&D area. However, innovation leaders do not operate in seclusion and their successes result from their particular skill of gathering Small and Medium Enterprises as well as researchers around them. Therefore, in order to achieve the cooperation objectives, companies need to manage multiple business processes at the same time.

In accordance with recommendations of the Working Group on cluster policy by Polish Agency of Enterprise Development, what we assume is to support broadly both existing and emerging clusters through subsiding regional coordinators including initiatives

conducted by them over the period 2014-2020. This ensures the operation of institutions which play the key role in the process of cooperation development, interaction and knowledge flows within clusters of economic activity, and thus enhancement of their competitiveness and innovation. The particular support should be directed to the clusters with the greatest competitive potential on an international scale (National Key Clusters), in accordance with a recommendation of the European Commission.

National Key Clusters may become the main tools of economic development in Poland in a way ahead for 2020 which is why we recommend supporting them in key areas, such as: research and development activities, support the international expansion of enterprises, the development of human capital quality in enterprises, encouraging industry collaboration and establishment of new enterprises. ::

Clusters must have their business models too Michał Jasieński

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new wave of thinking in business is focused on business models (BM). Each company, big and small, should have one, but most do not even know what BM is or confuse it with the concept of a business plan. I want to argue here that business clusters should also work on developing their own BMs if they are to be effective players in a modern, innovation-driven, entrepreneurial environment.

BM is an integrated description of the way a firm does its business, with the main goal of clearly specifying how to create value for the customers. According to Osterwalder and Pigneur, who proposed the most popular approach to BM, nine building blocks should be distinguished to make a BM truly comprehensive, beginning with the one of fundamental importance, i.e. the “customer value proposition” that addresses the customers’ needs. “Customer segments” are well thought through groups of people whose needs the firm aims to serve and tries to reach through appropriate and efficient “channels” of communication.

“Key resources” that the firm should have at its disposal may be of physical, financial, intellectual or human kind. They make creating and delivering value possible, by engaging certain “key activities” and with full awareness of the financial aspects („cost structure” and „revenue streams”). Reaching outside the firm, “key partners” (collaborators and suppliers) form a network actively cultivated by the firm’s managers. Maintaining “customer relationships” requires equal attention, since it is in the firm’s best interest to keep the customers satisified for a long time.

The BM of a cluster should comprise all building blocks, with interesting twists. The customers of the cluster, its key resources and often its key partners are the very same firms that are parts of it.

A cluster’s key activities should be directed at fostering relationships

between its firms and ensuring their safety (intellectual and physical). Such firms should feel the friendliness of the cluster’s protective, but not limiting, environment.

Clusters in Poland are most often artificial beings, created within governmental or local programs of economic development. This makes them somewhat different from clusters growing organically, like the IT cluster in the Silicon Valley or biotech cluster in Kendall Square (Cambridge, USA), by a natural process of attraction, startup birth and firm death. However, managers of artificial clusters should still consciously try and recreate the same enthusiastic spontaneity typical for organic clusters. Their goal should be to reach a critical threshold of venture capital, human capital, and inter-organizational connections, beyond which the magical effects of business synergy emerge. ::

Michał Jasieński, a graduate of Jagiellonian and Harvard Universities, teaches innovation management and leads the Center for Innovatics at the Nowy Sacz Business School – National-Louis University in Nowy Sącz, Poland. You may contact him at jasienski@post.harvard.edu.

SPECIAL EDITION /2014 :: polish market :: 5

Polish Clusters

With will one can do anything that is a woman in a man’s world

What is it like to be a woman in a man’s business world?

“In my experience, it is more difficult to find herself in such a world than it is for himself,” says Iwona Gaweł.

The Agency for Enterprise Development managed by her has become the Microentrepreneur of 2013.

What does The Agency for Enterprise Development (ARP) deal with?

Since its establishment, The Agency for Enterprise Development has been engaged in supplying consulting and counselling services while pursuing technological activities. The Agency employs designers, technologists, machine builders and production personnel. Notably, we are dealing with the design and production of the following: machinery, equipment, innovative dryers for biomass. We also specialize in the production of briquettes and pellets. In the second half of 2014, we will put in operation our biggest installation - the line for the production of electricity and heat in a highly efficient cogeneration process and we will also introduce an innovative solution for the thermal treatment of wood - so-called ThermoWood. pm

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Does this mean that you produce energy for your own use?

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That’s it. Our intention was to create favourable conditions for the development of both - our company and companies belonging to the Cluster. Thanks to producing our own energy, we are able to keep our production costs at a much lower level than our competitors. The integration of all technologies in one ‘system of power supply’ gives us a kind of advantage, which means considerable energy savings for us. One such example is powering a modern line for thermal treatment of wood (Thermowood) by thermal oil coming from cogeneration. With this system of power supply the thermal chamber will not have to be fired by gas, like traditionally supplied chambers. The use of such capabilities will give us savings of several hundred thousand zlotych per year just within the context of Thermowood production. A second example of the energy savings thanks to such a connection is the power supply of a conveyor-belt biomass dryer, which will

dry the biomass for the production of pellets and briquettes. For this process we are going to use waste heat from electricity production.

On a daily basis you act as a Polish Wood Cluster (PWC) coordinator. What exactly has motivated you to its creation?

The idea behind the creation of The Polish Wood Cluster was the establishment of cooperation between the companies in the wood and energy industry as well as creating favourable conditions for their functioning. An agreement on establishing the PWC was signed on 28 September, 2007 - then, the cluster had 19 partners. It currently has nearly 100 companies - there are local governments, universities, research and development institutes, business environment institutions, but the entrepreneurs, mainly in the sector of small and medium-sized enterprises, are a vast majority. Our activity was a bottomup initiative. The purpose of the ARP was to pm

Polish Clusters

obtain funding for furniture factories, sawmills and others while other entrepreneurs delivered boiler, filtration, thermo and technology. They assured installation of technology and its service. At the moment we are able to build complete plants producing pellets and briquettes, along with financing acquisition, preparation of relevant architectural, technological projects and environmental decisions along with building permits. ARP and partners in the Cluster complete technology, they also put in operation industrial plants ready for use and then they provide services (acting as a service centre). Because of the fact that we realize that our technologies are of the highest quality and we are sure of the final product, we also offer our customers the opportunity of the reception of the entire production of pellets and briquettes.

The premises of the Agency for Enterprise Development are impressive in many respects.

Since 2012 we have carried out a Technology Transfer project. Our premises in Żory are a special place where science meets business.

One can say that it is a laboratory operating in industrial conditions. We offer an opportunity to invent and develop new solutions.

Thanks to cooperation with universities, we can test the solutions and implement them directly in industrial conditions.

The Agency’s premises are a place which brings together many innovative technologies, some of them being at an investment stage. These include lines for the production of electricity and heat, floors, briquettes and pellets, which is a 100% environment-friendly fuel, the heat treatment of wood, the production of biomass dryers, siloes, conveyors and steel structures. We are also developing our own laboratory where businesses will be able to measure the calorific value of biomass and its emission levels, ash content, humidity and so on. pm

What challenges are you facing in the near future and what are their expected results?

In 2013, we set up the cluster’s venture capital fund. This is why our immediate challenge is to promote it. The fund’s purpose is to transfer the results of research and development work into the marketplace and to finance ideas at the interface of science and business. Having a big research, laboratory, production and training base, we have a great chance to meet the next challenge. One of the first projects we are going to commercialize pm

is utilizing sewage sludge to produce energy.

The process is intended for sewage treatment plants to enable the production of electricity, heat and hot tap water from sludge mixed with biomass. We will be supporting environmentally-responsible projects enabling energy conservation.

“Our goal is for the palace to house the training and congress centre of the cluster and open it to creative people to organize exhibitions and painting workshops and to attract more business partners.”

A real challenge for us is to complete all of our investment projects in 2014 and to connect all process lines with each other. We will continue to promote the objectives of the Polish Wood Cluster and its mission, and to focus on cooperation with other clusters – both domestic and foreign ones.

For this purpose, another step we have taken was to combine the potential of the Polish Wood Cluster with that of the Polish National Association of Innovative Entrepreneurs. This initiative resulted in establishing the Cluster World Sp. z o.o. company. We want to set up a national organization representing Polish clusters and open ourselves to cooperation with other leaders of clusters in Europe. We hope we will be able to prove the veracity of the saying that things are easier when we work together. Experienced European clusters, which have successfully worked together for decades, should serve as an example for us and be an inspiration for Polish enterprises so that they open themselves to

creative cooperation and confidence, which is so important in business.

The most recent joint initiative of Cluster World Sp. z o.o. is the establishment of the Foundation for the Future. We are going to build and create Polish technological solutions and promote this undertaking among young creators, students and people who come up with ideas so that they are not afraid to pursue their creative ideas in Poland.

The clusters may be incubators for their work thanks to such instruments as the venture capital fund. We would like the Foundation for the Future to have its headquarters in the palace in the village of Baranowice near Żory.

The palace is to be restored by the Agency for Enterprise Development. We want to prove that the building’s maintenance costs can be minimal thanks to the heat pumps, photovoltaic panels and LED lighting that we are going to install there. Our goal is for the palace to house the training and congress centre of the cluster and open it to creative people to organize exhibitions and painting workshops and to attract more business partners.

In 2013, as the only woman, you won the title of Microentrepreneur of the Year in the national competition. Is it difficult for a women to establish herself in the masculine world of business?

Frankly speaking, it is probably more difficult than for a man, at least this is what my experience shows. One reason is that women are more involved in the upbringing of children. In turn, our advantages include persistence, determination, regularity and of course intuition, which enables us to take the right decisions.

I try to see positive aspects in life and I can say that there are more and more women who achieve success in their work and are able to reconcile their career and family duties. They are very good at it, in line with the rule that if you want it you can do it. :: pm

Our headquarters in Żory is a unique place where cooperation between science and business takes place. We can boast of the innovative project, which is a laboratory in conditions of industrial life. I have a pleasure to invite you for a journey through the Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd. in Żory.

SPECIAL EDITION /2014 :: polish market :: 7

Polish Clusters

Future for clusters development “Polish Cluster’s” Anna Figiel talks to Bogdan Węgrzynek, Vice President of the Polish Assocation Cluster of Employers’, President of the Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd. and President of Polish National Cluster of Innovative Enterprises.

What is the purpose of clusters’ formation?

Some clusters are formed to implement economic policies of the state or region, but most of them in order to create sufficient potential for implementation of innovations and new technologies as well as to gain a competitive advantage in the Polish and international markets. Taking into account the clusters’ character and the fact that the economy is global, their main objectives involve an integration of activities in international markets, creation of an efficient system of information flow and the development of organizational, processing and technological innovation.

Both central and local governments recognize the importance of the clusters’ development in Poland and justifiably see them as opportunities for economic development. They also notice that clusters are a driving force for the recovery of regions due to the use of human capital, knowledge and local traditions. In addition, clusters contribute to the promotion of regions internationally and to the maintainability of their competitiveness. pm

What are the determinants favouring the clusters’ formation?

Cooperation plays a crucial role in the clusters’ emergence - it is not a location as though some might believe. Clusters are formed by creating cooperation between the regions functioning with interrelated industries which additionally support their actions by interaction with universities, scientific and research institutions as well as consulting, economic and governmental organisations. However, multi-industrial clusters are formed more and more frequently and they successfully operate within cross-regional, cross-border and transnational systems. That is all thanks to their responsiveness and disposition to cooperate. Talented and creative people are necessary, because they mainly decide on the creation and development of clusters. The administration also plays an important role. The government’s task is to establish appropriate conditions for the clusters’ pm

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development and operation - and this is why we keep organising the Congress of Clusters in the parliament, which once again is going to be held in May this year. A market and a strong local demand indeed encourage research and development investments, but those factors are not a prerequisite for the clusters’ formation and their success in the global marketplace.

What characterizes the EU’s new financial framework 2014-2020?

For the 2014-2020 period it is 82.5 billion euros to be granted for Poland in the EU budget. The money will allow the efficient development of the economy, stimulate entrepreneurship and innovation. The European Union’s priorities involve the development of innovation and the smart specialization.

Funds for research and innovation can be found, among others, in the Smart Growth Program with 8.6 billion euros opened for use. This backing will help to improve the pm

competitiveness of Poland and to foster the cooperation between research, academic and development centres.

What exactly does one need to do in order to take advantage of these funds?

There are many opportunities which the new financial framework entails. New horizons and opportunities will be open up to those who will choose to interact. The European Union will put a special emphasis on cooperation within research consortia, academic units and enterprises. Cooperation between enterprises, local governments, universities and units operating in the business environment represent clusters, and a significant amount of money is dedicated for their projects. Thanks to the projects a considerable development of our country will be possible and our economy will eventually become innovative. :: pm

Polish Clusters

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he Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd., as a coordinator of the Polish Wood Cluster, together with the National Cluster of Innovative Enterprises, decided to merge multiple cluster structures.

The result of the merger is the creation of a limited liability company under the name Cluster World. The purpose of the merger is to form a national cluster capacity, which will be able to represent Polish clusters among leading European clusters, such as Clusterland in Austria. The new structure will also allow Polish entities to implement international cluster projects. And that will make possible an easier transfer of Polish technology to other EU countries,

and reversely, the implementation of European technologies which are of interest to our partners.

The Venture Capital will allow the commercialization of many projects at the interface of science and business, and will help attract investors interested in locating financial resources in Poland. There are several reasons for the decision to set up the Foundation of the Future. One of them is the possibility to create an instrument to encourage Polish artists, scientists and young people to create creative technological ideas. ::

SPECIAL EDITION /2014 :: polish market :: 9

Polish Clusters

Polish Innovative Medical Cluster PIKMED

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olish Innovative Medical Cluster PIKMED is a supra-regional organizational structure having a nature of cooperative relationships acting in the broadly understood health care industry. PIKMED cluster has been established on the initiative of: Polish National Cluster of Innovative Enterprises (Bogdan Węgrzynek), Institute for Healthcare Ltd. (Prof. Michał Marczak, Tomasz Leśniak, Adriana Nurzyńska). The cluster is a form of modern catalyst stimulating cooperation between the fields of business, science as well as central and local administration. PIKMED provides a platform for implementing and obtaining financial resources for medical entities in the following areas: joint investment projects, research, modern practices (procedures and standards), techniques and technologies regarding health care for patients across Poland and the European Union. The strategic objective of Polish

Innovative Medical Cluster PIKMED is to create a platform for cooperation in the fields of both medical science and practice by combining and exploiting the potential of the following: universities, scientific and research entities, medical institutions, entrepreneurships, individuals and business environment institutions with the support of local, regional and state governments.

The main objectives of the cluster include: •

• •

Reducing adverse conditions in hospitals by implementing specific programs (auditing, software, certification) regarding risk management based on many years of studies on mapping drawbacks in hospitals; Cost optimization of medical institutions; Search and implementation of innovative medical projects ensuring the

purity of patents as well as commercialization of research findings; • Integration of public and private medical institutions, science and technology parks as well as universities and research units operating in the field of medicine; • Assistance in the implementation of any development initiatives and funding obtainment for implementation of investment projects, scientific research projects as well as activities related to the development of new practices, procedures, standards, techniques, technology and medical innovation; • Creation of favourable conditions for investments in the medical industry.

Be our partners: e-mail: info@pikmed.pl, phone: +48 506 163 042

South Cluster

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n January 2014, on the initiative of OKIP Cluster’s Management (Bogdan Węgrzynek, Tomasz Leśniak), Committee of Basin’s Development (Grzegorz Wacławik, Marek Lipczyk, Edward Strząbała, Wojciech Duda), LESTA Law Office (Jarosław Płoszek) and the Institute for Healthcare Ltd., we established our cluster initiative called South Cluster in the Silesian-Dąbrowski site. Commissioning activities of the regional South Cluster is designed especially to create favourable conditions for the development of technological progress-driven enterprises willing to implement innovations in the region by providing knowledge, encouraging innovation, stimulating cooperation between companies and institutions and pursuing common goals of cluster participants.

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The main objectives of the cluster include: •

•

•

• •

Creating and developing a network of cooperation in the area of the South Cluster to allow effective connection and exploitation of the cluster participants’ potential; Providing support for entrepreneurship and innovation in the area of the South Cluster and creating conditions for effective commercialization of research universities’ and R&D units’ research outputs; Facilitating access to new knowledge and stimulating innovation of IT, energy, metallurgical and automotive industries; Facilitating access to skilled human resources; Promotion of the cluster as an innovative and attractive centre of the SilesianDąbrowski region;

South Cluster will group not only companies (bringing together on a voluntary basis), whose heads have become the winners of previous “Manager Basin” contests. South Cluster is to encourage cooperation between enterprises (as well as between universities and R&D units cooperating with them), which in their development strategies include closer cooperation than ever before, particularly in terms of the EU new financial framework 2014-2020. It is all about effective absorption of so-called EU funds to cofinance companies’ original projects.

It has been set that the office of the South Cluster will be located in a Przyjaźń coke plant’s address (currently JSW Koks) which is: 1 Koksownicza Street; Dąbrowa Górnicza 42-523. Be our partners: info@klasterpoludnie.pl our phone number: +48 506 163 042

Polish Clusters

SPECIAL EDITION /2014 :: polish market :: 11

Polish Clusters

The Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd.

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olish Wood Cluster (PWC) – there is a connection between timber and energy industry, academic institutions (universities, R&D institutions), business environment institutions and local government units.

Polish Wood Cluster’s members (mainly

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entrepreneurs), are able to overcome competition and start cooperation based on partnership relations, which are oriented for the implementation of new business initiatives.

The first informal cluster initiatives, focused on the timber industry coincided with the year 2004. It was preceded by a long-term

activity of the consulting Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd., providing advice on the timber and energy.

The agency, which was the originator of the connection, at the same time promised to take the role of coordinator of the Cluster.

A agreement between the 19 parties, which formed the Polish Wood Cluster was signed on 28 August 2007 today, PWC brings together close to 90 members.

Looking back - the purpose for which the Polish Wood Cluster was established in general remains valid, only its priorities have change. Stronger by the infrastructural facilities – registered office Cluster, laboratory and production facilities, funded by the Innovative Economy Operational Programme (Action 5.1 - Support for development of supra-regional cooperative), we can focus right now, on the brand’s development on the Polish and international market. Also, we can like to concentrate on the cooperation and networking with others, key clusters in the country and abroad.

Polish Wood Cluster mission is to stimulate horizontal cooperation among entities, strengthening their competitiveness and market position, as well as strengthening interaction at local, regional and national

Polish Clusters

levels. Therefore, the most important will be to obtain the highest quality functioning of the network links in the Cluster, raising skills and creating a strong base of innovation among the partners of the Agreement with a view to using their experience, capabilities, production and introducing new solutions.

Our priority is to integrate and represent the interests of the companies operating in

Polish Wood Cluster is also developing international cooperation on many levels. Do not forget the fact, that an important objective of the Cluster is to increase its potential by external investors. Cooperation with foreign partners will increase number of productsand services, expand of distribution channels and initiate the creation of representatives of the Cluster abroad.

the timber and energy industry and related companies, conduct research and development activities related to the industries, develop and implement of joint innovative solutions, provide training to industry staff, build and promote common brand and lobby for the industry.

Cluster’s infrastructure is a newly created object, which includes: office space, conference rooms and training, exhibition space, production halls and warehouses.

Participation in the Cluster gives individual members many benefits from PWC. They may benefit from subsidies to specialist training, research, consultancy and expertise.

The companies that decide to rent office or production space with the complete process lines, can count on the discount between 40 and 60 percent compared to the market prices.

Additional benefits from the cooperation in the PWC bring savings in terms of lower marketing costs in any business through joint promotion, exhibiting at the domestic and foreign fairs. Our main goal is to further develop to the through market expansion, preceded by building a common, strong and recognizable Polish Wood Cluster brand in the timber and energy industry in Poland and abroad.

Cluster partners have access to training facilities, which can include conference and training, e-learning platform, base of specialized training in the timber and energy industry and renewable energy. Using a training, a Cluster partner can count on financing up to 45% of the cost of training. The group of training examples can include: implementation of energy savings, energy audit of the building systems, biomass drying, storage and transportation of biomass filtration systems and dust extraction biomass, wood waste disposal methods for energy purposes, the use of heat pumps and their types, the use of solar collectors for domestic hot water needs, the use of photovoltaic cells to produce electricity, heat treatment of wood in ThermoWood technology, ways of financing renewable energy particularly with the use of biomass energy legislation in the field of renewable energy and biomass combustion, thermal improvements to industrial facilities, the use of sludge for energy production, characteristics of passive house operation, functioning of the laboratory for analysis of biomass.

Polish Wood Cluster is the result of need to create an efficient platform for internal communication between entities whose collaboration dates back several years back. The need to create a Cluster was dictated by the market situation in which there are small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the timber- energy sector. The market’s analysis showed that small manufacturing and assembly bussines are not able to build a competitive position in the market and thus, are not able to face the powerful companies like Barlinek or Baltic Wood, which exert pressure on prices and negotiate the best deals for themselves in contracts with forest inspectorates acquiring most of the raw material on the market. The conclusions of these analysis showed that, in order to allow the building of a strong sustainable competitive advantage for small and medium-sized enterprises it SPECIAL EDITION /2014 :: polish market :: 13

Polish Clusters

is necessary to provide them with the same tools, which are available to large enterprises. It’s about tools such as infrastructural facilities, technology and access to knowledge, research and development centers or worldclass marketing. For this reason we have created the Technology Transfer Centre and the Centre for Research - Development, which has the task of conducting and supervising research and development, providing expertise and creating cooperation in the commercialization of science and business. We are an example that such cooperation is possible. We carry out many research projects involving universities belonging to the Polish Wood Cluster and students.

PRODUCTS OF THE AGENCY FOR ENTERPRISE DEVELOPMENT LTD. In the second half of 2014, we will start the production of pellets using our patented biomass drying process. Wood pellet is the result of compaction of sawdust, shavings, etc. under high pressure. Most of the produced pellets have a diameter of 8mm and 6mm.

The only difference between the two relates to the diameter of the granules and is apparent from the matrix used for the production.

Wood pellet is mainly used in boilers with automatic feeding of fuel, and fireplaces (in this pellet is placed in a special basket).

Basic parameters of the pellets: • net calorific value 18 MJ/kg do 20.5 MJ/kg, • ash content up to 1 percent • humidity up to 12 percent Ash after burning pellets (very small amount) can be used as fertilizer in the garden.

Wood pellet is an excellent alternative to gas and oil. There is a relatively wide range of pellet burners on the market, which can be installed in oil boilers.

Approx. 2 kg of pellets replaces one liter of oil.

A pellet line with a capacity of 2 t / h of finished product will produce the cleanest fuel quality, 100% organic, but also using waste heat derived from the production of electricity from high efficiency cogeneration. As a result, costs of the production will be much cheaper thanks to their own electricity and heat.

14 :: polish market :: SPECIAL EDITION /2014

BRIQUETTE TESTING Another of our products is eco-friendly briquettes – it is larger form than the pellets.

It’s diameter is 6 cm. The second type of briquettes produced by us is called cube RUF and has the ideal shape for burning in fireplaces.

Chemical analysis of the briquettes in the operating state: • total humidity 8.41 percent • ash 0.81 percent • total sulfur content 0.03 percent • net calorific value 16 – 18 MJ/kg During the combustion of briquettes from sawdust of deciduous trees in the central heating boiler with a nominal power of 50kW we have obtained: • high energy efficiency • combustion process does not arouse any objections • concentration of carbon monoxide in the exhaust gas is satisfactory • the boiler during combustion the above mentioned briquettes obtained thermal power close to the nominal Analyzing the achieved energy parameters, it must be concluded, that the briquettes from waste deciduous trees fully are suitable for combustion in boilers for central heating.

THE DRYERS FOR BIOMASS Our project, funded by Measure 4.4. Innovative Economy Operational Programme, and from its own funds, resulted in the innovative product - Low temperature biomass dryer. Its novelty was confirmed by the Department of Industrial Furnaces and Environmental Protection Technical University of Czestochowa. It is the first product of this kind in the world, and innovation is based on drying at low temperature to 90 º C. We have had a range of expertises and improvements include from the Silesian University of Technology, whose the last examination indicated achieve nearly 100% efficiency of the structure. The construction of one chamber of the dryer weighs only 1.5 tons, while the drying process uses waste heat from the recuperator, which is also our construction.

The entire drying process is entirely safe due to the fact that there is no spontaneous combustion of the raw materials, loss of calorific value and no need for the addition of any

substances, so-called binders. The biggest advantage of our dryer is much less need for heat - at least 40 percent. less than the demand of competing products, or drum dryer, which reaches a height of over 7 tonnes and the drying temperature is from 400 to 800 ° C. Attention should be paid to the fact, that in this situation we can note the often spontaneous combustion of the raw material, there is a need to add binders or sawdust calorific value loss. We could confidently say that our product is fully deserves the name of energy-efficient, because energy consumption in the production process is less like material consumption, and hence, also its price is competitive. The dryer is completely safe, and the final product - the briquette is 100 percent eco-friendly, which definitely affects the highest levels of customer satisfaction. In January 2013, we received a patent for the device and technology. In June 2013, we have been awarded the title Microentrepreneur of the Year 2013 for the technology and device for drying of biomass.

Together with the PWC partners we are delivering complete lines for the production of clean fuels-briquettes and pellets. Preparation

Polish Clusters

Belt dryer for biomass with the efficiency 3t /h

of the “turnkey” investment project is starting from obtaining the necessary permits, environmental decisions, obtaining funds from the EU, the Regional Fund for Environmental Protection or the National Fund for Environmental Protection and other preferential resources of the financing.

We provide installation, service and training of personnel.

For those interested partners we provide full reception of the production of pellets or briquettes.

The modularity of the system To achieve the required efficiency, individual sections of the dryer are designed for modular construction. We recommend the construction of two-and four-section systems.

A horizontal belt system We also manufacture drying systems horizontally, which is recommended by a capacity exceeding 1 Mg / h.

Drying systems are equipped with the filter stations, system recovery, automatic control system, and optionally the visual system of the process.

We have a design office with a team of experienced designers working on the basis of the latest technologies using CAD software and 3D modeling in Autodesk Inventor. The use of specialized and technically advanced CNC machines provides us with the high quality of the manufactured equipment.

At the moment we are finishing work on the development of a belt dryer with the efficiency of drying of biomass 3t / h, which we plan to commercialize in Poland and in Europe since 2015. Also, it definitely is an alternative for the energy-intensive drum dryers. The investor will be able to boast the best quality product in the innovative technology.

heat, it is best to use biomass locally for distributed cogeneration. As a result, there shall be an increase in the efficiency of primary energy use of biomass with concomitant reduction of cumulative emissions coming from its transport over long distances. As a consequence, there will be a reduction in the consumption of traditional fossil fuels and the amount of waste and carbon dioxide emissions will be reduced.

The main idea in building the CHP biomass-fired cogeneration, was to achieve maximum savings in the production of all goods that are or will be produced in The Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd. in Żory. With this solution, we have a much cheaper electricity and process heat, which will be returned to all production processes.

THE LINE FOR THE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY IN HIGH COGENERATION In the Polish environment very important source of renewable energy, which is characterized by the highest technically available potential is biomass. Due to the high cost of transport and benefits associated with the simultaneous production of electricity and

The basic technological devices of power plants are: • ORC turbogenerator system Split-type operating in cogeneration, electric power of approximately 725 kW

•

thermal oil boiler fired with biomass, with thermal power of about 3340 kW of technological auxiliary systems

The operating medium in the proposed system is a thermal oil ORC - silicone. The boiler will be equipped with electrostatic dedusting combustion gases at a level <50 mg/ Nm3 at 6% O2, which will ensure adherence to the standards of 2016. With the launch of electricity and heat production in cogeneration, we have the chance to demonstrate the only such solution, i.e. laboratory and industrial research in the conditions of industrial production use. Cluster partners will benefit from the possibility of leasing these lines using a discount from the market price at the level of 40 - 60%. According to our estimates the production costs of the Agency for Enterprise Development Ltd. and PWC partners will fall by about 30 - 40%, which in today’s era of energy savings is a key approach to achieve competitiveness in the market.

SPECIAL EDITION /2014 :: polish market :: 15

Polish Clusters

THERMOWOOD Another technology that will work with the CHP system powered by thermal oil, which is not enough developed in our country and needs to develop its own technical solutions to implement into production, is Thermowood. The technology of thermal modification of wood involves subjecting the raw wood to high temperatures in special chambers. There are several methods currently used in production. In the case of a product called “ThermoWood ‘ heat treatment of wood is from 24 to 46 hours. In the first stage, which lasts from 2 to 4 hours, the wood is heated to a temperature of 100 ° C. In the next stage, wood is dried to a moisture level of 3-4%. The next step lasts from 6 to 10 hours and is based on heating the wood to a temperature of 180 ° C-220 ° C. During this stage the air in the chamber is replaced with superheated steam. Then follows the stabilization phase lasting 6-10 hours, while lowering the temperature at which the wood is moist. The last stage is to cool the wood lasting 4-6 hours. During the manufacturing process of thermally modified wood steam and high temperature are used. Chemicals that would adversely affect the environment or introduce into the timber extraneous substances during production are not used. The environment remains unchanged. All waste can be burned or destroyed without any risk.

Thermally modified wood has many uses both outside and inside the buildings and rooms.

High resistance to moisture and fungus and mildew makes the material ideal for: • garden furniture, • bathroom furniture - the main goal of Polish Wood Cluster • terraces, • other objects of garden architecture, Good insulating properties and a lack of resin makes modified wood exceptionally good material for use in wet areas: • saunas • swimming pools • bathrooms

The benches made ​​of it are more hygienic and do not burn in direct contact , such as benches made of ordinary timber. Thermowood is ideal for external facades and noise barriers. Thermowood offered by foreign suppliers, competes with the expensive exotic wood species. Modified wood is not generally available in warehouses - its delivery usually takes place on order. The exotic lumber, in a fairly wide selection is available in virtually every big city. Pressure from pro-environmental organization for the reduction of tropical deforestation results in a progressive rise in prices of this material. The increase in production capacity thermowood can be observed in Europe and probably will result in a decrease in its prices and greater availability. Thermally modified wood has a chance to gain a much larger market than share today.

By subjecting the wood to heat treatment it receives a distinctive dark brown hue reminiscent of exotic wood. What is more important,the process changes the properties of wood, namely: • improves resistance to moisture - moisture equivalent is 50% lower than the raw wood due to changes in cellular structure of the modified material • improves dimensional stability shrinkage and swelling of wood is about 50% smaller than of the raw wood • reduces the absorption of moisture

by Wood • improves the thermal insulation properties • increase resistance to fungi • by the heat treatment of coniferous wood results in the partial removal of the resin and volatile matter At the end of this year, all technologies and products that the Agency intends to propagate in Poland and Europe will start. A strong campaign of our brand should give us a well established position in the timber and energy industry. Our mission is also to create a recognizable brand on the market, which will ensure the expansion of our relationship.

VENTURE CAPITAL CLUSTER In February 2013, we set up venture capital cluster, with the result that our nearest challenge will be its dissemination. The fund

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was created to commercialize the results of research and development and funding ideas from the interface of science and business.

With huge research facilities, laboratory, manufacturing and training, we have a great chance to complete the next challenge.

One of the first commercialization, which we intend to introduce, will be design the energy management of sewage sludge, which is addressed to wastewater treatment plants - sludge mixed with biomass can produce electricity, heat and hot water This project is realized in cooperation with the Silesian Technical University in Gliwice.

We also intend to support young creators, owners of patents, which are able to provide financing, marketing support, sales as well as the use of the full potential of the cluster and its links.

REVITALISATION OF THE BARANOWICE PALACE The challenge, which we have taken is the revitalization of the historic property - XVII century palace and park in Baranowice. We plan to restore its splendor by turning this place to a cluster training facility. The activities are planned to start in 2015. They will aim to carry out comprehensive thermal improvements, as well as a change in the heating system to make it clean and environmentally friendly-using heat pumps and photovoltaics. In addition, our work will focus on the implementation of energy-efficient lighting system. The wellness center, exhibitions, recitals, and workshops will take place in the Baranowice palace and makes this place famous soon. The activity, which will also be within our interest is a system of free training that will raise awareness of the participants and will be added value. We would like to make the palace an open facility for the residents, who will be able to freely use its enormous potential. With this investment, we are able to show modern technologies in order to achieve energy savings, as well as to restore the historic interior that will be pleasure for the eyes of all visitors, who will come to this extraordinary place.

Be our partners. ::

Polish Clusters

Medical Clusters - an alternative to the development of innovative health care in Poland Dariusz Cezar Dziadzio, Member of Parliament,Vice-President of Parliamentary Group on Cluster Policy and Vice-President of Polish Innovative Medical Cluster PIKMED.

C

lusters are known mechanisms of economic cooperation. Known, but emerging in medical areas slowly. Bringing together representatives of different branches while preserving its integrity it may act in its different areas.It seems that the cluster is a flat structure with simple correlations but in the case of a medical cluster it is a spatial structure with complex correlations.

Some of its representatives can create new solutions in the field of medical care bodies. It allows to accumulate management representatives, practitioners of healthcare entities and IT companies. Other representatives who I really appreciate deal with innovative technologies. Today we meet people who created

revolutionary solutions in the field of healthcare. Polish scientists have big potential.

A lot of them have developed many innovative products in medicine. Unfortunately, it ends up with development. In these situations a medical cluster can help, becoming a coordinator. Bringing together businesses, research institutions and public authorities, it allows to support this type of Polish creativity. The medical cluster becomes a party in gaining funds for the actions mentioned above from the new European Union financial perspective (2014-2020). It is also a party entitled to gain funds from projects like Innovative Medicines Initiative (IMI).Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth to mention that nowadays Poland hardly takes advantage of this system because from 700 million euro only

0.1% reached Poland. Researchers from Great Britain took part in 182 projects of that type, from Germany in 138 and from Poland only in 4. A solution to this impasse and utilization of the potential of Polish technical thought in the scope of medicine is the Polish Innovative Medical Cluster PIKMED, which performs its plans on the Polish market. PIKMED is a big chance for using Polish innovative technical thought and at the same time a big chance to launch Polish products not only on the Polish market but also European or even global. It is up to us. Thanks to cooperation of scientists, entrepreneurs, research institutions and public authorities we have a big chance not only for technological but also economic leap forward. :: ADVERTISEMENT

Polish Clusters

Rzeszów– capital of

Aviation Valley and other clusters

I

t is a metropolitan city, the capital of the Podkarpackie Region, the seat of the diocesan authorities and the judiciary. It is an important centre of the aviation, IT, chemical, commercial, construction and service industry. It is a dynamically developing city of the young and enterprising people.

Rzeszów is one of the largest academic centres in Poland, according to the recent survey of the European Statistical Office, the leader in Europe in terms of the number of students. 353 per 1,000 inhabitants are students. Rzeszów is the city which boldly looks into the future, and consistently implements development strategy on the strength of advanced technologies and the use of local assets.

University of Rzeszów, Rzeszów’s University of Technology, and six private universities educate over 60,000 students on more than 60 majors. The universities provide highly qualified scientific staff, modern educational laboratories, as well as educational programmes tailored to the requirements of the labour market. Intellectual potential of the residents, strong connections with the industry of aviation and information technology mean that modern sectors of the economy have been rapidly developed in Rzeszów.

T he st rategic cit y project i s comprehensively equipping the Special Economic Zone “Rzeszów - Dworzysko” with the necessary infrastructure required by the future investors. It is situated in northwestern part of the city. The Zone extends between international road no. E 40 and the trunk line no. E 30, connecting Germany – Poland - Ukraine. The big advantage of the zone is the highway A4 with a junction

20 :: polish market :: SPECIAL EDITION /2014

Rzeszów – West, motorway S19 and located in the close proximity International Airport Rzeszów - Jasionka which provides direct flight connections with many European cities.

The city meets the key criteria,favourable for the new investments. Developed transport infrastructure, enables efficient movement around the city and convenient.

An important part of the municipal investment policy. The development of the outsourcing services centres is. In the city there are already built and being built modern office buildings, including the class A: SkyRes, Capital Towers and Karowa Office. The further planned projects undertaken for the purpose of BPO/SSC include the creation of complex office parks.

More than 22,000 enterprises operate in the city supported by more than 800 financial and business environment institutions, including such significant foreign companies as: BorgWarner Turbo System, MTu Aero Engines, Goodrich Aerospace Poland, Hamilton Sundstrand and others. Rzeszów is the seat for the innovative clusters, such as “Aviation Valley”, Podkarpackie Informatics, The Plastics Cluster; Life Quality Cluster “Podkarpacie Country”, Podkarpacki Renewable Energy Cluster.

The Aviation Valley Association was set up on 11 April 2003 in Rzeszów as a non-profit organization to promote and support the rapid development of the aerospace industry in south-eastern Poland. At the same time, the Association is one of the first innovative industrial clusters in Poland and one of the most diversified cooperation networks in the world. The Association gives a possibility of cooperating with over 100 aviation companies

providing a strong technical knowledge and supply base (from small and medium family owned suppliers up to big, international companies). Aviation Valley has a strong impact on local educational system which ensures that future employees are trained according to the highest standards and in line with its Members needs.

The Centre of Advanced Technology “AERONET - Aviation Valley” is a consortium including academic units conducting worldclass scientific R&D dedicated to aviation. The consortium leader is the Rzeszów University of Technology with its well-developed Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Aeronautics.

The main scientific fields of activities are: R&D in the field of aircraft construction, telecommunication technologies in aviation and avionic systems,modern processes in materials chemistry and surface engineering, modern production in aviation industry.

The largest members are: WSK “PZLRzeszów” S.A. (Pratt and Whitney) components and complete turbine engines manufacturer, Hispano SuizaPolska Sp. z o.o. components for aircraft engines manufacturer, PZL Świdnik S.A. (Agusta Westland) – helicopters manufacturer, PZL Mielec Sp. z o.o. (Sikorsky) - International Black Hawk helicopters manufacturer, Goodrich Aerospace Poland Sp. z o.o. - landing gears components manufacturer, Hamilton Sundstrand Poland – APU manufacturer.

For more information on Aviation Valley members, please visit the website: www.aviationvalley.pl. ::