Polish Market No. 7 (214) / 2014

PU B LISHED SIncE 199 6 No. 7 (214) /2014 :: www.polishmarket.com.pl

Prof. Henryk

SkarżyńSki

t h e w i n n e r of the plebiscite by the Ministry of science and higher education

“Science iS Freedom”

POLAND’S MOST INNOVATIVE AND CREATIVE UNIVERSITY IN TERMS OF CREATING PROFESSIONAL PERSPECTIVES IN 2014 35 STUDY PROGRAMMES 130 SPECIALISATIONS (MSc.) OVER 30 FIELDS OF DOCTORAL STUDIES (PhD) EXPERIENCED ACADEMIC STAFF STUDENT SCIENTIFE SOCIETIES AND ORGANIZATIONS INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION WITH OVER 270 PARTNERS INTERNATIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PROJECTS STRONG COOPERATION WITH BUSINESS MODERN EXPERIMENT STATIONS MODERN LABORATORIES AND TEACHING FACILITIES ONE OF THE LARGEST CAMPUSES IN POLAND MODERN SPORTS COMPLEX: SWIMMING POOLS, TENNIS COURTS 4,000 PLACES IN 12 WELL-EQUIPED DORMITORIES

13 FACULTIES: AGRICULTURE AND BIOLOGY, VETERINARY MEDICINE, FORESTRY, HORTICULTURE, BIOTECHNOLOGY AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE, CIVIL AND ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, WOOD TECHNOLOGY, ANIMAL SCIENCES, FOOD SCIENCES, HUMAN NUTRITION AND CONSUMER SCIENCES, PRODUCTION ENGINEERING, ECONOMIC SCIENCES, SOCIAL SCIENCES, APPLIED INFORMATICS AND MATHEMATICS

WULS-SGGW, 166 Nowoursynowska Street, Warsaw

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Project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Programme Innovative Economy 2007-2013

Science

Science is Freedom

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Finance

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Law &

Prof. Włodzisław Duch, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education

Transport Taxes

From The Government Information Centre

Prof. Andrzej Wiszniewski, Wrocław University of Technology, Minister of Science (1997-2001)

Prof. Marek Krawczyk, MD, rector of the Medical University of Warsaw

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Prof. Michał Kleiber, President of Polish Academy of Science, Minister of Science (2001-2005)

Prof. Tomasz Szapiro, rector of the Warsaw School of Economics

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Innovation

25 years in Science

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From The President’s Press Office

Prof. Tomasz Dietl, physicist, Polish Academy of Science Prof. Stanisław Woś, cardiovascular surgeon, Upper Silesian Medical Centre Prof. Leszek Rafalski, Chairman of the Main Council of the Research Institutes I can see huge progres: An interview with Prof. Henryk Skarżyński The way of real knowledge transfer to the market We train professionals for the Polish economy: An interview with Prof. Alojzy Szymański, PhD hab., Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (SGGW) I believe that only innovation-based economies can succeed internationally: An interview with Assoc.

Prof. Michał Szota, President of the Association of Polish Inventors and Rationalisers (SPWiR)

Collegium Civitas - more than a college: An interview with Prof. Stanisław Mocek, Rector of Collegium Civitas Prof. Elżbieta Mączyńska: Pension systems a challenge for the future Prof. Hermann Simon: Poor Russia - The enormous gaps between politics and economic strength

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Tourism Food Industry Real Estate

SPIS TREŚC CONTENTS

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Anna Stasiak-Apelska: Compliance with legal requirements in advertising Ropczyce - nearly 40 years of tradition We are on track: An interview with Prof. Janusz Dyduch, Chairman of the Transport Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) and Chairman of the Polish Association of Engineers and Technicians Bainite for future turnouts Dascher - one of the world’s leading logistics providers: An interview with Grzegorz Lichocik, Managing Director of Dascher Poland Jerzy Bojanowicz: Technology parks science and business Polish means good!: An interview with Krzysztof Przybył, President of the Management Board of the Foundation of the Polish Promotional Emblem “Teraz Polska” Bogdan Sadecki: Special Economic Zones gaining in importance in Poland Mieczysław T. Starkowski: Modern office space offices shooting up across Poland Krzysztof Misiak: The Polish commercial real estate market is gaining momentum Marek Sawicki, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development: 25 years of change Patryk Mirecki: From the Polish countryside into the world Katarzyna Sobierajska, Undersecretary of State, Deputy Minister of Sport and Tourism: Since 2010, the tourism industry has been constantly growing 5th Innovation Forum Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, an interview with Urszula Pacyna, the owner of Park Hotel in Rzeszów

METRO IN WARSAW

CENTRAL SECTION OF THE SECOND METRO LINE:

6,3-kilometre stretch from Daszyńskiego Roundabout (Rondo Daszyńskiego) to Wileński Railway Station (Dworzec Wileński) Seven stations at a depth of 13-23 metres Six ventilation fan plants 1,855-metre tunnel under the Vistula (northern section ‒ 920 metres; southern section ‒ 935 metres) from Copernicus Science Centre (Centrum Nauki Kopernik) Station to National Stadium (Stadion Narodowy) Station 4,522-metre northern tunnel 4,819-metre southern tunnel, including the 361-metre tunnel linking the first and second metro line

www.metro.waw.pl

People of Freedom Symphony in B minor “Polonia” by Ignacy Jan Paderewski: music in honour of freedom

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My own paths and travels...: An interview with Patrycja Piekutowska, an outstanding Polish violinist

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Conquerors of the Market 2014

Maciej Proliński: “My John Paul II” Maciej Proliński: Community of the arts under one roof Cultural Monitor Economic Award of the President of Poland presented to the laureates Award for Polish Market

Okładka / Cover: Prof. Henryk Skarżyński Zdjęcia w numerze / Photos on issue: www.shutterstock.com

SPIS TREŚC CONTENTS

Events Culture Conquerors of the Market

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July /2014

President: Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek

Writers/Editors: Maciej Proliński, Jan Sosna, Sylwia Wesołowska- Betkier, Grażyna Śleszyńska, Janusz Korzeń, Jerzy Bojanowicz, Janusz Turakiewicz,

Vice - Presidents: Błażej Grabowski, Grażyna Jaskuła

Contributors: Agnieszka Turakiewicz

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Editor-in-Chief: Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek Deputy Editor-in-Chief: Ewelina Janczylik-Foryś redakcja@polishmarket.com.pl Marcin Haber m.haber@polishmarket.com.pl Managing Editor: Rita Schultz rita.schultz@polishmarket.com.pl

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Editorial

A new quality is being born

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he past quarter-century will go down in Polish history as a special time – one reversing the 500-year-long trend of falling behind European and global economic powers. Poland’s economic transformation and accession to the European Union proved to be sufficient impulses to nourish a realistic hope that within one generation Poles would be able to generate an average Western European level of income, and then...

Perhaps it is better not to put the cart before the horse without hav-

“A population survey shows that the great stream of young people entering the labour market is drying up, and by 2020 only a meager trickle will remain of it.” ing considered how realistic that hope is and what challenges will have to be met. Foreign analysts, financial markets and investors look ahead with optimism, while our native “wise men” are more reserved. Both are, however, unanimous in their diagnosis indicating that in the future we will have to do not only more, but also differently. So far, we have been able to make good use of our demographic assets: the wave of young, relatively well-educated people entering working age and unable to get a job at home has been largely absorbed by other EU countries. Thus, it was possible to maintain low production costs in Poland, proceed with a total geographical reorientation and technological modernisation of the Polish economy, create new export specialties of quality acceptable on developed foreign markets, and double, along with income, the size of the domestic market and consumption.

What will be next? Tired of unemployment, Poles do not want to hear about it any more. Still we can count, cannot we? A population survey shows that the great stream of young people entering the labour market is drying up, and by 2020 only a meager trickle will remain of it. Lining up for work by those poorly paid and poorly doing their jobs will come to an end. Other determinants of economic growth will be valued – innovation and social capital. It is an inalienable condition of we want to succeed when faced with foreign competition.

This is no news. Probably everything has been said in recent years about innovation, about how it is scarce and needed in Poland. If it got built up out of mere talking, we would be the most innovative economy in the world. In addition, we used to talk about innovation in pessimistic terms. I can justify the older generation, because under the communist economy innovation often meant heroism. Icons of those years are Sołtyk and Frydrychewicz, who gained bags of medals in sports aviation with their Wilge aircraft, optical waveguide pioneers from Lublin, or Jacek Karpiński, a tragic ancestor of Wozniak and Jobs.

In the free Poland, we inherited R&D facilities and industries existing

as if separately, without forming an interoperability system. Emerging private businesses did not see any special need to incur “extra” costs.

May explorers or innovators have not been heroic figures any more, still they were kind of solitary. Thus, creativity of Poles followed different paths, including the “traditional” one of non-fulfillment, like that of the creators of blue lasers. However, a path of “ being a prophet in one’s own country” was much wider – Polish artists and inventors began to be frequently hired, appreciated and rewarded in foreign centres; an icon can be Prof. Agnieszka Zalewska, President of the Scientific Council of CERN (“Large Hadron Collider”), an absolute top of the world of science. Yet, the largest number of Polish scientists bet on pioneering innovations at home and they are increasingly numerous to succeed. Some of them achieve successes on a monumental scale, like Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, a brilliant doctor-inventor and founder of the World Hearing Center and Włodzimierz Strusiński, Ph.D., who was developed the Polish graphene production method.

Such “monuments” are needed. They kindle imagination and show that you can do great things even if there are no special conditions available. But these conditions are gradually getting better. In recent years, the Polish R&D sector has undergone an absolute revolution. In organisational and institutional respect – management, funding and commercialisation of research findings changed completely – as well as in terms of combining the interests of science and business. Enormous amounts, also from European funds, have been allocated to the construction of new laboratories and research centres of the highest technological level. Also, the world’s largest corporations increasingly appreciate the Polish potential for innovation, locating in our country their R&D facilities. There are also local technology parks and clusters conducive to setting up of start-ups.

In the Polish R&D sector a new quality is being born. On the one hand, the continuity of generations of innovators is upheld. An example can be Flaris Lar – a small business jet, a design on which airline manufacturers worked for many years without success and which was implemented in Jelenia Góra by the team of Prof. Aleksander Frydrychewicz. On the other hand, we have Academic Entrepreneurship Incubators, 40 offices across Poland where a young entrepreneur can, within five minutes, register a company and start a business, using accounting or legal advice. After six years in operation, these incubators gave rise to more than 5,200 companies that bring over PLN 1 billion in income and employ more than 20,000 people. Young Poland appears to be innovative, indeed.

• Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek Editor-in-Chief President Rynek Polski Publishers Co. Ltd.

July 2014 polish market

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President

Poland supports Ukraine’s European aspirations

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resident Bronisław Komorowski took part in the swearing-in of Ukrainian PresidentPetro Poroshenko. The ceremony was held in the Ukrainian Parliament in Kiev. It was attended by Ukrainian MPs and more than 50 personalities from other countries. Petro Poroshenko took the oath, holding his hand on the Constitution and the Peresoprytsia Gospels, a monumental piece of 16th century East slavic literature.

President Komorowski told reporters that Poland supports the European aspirations of Ukraine. He stressed that Poroshenko’s determination is important to fast track the Association Agreement with the EU. “Poland fully supports it,” said Bronisław Komorowski. “We are aware that this is the best, the most important moment when Ukraine can get anchored in the Western system by signing the Association Agreement and implementing it,” he argued. He admitted, however, that there will be obstacles to its implementation because the economic situation in Ukraine is difficult. Therefore, Bronisław Komorowski insists that we should listen to

the expectations of Ukrainians about the pace of implementation of various points of the Association Agreement and seek solutions that would help and not hinder it. “But the signing of the Agreement as soon as possible (the expected date being June 27) should be brought to a happy end although we know that politically not everyone will enjoy it,” he stated, adding that the speech of the new President of Ukraine was very good both in terms of content and form.

According to Bronisław Komorowski, the most difficult challenge ahead for the new Ukrainian President is to stabilize the situation in eastern Ukraine. “The plan is to attempt to conclude a kind of a ceasefire as long as it is not a unilateral truce, obeyed by the Ukrainian state only, he said. Bronisław Komorowski believes that in the near future Ukraine should make a constitutional reform effort, which would pave the way to further reforms, including that of the local government.

U.S. President in Warsaw on the 25th anniversary of regaining freedom

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.S. President Barack Obama visited Poland on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the June 4, 1989 elections. He met with Polish President Bronisław Komorowski and took part in major celebrations, which culminated in his speech on Zamkowy Square.

According to Roman Kuźniar, foreign advisor to the Polish President, the talks between Komorowski and Obama concerned bilateral relations, including in the fields of military, economic, scientific and technological cooperation. The Presidents also discussed the NATO Summit in September in Wales and “some strategic adjustments in the policy of the Alliance,” said Kuźniar. “These must be put in place after what happened in the East and what will certainly be discussed,” he added.

The Presidents also talked about the U.S. presence in Central Europe.

Kuźniar also said that the question was raised of “how to qualify and define new phenomena in the Russian policy.”

President Obama said that he had come to Poland to confirm the United States’ commitment to Poland’s security as a NATO member. The U.S. President announced that he will ask Congress to approve USD 1 billion support for U.S. allies, adding that it would be a strong sign of sustained commitment to the security of NATO allies.

“It is a great joy to be able to host the President of the United States of America in Poland on the 25th anniversary of our regaining freedom. It also gives me great satisfaction and hope to greet the U.S. president when

we are anxiously observing crisis situations across Poland’s eastern border, NATO’s eastern border and the EU’s eastern border,” Bronisław Komorowski said. “That is why I am glad that today’s meeting also means the confirmation of security guarantees for the Central and Eastern European countries and the common desire to strengthen the role, importance and strength of the North Atlantic, Alliance” he added.

President Obama, during his speech on Zamkowy Square, made it clear that he considers Poland the most important and the most trustworthy of all the allies of the United States. He also stressed the significance of the events that took place in Poland, and which launched the whole process of changes across Central and Eastern Europe.

President Barack Obama was in Poland for the first time on May 27-28 2011.

He then met with President Komorowski and was a guest of the 17th Summit of Central Europe.

President at the celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the Normandy landings

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resident Bronisław Komorowski attended the main international celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the landing of Allied Forces in Normandy, which took place on Sword Beach in Ouistreham.

The celebrations of the 70th anniversary of the D-Day, the largest amphibious operation of the Allies during World War II, was attended by some 20 Western leaders, including U.S. President Barack Obama, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, British Queen Elizabeth II and Russian President Vladimir Putin. The spectacle reminiscent of the events that occurred 70 years ago featured 650 extras and 500 military musicians.

Earlier that day, Bronisław Komorowski visited the Montormel Memorial. He emphasized that this place should encourage people to find ways to strengthen European unity. The monument commemorates the battle of August 1944 between the Polish and German troops for the control of two hills with a height of 262 metres above sea level that is also known

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in the Polish military tradition as “Mace”. It was one of the key battles of the final phase of Operation Overlord.

“This is a place of glory, but also a reminder that together with the Allies we were successful in the fight against Nazi Germany. It should be, even today, an incentive to look for ways to strengthen European unity, understood as a strategy to combat aggression and behaviours dangerous to world peace,” he told Polish reporters.

Prime Minister

Prime Minister Donald Tusk at the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of Polish freedom

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rime Minister Donald Tusk participated in the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the elections of 4 June 1989. The celebrations were attended by delegations from almost 50 countries, including the United States, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Lithuania, and Ukraine’s President Petro Poroshenko. Poland was represented by President Bronisław Komorowski, Prime Minister Donald Tusk, former Presidents Lech Wałęsa and Aleksander Kwaśniewski, ministers, Speakers of the Sejm and the Senate Ewa Kopacz and Bogdan Borusewicz, MPs and senators.

Speeches were delivered by Polish President Bronisław Komorowski and U.S. President Barack Obama.

“For a few long, dark decades, the Iron Curtain severed Europe! Yet our aspiration and dreams of freedom survived. The source of our strength flowed from national tradition,” said President Bronisław Komorowski. He stressed that 25 years ago communism came to an end in Poland. (...) We tore down the Iron Curtain of propaganda and lies to be able to live in the truth,” he stressed. Referring to the current situation in Ukraine, he claimed that solidarity is needed today especially with the Ukrainian people and that there is no freedom without solidarity with Ukraine.

President Barack Obama said, for his part, that the 1989 elections in Poland marked the beginning of the end of communism in Europe, and that the 1989 victory was the culmination of centuries-long struggle of Poles. “I know that throughout history, the Polish people were abandoned by friends when you needed them most. So I’ve come to Warsaw today -- on behalf of

the United States, on behalf of the NATO Alliance -- to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to Poland’s security. Article 5 is clear -- an attack on one is an attack on all. And as allies, we have a solemn duty -- a binding treaty obligation -- to defend your territorial integrity. And we will. We stand together -- now and forever -- for your freedom is ours. Poland will never stand alone. But not just Poland -- Estonia will never stand alone. Latvia will never stand alone.

Lithuania will never stand alone. Romania will never stand alone. These are not just words. They’re unbreakable commitments,” the US president said.Barack Obama highlighted the tremendous progress made since 1989. “A united Germany. Nations in Central and Eastern Europe standing tall as proud democracies. A Europe that is more integrated, more prosperous and more secure. We must never forget that the spark for so much of this revolutionary change, this blossoming of hope, was lit by you, the people of Poland,” he said.

Increased presence of Canadian soldiers in Poland

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rime Minister Donald Tusk met with his Canadian counterpart Stephen Harper. The Polish Prime Minister emphasized the importance of the decision on increasing the presence of Canadian troops in Poland. “Today, the Prime Minister of Canada says that we are witnessing a decision to increase the presence of Canadians in Poland,” said Donald Tusk. He added that the situation in the region and especially the Ukrainian crisis have shown that the increased presence of Allied Forces on the eastern flank of the European Union is more justified than in Italy, Spain and Denmark. “We want the Alliance’s strategy to be logical and to respond to a situation in the world,” argued Prime Minister Tusk.

Donald Tusk stated that Poland and Canada have identical views on the situation in the CEE region and in Ukraine. “I can hardly find in the Western world another partner who would so well understand Ukraine’s problems

and would be so sensitive to the situation of Ukraine as the Prime Minister of Canada,” said Tusk.

Donald Tusk and Stephen Harper also discussed energy cooperation and PolishCanadian investments.

“We are both committed to removing obstacles to the operation of Poland’s companies in Canada and Canada’s in Poland, said the Polish Prime Minister.

Prime Minister meets with the President of Google

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onald Tusk and Eric Schmidt talked on Wednesday June 4 about a plan to launch the Google Campus in Warsaw - modern centre for technology startups. This will be the third such place in the world, after London and Tel Aviv. The Warsaw Campus will open in the first half of 2015. Google supports in this way innovation and entrepreneurship in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. The Campus will have an impact on the formation of startups in the region.

The Google Campus is a special centre for young entrepreneurs and the whole spectrum of niche projects, called startups. It will provide them with an excellent working environment, an opportunity to meet specialists, as well as numerous trainings and presentations. It is dedicated to a very important idea of business integration. In brief, it is a modern enterprise created in accordance with the standards of the Internet giant.

Eric Schmidt said Google was proud that the community of startups as dynamically developing in Poland, and in Warsaw. He expressed the hope that the Warsaw Campus will help in the development of technology businesses, strengthen the ecosystem of startups and encourage the development of innovation in Poland.

The President of Google visited Poland in connection with the celebrations of the 25th anniversary of regaining freedom.

July 2014 polish market

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25 years in Science

25

years in science

Prof. Włodzisław Duch, Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Science and Higher Education A huge hoarding saying “Science is Freedom” adorns the façade of the Ministry of Science building. Didn’t this slogan become particularly strong and commonly applicable only in the last decades of the 20th century?

That’s right. If we go back to the inter-war period in the early 20th century, it might turn out that not so many people were active scientists and science was not so widespread. However, it was science that helped win the War, and I don’t just mean the widely-known achievements, such as code-breaking and V2 missiles. For example, atomic energy and atomic bombs came into use. Whatever we think of it, it was a great scientific effort. All of a sudden, it got politicians thinking that science was power. This resulted in enormous amounts being spent on science, particularly in the United States in the 1950s. The money flowed into various research facilities and brought about a greater, in fact a massive, interest in science. And so, step by step, science has been rapidly developing ever since, transforming many areas of our lives over the last few decades – for instance, such fields as information technology, medicine and life sciences have made giant leaps forward. pm

study. After 1989 Polish scientists faced considerable changes. One of them was the emancipation of the scientific community from political and ideological influence, which opened the gates for spectacular success. A change in the system of financing research had the most influence on the operations of research institutes. In 1991 the money allocated from the national budget to develop science in Poland started to be distributed to specific research projects as grants and it was this competitive way of providing funds that had the strongest impact on the lines of development of Polish scientific research.

The Internet vote “Science is Freedom” organised by the Ministry on the 25th anniversary of the fall of communism in Poland was a kind of a summary of the last 25 years. The results announced on 4 June 2014 come as no surprise, or do they?

People picked what they believed have been the most important Polish scientific achievements in the last quarter of a century from among 25 events. The results aren’t really surprising. The awards granted in the contest provide ample opportunity not only to remind us of our greatest scientists, who are excellent role models for the young adepts of scientific inquiry, but also to reflect on the circumstances that foster scientific growth. Our winners have demonstrated that nothing is impossible for science. Their example shows us that it’s all a matter of intellect, passion and perseverance in pursuing your objectives. They also make us aware of pm

2014 brings important anniversaries and commemorations for Poland. How would you summarise this time of a new, free Poland? Has it also introduced a “new” face of Polish science?

The last 25 years have been a good time for Polish science. We discovered new planets, made huge advancements in archaeology, medicine, IT. More and more Polish people graduate from higher-education institutions. The last 10 years have been special. Our science has truly gained a lot thanks to our presence in the EU. We’ve spent PLN29 billion in the last decade on developing higher-education institutions and scientific institutes, PLN20 billion of which were European funds! 200 new laboratories have been opened and about 2,000 research centres have been modernised. PLN1.2 billion has been spent on strategic programmes of pm

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25 years in Science the broader context. These distinctions are a way of reminding the world of the contribution of our scientists to the global development of science, but also a clear indication that we want to play an active part in furthering science in the 21st century. We also want to show Europe that the investments in Polish science that we’ve made in the course of the last few years to strengthen research, equipment, and staff, have made us more competitive, also as an attractive place to practise science.

First place went to Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, whose achievements received nearly one quarter of all votes. Prof. Skarżyński is a globally-renowned otolaryngology surgeon and specialist in otolaryngology, audiology and phoniatrics. He is also the founder and Director of Europe’s first International Centre of Hearing and Speech, established in 2003. In 2012 it became the world’s first and only World Hearing Centre. The centre in Kajetany is currently the global leader in the number of hearingimprovement surgeries.

Second place went to Prof. Grzegorz Pietrzyński from the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Warsaw. He has led an international team of scientists that measured the distance to the nearby galaxy – the Large Magellanic Cloud – with unprecedented precision. This can serve as a model of distance in future studies of the universe.

The last podium spot was taken by Prof. Bogdan Marciniec – an outstanding chemist from the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań. He enjoys global esteem in the field of organosilicon chemistry and organic-metal catalysis (he also co-created an entirely new field of study – inorganic-metal catalysis). His discoveries have found a variety of applications. He is the founder of the first Polish Science and Technology Park in Poznań, with over 80 companies operating under its wing.

Popularity breeds quality...

The popularity of science obviously affects its quality. In my day we used to spend whole days in laboratories and libraries. In recent years being a scientist has been a radically different activity. We had libraries, but very few scientific journals. I for one dealt with fields that were not to be found in any scientific journal in Polish libraries. Only the arrival of the Internet made it possible to access virtually all information. pm

Open access to scientific content has been hailed by the European Commission as one of the major methods of disseminating knowledge. How is it being implemented in Poland?

All over Europe, such access is provided through open, that is free and public, scientific journals and repositories. Open repositories have already been opened in Poland, such as the CeON (The Centre for Open Science) at the University of Warsaw. However, university repositories have not become standard yet, as only few universities have them. It should be emphasised that Polish scientists and students can now take advantage of the Virtual Library of Science (WBN). It is a CeON programme financed by the Ministry, which provides Polish academic and scientific institutions with access to global knowledge resources, journals and selected science books. The employees and students of the institutions covered by WBN (in the case of national licences these are all scientific units) have online access to the databases stored on CeON servers and also on servers owned by foreign publishers and information aggregators. The major licensed resources of the WBN include the ScienceDirect database, featuring Elsevier journals (over 1,700 publications, issues dating back to 1995) and the SpringerLink database with Springer journals (over 1,800 publications, starting from 1996). pm

pm

Your responsibilities include matters connected with the functioning of the POL-on system. If I understand correctly, this is to be one of the tools to build knowledge on Polish science. What is its primary objective?

POL-on is an integrated information system on higher education, which supports the work of the Ministry and also the Central Statistical Office and the Central Commission for Academic Degrees and Titles. Its important goal is to create a global database of scientific units, higher-education institutions and Polish science. POL-on gathers data on all Polish scientific units that can be publicly accessed pursuant to acts and Ministry regulations (registers of higher-education institutions, information on programmes of study and educational profiles, aggregated numerical data regarding students, academic staff, etc.). The system also features a base of scientific publications and evaluation indicators of higher-education institutions. It currently covers 21 modules divided by thematic area.

In Alexander Fleming’s words, “The first advance can be made by a lone worker, but the more complex the world becomes, the more difficult it is to complete something without the cooperation of others.” This stresses the importance of any scientist’s environment. In Poland we have always had scientists with great potential, but I’m afraid we still see them achieve their greatest success outside Poland... where there are greater financial opportunities. As a result, it is essential to thoroughly rework the system of the functioning, and especially the financing, of science. It is also vital to make Polish universities more visible in the overall European landscape and develop these “flagships” of Polish science. In your opinion, what is the current situation in these departments?

A permanent revolution is raging in both – more and more funds are being allocated to scientific research, European cooperation is being taken advantage of and funds wasting is minimised – “flagship” universities are the focus of financing, which is guided by the market that requires highly specialised skills, building state-of-the-art faculties and scientific units that support innovation. On the one hand, we have joined the European system, which enables us to assess educational activities by assigning specific numbers of points to various activities, which are then recognised by other universities around the world. This gives us a much higher flexibility. Students have 30 ECTS points to choose from, which allow them to have more than a dozen additional lectures. Believe me, the second major is unnecessary here. The additional lectures are enough to make serious advancements towards a career and develop your skills and interests. As for scientific research, our international cooperation has grown considerably. We are constantly participating in various types of project. This is noticeable in our involvement in the framework programmes – FP5, 6 and 7. We are still developing our skills, learning where to find the money and how to obtain it.

Today we are about to take another step in terms of both education and scientific research. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) are becoming more and more popular. They are an increasingly tempting solution for the participants in the educational market. MOOC are being developed by the world’s best universities. The American universities, which first embraced this form of teaching, are increasingly often being joined by institutions from Europe and other continents. It seems that MOOCs have reached a point at which more and more institutions are deciding that if it can’t be ignored, it should be adopted, whether by becoming part of it or creating competitive structures, like for example the British Futurelearn for lifelong learning. Today, Polish universities have a chance to strengthen their position on the international market in education and science. It’s all up to them – if you want to grow, you need to be a bold competitor providing high-quality services and taking advantage of new opportunities! The educational-system reform has brought our higher education closer to the European system. Polish universities can prepare their curricula and shape their educational programme independently and at will. They can extend their interdisciplinary, interfaculty and faculty-less study programmes. If a university focusses on quality and provides rich and attractive learning options, it will have pm

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25 years in Science even greater chances of developing, attracting outstanding students, obtaining grants for research and education, and as a result it will achieve a higher position, also among the European competition.

The second issue largely relates to the decentralisation of the process of financing scientific research. It is the scientists themselves, not politicians, who know best which projects have the greatest potential and chances of global scientific success. This leaves the minister with the task of financing big investments such as national research centres. Following the reform of science, the decisions on the allocation of State funds for the activities of scientific institutions and research projects are made by independent scientific centres: the National Science Centre as an external agency, which distributes funds for basic research; and the National Centre for Research and Development, which distributes funds for applied research aimed at preparing developed solutions for implementation; and the Council of the National Programme for the Development of Humanities.

For years I have heard that our most pressing problem has for decades been the underfinancing of Polish science. This is the conclusion we can’t avoid...

Science can’t develop without money. How can we avoid the brain drain if we can’t offer well-paid jobs to the most talented and creative people?

They will find a better place somewhere else. Sciences should bring satisfaction, not only intellectual, but also financial. To conclude, we need to remember that the entire budget allocated to science in Poland is smaller pm

than the budget of some U.S. universities, such as the John Hopkins University. Our greatest capital is our scientists and students. It’s time to stimulate this capital by rewarding quality and innovation. We need Poland to transform from a country that exports its talent and imports new technologies into a country that attracts young talented people who want to participate in breakthrough studies. To achieve this we need one more, visionary step. Investments in science yield massive returns if they are sufficiently high. Only knowledge can make a country rich, as a basis for stimulating innovation. Everyone should understand this, regardless of their political sympathies.

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Laureates of the “Science is Freedom” poll

1st place: Prof. Henryk Skarżyński - for leading a team dealing with deafness treatment with implants since 1992, 2nd place: Prof. Grzegorz Pietrzyński and his team from the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Warsaw who published in the journal “Nature” in 2013 the results of their work aimed to measure the distance to a nearby galaxy – the Large Magellanic Cloud.

3rd place: Prof. Bogdan Marciniec of the Adam Mickiewicz University - for research into new reactions and catalysts in organosilicon chemistry and for founding in 1995 the Poznań Science and Technology Park, the first institution of this kind in Poland.

Prof. Michał Kleiber, President of the Polish Academy of Sciences, Minister of Science (2001-2005)

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any years before the start of Poland’s transition to a new political and economic system the Polish academic and scientific community began preparations for indispensable changes to science policy and methods for managing the research system. There was widespread belief among scientists that changes were inevitable. The Society for Supporting and Propagating Science (TPiKN) emphasized this need especially strongly. It mobilized a major part of the scientific community and undertook the effort to prepare the foundations for the reform. The proposal to make scientists independent in all basic issues concerning science, in particular their right to decide about science policy, was central to the proposed changes. The result of these initiatives was the idea to set up the Committee for Scientific Research (KBN). It was supported by the Tadeusz Mazowiecki government. A sign of this support was turning the then Office of Technological Progress and Implementation into the Office of the Committee for Scientific Research after preparations, which had lasted for 1.5 years. It became the main government agency for the state’s science and technology policy.

Looking back, it is clear that the democratization in 1991 of the management system for science played an exceptionally positive role in shaping the awareness of both politicians and scientists. However, after almost a decade since establishing the KBN it became clear for many experts that the full systemic autonomy of the scientific community – including all spheres concerning long-term science and technology policy and combined with the unprecedented presence of politicians and scientists in a single decision-making body - has reached the natural limit of its effective functioning. The limit had been set by the needs of the state’s mature development policy, which required the government to have appropriate tools and to clearly define responsibility for strategic decisions. The result was the statutory transformation of the KBN in 2004 into the Science Council while keeping the basic features of the Committee’s structure – in particular preserving the principle that the final word on projects in the area of frontier research rests with people representing the

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community, however with more decision-making powers given to the minister responsible for science on matters of the country’s science policy and projects designed to lead to innovative applications.

A relatively big number of scientists employed by universities, ministerial research institutes and research units of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) combined with a much lower number of researchers working at industrial laboratories is a well-established problem of the economic efficiency of science in Poland, and in fact a problem of the entirety of the country’s development policy. As a rule, more than 60% of scientists in highly developed countries work at laboratories run by companies. In Poland, this share does not exceed 30%. The reason behind this state of affairs is that Polish innovative businesses are relatively weak statistically and that Poland does not have sufficiently attractive regulations supporting innovation, which is especially noticeable when set against the fact that foreign-owned companies usually invest in research in their home countries.

Another problem results from the huge success in the past 25 years of the university and college education system, with an almost five-fold increase in the number of young people attending such schools. However, we have paid for this unusual success with the weakening of the research potential of academic teachers, burdened with more teaching duties, and the difficult struggle to keep high education standards.

25 years in Science Further improvements in the science system should show clearly that by raising scientific research funding at least to the level which would send a clear signal to society, in particular entrepreneurs, that Poland believes in the success of knowledge-based economic development. The signal should be combined with solid reflection over statutory regulations conducive to decisions to invest in research. It seems that these conditions should be met to ensure that the creative potential of our scientists and innovative businesses can be used to the full.

We have many universities representing high standards. Graduates of the top schools easily find jobs, both in Poland and in the most prestigious international corporations, and often achieve spectacular successes in their careers.

Our best universities, technical, medical, agricultural and economics schools are highly valued symbols of quality and they guarantee a solid education.

Despite all the financial shortages of the transition period, shortages which considerably constrained development, there are many facts demonstrating clearly the standards and potential of Polish scientists. A few examples should be given here. One of them is astronomy, which has traditionally been a strong field of Polish science and has enjoyed international recognition.

Polish scientists dealing with exact sciences are also highly valued. Among such scientists is Prof. Agnieszka Zalewska, president of the CERN Council.

The work of Prof. Tomasz Dietl of the Institute of Physics Polish Academy of Sciences and the Faculty of Physics University of Warsaw on nanotechnology and semi-conductor-based spintronics are highly valued internationally.

Prof. Bogdan Marciniec of the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań is one of the scientists whose work is much talked about in the chemists’ community. He deals with technologies of organosilicon and organometallic materials for industrial applications.

Among the institutions which have achieved impressive international research successes in the area of biomedical sciences one should mention the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, and the Maria Skłodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Centre and Institute of Oncology Gliwice Branch, where Prof. Adam Maciejewski’s team succeeded in transplanting the whole face from a dead donor to a man after a dramatic accident. Interestingly, one of the pioneers of this kind of surgeries several years ago was Prof. Maria Siemionow, a Polish scientist working in the United States. Like

astronomer Prof. Aleksander Wolszczan and chemist Prof. Krzysztof Matyjaszewski, she is mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prize, being an example of Polish scientists educated in Poland, working abroad, but maintaining strong ties with the country.

The activity of Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, a world-famous otolaryngologist, otolaryngology surgeon and audiologist, has produced an extraordinary scientific and organizational success. The World Hearing Centre that he has founded has performed several pioneering cochlear implant surgeries while the programme for treating partial deafness in children and adults developed by the Centre has been implemented in a few dozen centres across the world.

We may build our hopes for the future based on the unusually attractive and broad popularization of scientific knowledge. The Nicolaus Copernicus Science Centre, visited every year by more than 1 million people of various ages, has become an important showcase of Polish people’s aspirations. It has attracted the interest of people from many countries. It is no coincidence that the director of the Centre has been elected as president of ECSITE, an international organization of the most important European museums and science centres. The Copernicus Centre organizes a Science Picnic, which is an attraction not only for Warsaw residents. Visited by thousands of people, the event attracts tens of foreign exhibitors. Its renown has encouraged many other cities to creatively imitate it. Interest in the undertaking is also growing outside Poland, for example in Georgia and Ukraine.

Of course, the above-mentioned examples of successes achieved by Polish scientists and innovative institutes make up an incomplete and very subjective list. They do not aspire to be a league table of our most outstanding achievements. However, they justify the thesis that our country has a huge potential for development in the way which is the most desirable today, one appealing to human creativity and enterprise. The opportunities created by the changes over the past 25 years have opened real prospects for us for a stable innovation-oriented development and economic growth, something which we now understand increasingly well. Our task today is to appreciate this chance and exploit it in the right way, by turning the numerous, but still statistically unsatisfactory, achievements of Polish scientists and innovative firms into the developmental and economic success of the whole country. •

Prof. Andrzej Wiszniewski, Wrocław University of Technology, Minister of Science (1997-2001), I would like to know how you assess the past 25 years in Polish science. Is the situation much better now after this period?

It does not seem so. At present, we have freedom and liberalism, but Polish science, in my view, was of very good standards also in the communist period. It is true that we had some difficulties. They were mainly associated with foreign contacts because of political and financial reasons.

It was sometimes difficult to get a passport – I myself was refused a passport for over 10 years – and the exchange rate to the dollar was so high that we could not even afford a hotel when going to a foreign conference.

These strictly financial conditions constrained us to a great extent. Today, the situation is much better in this respect, but one should not say that Polish science in the communist period was good for nothing. It was not.

At present, we have greater opportunities in terms of political and economic conditions, and equipment because we can import the best apparatus. However, our scientific development still leaves much to be desired. This is why our universities are ranked among the fourth hundred in global league tables. We are trying to change this, but for many reasons this process is slow. Still, it is getting better with each passing year. pm

I value very highly cooperation with large European corporations. In our case it is Siemens, but not only this company. We worked for many years with Areva, we now work with Schneider. This cooperation brings great benefits to both sides. The corporations benefit from our inventiveness. In turn, we gain a lot of practice, apart from finance. And we have an opportunity to learn from them an extremely important thing: how to turn scientific innovation into commercial success. This is the Achilles’ heel of Polish science. We do not know how to turn our ideas, some of them really excellent, into commercial success.

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25 years in Science You said that our universities still lack a lot in many respects, that they are among the fourth hundred in global league tables. What is it that they lack?

At present, this is mainly due to the fact that peer opinions are the main factor taken into consideration when producing the league tables. A very well developed scientific exchange is needed for the opinion about Polish universities to be favourable. The number of foreign students is too small in Poland and this is why Polish universities are little known in the world. However, when it comes to scientific successes, I think there is nothing to be ashamed of. When it comes to education, I would say that the success of Polish universities is unprecedented. The number of students in Polish universities puts our country in top places in the world. Almost half of all secondary school leavers go to study at a university or college. As a result, the enrolment rate is very high in Poland – higher than in many of the affluent Western European countries.

This involves some drawbacks because the saying that quantity is translated into quality is not quite true. But essentially, the number of people with degrees is now very high in Poland. pm

In this situation, are university degrees still getting devalued? At a time when most people hold a master’s degree, it is a doctoral degree that has some value. Don’t you think that the proportions have dangerously changed?

I would even say that in the past a secondary school-leaving certificate had a much bigger importance than it has now. Unfortunately, the problem is that the high number of degree holders is not translated into career chances. Sometimes it is just the contrary. I would even say that pm

when it comes to doctoral degrees the situation is similar. We have very high unemployment rates among people with PhD degrees in the humanities. The more so as in many firms they fear competition from young holders of doctoral degrees. We still have many problems with human resources management.

You have received an award for your lifetime achievement in science from the Siemens company, which means that Polish scientists are appreciated abroad. Am I right?

Indeed, this is an initiative of Siemens, which has funded annual awards for Polish scientists – one award for research and two promotional awards. I have received the award for research and I value it very highly because Siemens is a very interesting company. It started operations more than 150 years ago. There were three Siemens brothers who were able to excellently combine scientific innovation and commercial success. The company has relied on this all the time while this is our Achilles’ heel here in Poland – we cannot do that. My team in Wrocław works with Siemens’ branch in Berlin. We do a lot for them and get paid very decently, by the way, and both sides are satisfied. This cooperation has lasted for decades and I hope it will continue for a very long time to come.

They benefit from our inventiveness and we learn a commercial approach to science from them. pm

Why has a foreign company approached a Polish university?

I think that in the field I work in – power-system automation - we are one of the best centres in Europe. I think Europe does not have an• other equally strong centre dealing with this field. pm

Prof. Tomasz Szapiro, rector of the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH)

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cience explains the world we live in. Understanding the world is what meets our need to understand ourselves and our environment. Thanks to this understanding we gain the ability to make changes to the environment and ourselves – changes going in a desirable direction and offering huge benefits.

It is necessary to add that these include revolutionary changes, transforming our life to an unimaginable extent. Science helps us to struggle against time – one example is the extension of the average lifespan.

It helps us to overcome space and diseases. However, it brings about further problems. I am going to write about it later.

The great scientific findings come as a result of scientists’ personal passion, which is the driving force behind scientific discoveries. The passion may be one’s gift given at birth, may emerge during one’s career, or may be inspired by family aspirations, traditions, snobbery, imitation, emotions, experience or the wise management of scientists.

Other personal traits are also important – diligence, perseverance, talent and of course happy coincidences. The history of science gives us many stunning examples in this respect. Uncertainty is inherent to practising science – scientific passion does not ensure a scientist’s success. There is room for doubts and resignation, not only when the result does not come, but also when it is not noticed or properly appreciated.

Great scientific findings come as a result of financial outlays, and investment in infrastructure and people. One has to buy reagents and equipment. One needs to have room for them. The work of teams at institutions involves management, coordination and administrative tasks. All of this involves high costs before any scientific results are achieved. Not only persons, but also organizations, corporations and finally states are committed to science. The debate held by Polish academic communities indicates that the money set aside for science has

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been largely utilized well in Poland, although this could have been done better. What is more, it is perhaps the last time that we have another big chance as the budgets for science under EU programmes may be much smaller in the future. The money may be used wisely, not very wisely or unwisely. We may see the expansion of knowledge or not, profits or losses – bigger or smaller. This again means uncertainty, creating a background not only for personal decisions, but also the science system, that is decisions determining the functioning of many people and whole organizations. There is room here as well for doubts and resignation when systemic mechanisms strengthen bad practices.

Science is very complex and a person from outside the community reaches it on the basis of opinions. It is obvious that good results are the effect of people being motivated and the funding being managed wisely. A faulty appraisal system distorts the picture of the complex reality, demolishes motivation and deforms the system. This is why the appraisal of research findings should not be entrusted to laypersons, bureaucrats and fanatics. The appraisal should be subject to the analysis of research quality.

And here is the most important condition for the sound functioning of science. Science has to be free from external compulsion. Scientists have to be truly able to choose among all possibilities – in accordance

25 years in Science with their passion and the rationality of the science system. They have to enjoy freedom to choose. Science has to be free from superstition, pressure, constraints on the ability to say or publish something, and free from bans on doing research imposed by authorities of various levels.

Securing this right is a condition for enjoying these numerous freedoms. Otherwise, a significant part of the academic community will not be able to use the freedoms they have the right to. Everyone has the right

“There is no science without freedom, there is no freedom given as a gift” to present their research findings to groups of specialists at international conferences, but not everyone has the means making it possible for them to take part in such meetings. The freedoms necessary for the appropriate functioning of science have not been given to scientists as a gift. They have to take care of their rights and fight for the ability to improve them, extend and fulfil. They must not entrust this task to ignorant people or demagogues. However, efforts to secure these rights may infringe on the freedoms and rights of other communities. One reason is that expanding

the science budget, which makes part of a bigger but limited national budget, to ensure decent work conditions for scientists means the need to take away from others. This is why scientists have to argue constantly that it is not only worthwhile to invest in science but also that one should not delay it. It is a very hard task because the arguments are based on the appraisal of scientific achievements, which are difficult to communicate and assess reliably. How to conduct this debate? Can the debate participants who come from outside the scientific community and are driven by natural curiosity about people behind technological progress, recognize scientific stars and notice models for themselves in their excellence?

Contests and science festivals are the ways leading to this knowledge.

Such events lead to a better understanding of scientific reality through talks and a joint effort in strivings to make the message easy to understand and by showing role models. Talks and interviews with prominent scientists and managers of the science system are also a way towards understanding. They inspire optimism and show that the consumer of scientific research is the common denominator for scientific passion, the commitment of huge resources and care for their reasonable use. Intellectual giants and the most important institutions see the sense of their research in serving someone who usually is neither an outstanding perfection nor is free from existential crises and frustration, but is the sub• ject of their work.

Prof. Marek Krawczyk, MD, Rector of the Medical University of Warsaw

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edicine does change daily. Every day new diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities appear. The year 1989 was certainly a turning point for this field of science in Poland, too. It opened prospects which doctors could not even dream of in the past.

Freedom paved the way for collaboration, so far impossible, with centers outside the country. The number of foreign fellowships and trainings increased significantly, and joint international research projects became reality. Today Polish medical centers host congresses of European scientific associations, Poles sit on the boards of these bodies and, as never before in history, contribute to advancements in transnational medicine.

The past quarter-century has also been a time of a very dynamic development in many areas of Polish medicine. Of course, one can hardly mention all of them, but it is worth noting progress in cardiology, cardiac surgery and telecardiology with leading figures in these specialties: prof. Zbigniew Religa and prof. Grzegorz Opolski.

The last 25 years have no doubt been a booming period for Polish transplantology. Pioneers in this field in Poland who performed the first successful kidney transplantation – prof. Jan Nielubowicz and prof. Tadeusz Orłowski – lived up to the time when Polish transplantology started to count in Europe. Prof. Wojciech Rowiński is a meritorious name in this respect. One of the flagships of Polish transplantology over the last quarter-century is the programme of liver transplantation from living donors, launched in 1999 by the team of prof. Piotr Kaliciński from the Child Health Center and mine from the hospital at Banacha street in Warsaw. Another achievement of Polish transplantology is the first successful

face transplant, performed in May 2013 by the team of prof. Adam Maciejewski from the Oncology Center in Gliwice. It was considered the world’s best reconstructive surgery in 2013 by the American Society for Reconstructive Surgery.

Significant progress has also been made in Polish endovascular surgery over the past 25 years.

Moreover, cooperation is noteworthy between Polish researchers, led by prof. Stefania Jabłońska and the 2008 Nobel Prize winner in medicine and physiology, Harald zur Hauser, who discovered that cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus (HPV).

Professor Stefan Wesołowski, which has developed urology for decades, including elsewhere in Europe, could not imagine that within 25 years endourlogy, represented by e.g. prof. Andrzej Borówka, would see such a fast growth.

25 years of Poland’ freedom has also been a great time for Polish otolaryngology, namely thanks to prof. Henryk Skarżynski, who created the renowned World Hearing Center in Kajetany.

The medicine areas I mentioned are only a fraction of the picture of Polish medicine that has evolved so much over past 25 years.

In retrospect, it is worth noting that in 1989, after nearly 40 years, the medical self-governing body and doctors began to decide about their profession by themselves.

Recent years have been marked by huge investment in clinical, diagnostic and research infrastructure. It is a period of entry into the profession of a new generation of courageous doctors, open to the world and fluent in modern technologies. The next 25 years will largely depend on the activity of young doctors and medical researchers. Today’s Polish medics, freely conversing scientific English, are partners for Europe and the world. I am convinced that they will not only meet the legacy of past decades of Polish medicine, but will do much more, and a Polish scientist will be awarded the Nobel Prize in medicine and physiology.

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25 years in Science

Prof. Tomasz Dietl, physicist, the Polish Academy of Sciences

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aving regained independence and democracy and re-established historical, and economic relations with the West over the last twenty five years, Poland has made a great civilisational leap, bridging a large gap in many areas which existed between it and the richest and most-developed democratic countries. Is it also true for science? Polish science is very heterogeneous – some fields are catching up with the global progress, while others do not have the ambition of pitting themselves against foreign achievements or the economic and social challenges faced by Poland and Europe. In fact, there is much evidence suggesting that in the period in question, Polish science as a whole did worse in the international rankings.

“Still, compared to the early 1990s, we are in a much better position to make a qualitative leap.”

This is due to the progress made by countries which used to be less successful than Poland (Spain, Ireland, South Korea, to name a few) and also to the structural weaknesses of our science. This situation is attributable to many factors, including history (damage caused by wars and emigration, and the inhibited development of science in satellite countries – the Soviet Union had nine times more scientists per capita than Poland), austerity measures (especially in the 1990s), the threefold growth in the number of students without the corresponding growth in academic staff, the lack of a vision of what role science has to play in the rapidly changing environment, atomisation, conservatism, the anxiousness of researchers to be assessed by scientific communities and the fact that they settled for writing publications and achieving academic degrees, as opposed to solving the

issues faced by international science or developing solutions that would facilitate local economic or social advancement.

Clearly, the scientific community, both at universities and in institutes, as well as in organisations which develop and implement the scientific policy, are facing much more serious challenges than they had in the last quarter of a century.

Still, compared to the early 1990s, we are in a much better position to make a qualitative leap. The structural funds in the years 2007-2013 have helped improve our research infrastructure and equipment. We have state agencies (the National Science Centre, the National Centre for Research and Development, the Foundation for Polish Science) in place to finance scientific projects. These are well-organised and reasonably funded institutions.

Also, Polish scientists can now seek funding not only in European H2020 open competitions, but also under programmes addressed to countries whose involvement in European projects has so far not corresponded with their economic growth. What is most important, however, is the intellectual potential of those below the age of forty, who, unlike their older colleagues from universities, are looking forward to a career in science, and scientific projects for young scientists help them get involved in research work. There is good reason to believe that this new generation, aware of the importance of national and international mobility and real scientific competition, will push Polish science forward. This should result in more Polish quotations in academic papers, the emergence of high-tech companies • and growing efficiency in securing European research projects.

Prof. Stanisław Woś, cardiovascular surgeon, Upper Silesian Medical Centre

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hat drived the development of Polish science in the last 25 years was undoubtedly progress in ICT infrastructure at universities, allowing access to publications from various fields of medicine, an active participation of Polish scientists in symposia and congresses, as well as international cooperation with research centers in Western Europe and the USA. The possibility to run joint research projects, funded partially or completely from the budgets of EU member states or the United States, resulted not only in raising the prestige of universities, but also gave the opportunity to prepare young talents for scientific activity by resorting to modern research methodology.

Our involvement in international programmes favoured increasing scholar activity measured not only by the number of publications, but also by the so-called impact factor.

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Domestically, an important initiative in the field of cardiology and cardiac surgery was “Polkard”, an instrument introduced in 2003 by the Ministry of Health, financing multicenter programmes aimed at putting in place modern therapeutic tech• niques.

25 years in Science

Research Institutes in Poland after 25 years

of freedom

Interview with Prof. Leszek Rafalski, Chairman of the Main Council of Research Institutes

Poland has recently celebrated a unique anniversary - 25 years of freedom. Free Poland means also free science... What changes could be observed in research institutes over the last 25 years?

Over these 25 years, research and development units (currently: research institutes) have been subject to the process of restructuring and especially consolidation of individual units. As a result, research centers grew in volume compared to what they were previously. It was, therefore, reasonable to change from denomination from “research and development units” into “research institutes”; the latter better reflects their domestic and international importance. Currently, there are 116 strong institutes with high potential, employing around 40 thousand people. They conduct research, primarily applied but also basic, into the economy, health, agriculture, defense, environment, security, etc.

Adopted in 2010, the Law on research institutes gave us many new opportunities, including the creation of scientific and industrial bodies, whose main objective is to implement the results of research and participate in large international projects, something that strengthens our competitiveness on the international market. pm

After Poland became a member of the European Union in 2004, the possibility appeared of using structural funds. How do you assess this decade in retrospect? Was it an important time for Polish science?

Poland’s accession to the EU was a great opportunity for the world of science and we have not wasted it. Under the financial perspective 2007-2013, Polish research units obtained from the structural funds – in four operational programmes – a total of around PLN 18.6 billion. pm

Owing to these investments, Polish science is developing dynamically, and Polish research centers can successfully compete with foreign ones and they are gradually becoming an attractive place for international teams to conduct research. Polish scientists have new opportunities to raise funds for R&D projects and to strengthen cooperation with the best European centers.

Research institutes, which actively participate as coordinators in the subsequent editions of the EU framework programmes and international projects, gained international recognition.

Research institutes are strongly associated with industry, their studies being focused on social needs. What should be done in Poland to make cooperation between science and business more advanced and more fluent?

The economy requires research units to build a qualitatively new relationship with business.

However, these relationships leave a lot to be desired. There are no tax mechanisms supporting entrepreneurs i.e., tax credits for studies and research. A significant step would also be amending laws relating to income taxes from legal and natural persons so that they encourage research funding.

The cooperation between science and business should rely on instruments, which on the one hand, encourage entrepreneurs to implement R&D, and on the other hand, prompt researchers to carry out research focused on the needs of entrepreneurs. pm

What is the most important challenge facing research institutes?

Research institutes are involved in the implementation of major strategic programmes, funded by the National Centre for Research and

Development, which help develop an innovative and effective economy. These programmes should include the most important spheres of development, including energy security, transport and infrastructure, sustainable development, agriculture, medicine, etc.

In the near future, a kind of a test and a challenge for research institutes will be their participation in the “Horizon 2020” programme, which is the main pillar of the so-called Innovation Union - one of the most important initiatives of “Europe 2020”, whose main objective is to increase Europe’s competitiveness in the world. The programme is meant to support international cooperation in order to increase EU’s effectiveness in terms of research and solving global problems.

“Horizon 2020” creates a great opportunity for all Polish research units. Combining their potential, they will be able to implement good and interesting projects within the framework of scientific and industrial bodies. I am optimistic about the participation of our research units in “Horizon 2020”, especially that in the previous editions of the framework programmes Polish scientists and researchers gained experience in both participation in and coordination of projects. I am confident that it will result in effective performance in the ongoing programme. It is worth noting that so far research institutes have submitted as many as 130 applications to be considered under “Horizon 2020”, something that points to a very high activity of Pol• ish research units.

pm

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Science is Freedom

I can see huge progress Prof. Henryk Skarżyński won the “People of Freedom” award in the science category. “The People of Freedom have been selected - just as in the elections of June 4, 1989 - by the Poles to represent Polish successes in different areas,” said President Bronisław Komorowski at a gala to celebrating the results of the “People of Freedom”, poll by the TVN television station and the “Gazeta Wyborcza” daily. “Thank you very much for scientists being among the prominent people who have used their chance to be where we want to be, do what we can, and show what we can. I think that many people made the most of it and will be a good symbol of Poland in the world. Thank you to everyone who has voted for us all operating in the area of s​​ cience, because this proves that we have all managed to do a lot,” said Prof. Skarżyński. In an interview with the “Słyszę” bimonthly, he answers questions on how he evaluates the results of the changes in Poland over the past 25 years.

Is freedom essential for science?

Yes. The lack of freedom can inhibit progress, research development, and finally ruin what has been achieved. It is no accident that I recalled the names of two great doctors during the gala. At the end of the 19th century, Franciszek Ksawery Jawdyński performed in Warsaw cancer operations like no one else in the world. However, at that time, Warsaw was a provincial city of Tsarist Russia.

Dr. Jawdyński did not make it to break through, and today few remember him. After World War II, Prof. Jan Miodoński performed in Kraków otosurgery operations that few doctors carried out in the world at that time. However, he could not announce the results at the right time - he did not get a passport and did not go to the world congress in Amsterdam. Many our outstanding compatriots were in a similar situation, whereas we were able - for the last 25 years - to work and show the world what we can do. I think a lot of scientists took advantage of this opportunity. When I look at what occurred globally in science and medicine in the past 25 years, I can see huge progress. pm

What did freedom mean for you in 1989, and what does it mean now? Your activity within one country proved insufficient, or such are the requirements of the times?

It is best illustrated by facts. It was only in 1989 that I could go to Paris to make myself familiar with the latest treatments for deafness to - as of 1992 - put them into practice in Poland. I have just come back from Australia, from the World Congress of Audiology, which I attended as a scientist and physician who had pm

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developed and implemented his own method for treating partial deafness and used it in the treatment of many patients. I am back with the right to organize such a congress for the first time in Poland, after successful rivalry with the U.S., China and Japan.

And how do you feel as a winner of the “People of Freedom” poll?

It is still only getting to me that I have been named the Man of Freedom. What happened is surely for me an opportunity for reflection and sum-ups - what we have managed to achieve in our country in the past 25 years and what we have not. Poles have a tendency to complain. I hope that many people thanks to this poll will start to evaluate more positively the past 25 years, seeing not only mistakes, but also strong points. pm

What does this sum-up look like from your point of view? What fields were we successful in?

Our biggest success was joining the European Union. This step has radically changed our situation, and our thinking. Poles opened up to the world, are successful in various spheres of life, they can compete and win.

Never in history have Poles been - in the scientific and medical world, which are closest to my heart - as visible as in the past quarter century. In many medical fields we have caught up with Western Europe, and sometimes we have even overtaken the world, making Poles the first and so far only ones to have access to the latest treatment methods. pm

We have joined the European Union, and a stream of money followed. The question remains whether we used them really well. Did the EU subsidies translate, everywhere or in most cases, into a new quality and new jobs?

How many new local roads were built, and in how many places old roads were only covered with a new layer of asphalt, the result being the same holes as before?

Today, it is crucial to make best use of the current - and probably the last - EU funds available to us without being envious with those who knowhow to multiply them, without suspecting everyone and everywhere of not complying with the rules, often vague and imprecisely described.

And failures?

What I consider as a failure in the last 25 years is the loss of human capital, especially the most active and enterprising part of the young generation of Poles. The fact that today they live in other countries and make careers there is not a problem in itself. The worst thing is that there is no idea how to use their experience gained abroad for the benefit of our country.

Another failure is the lack of a well thoughtout strategy of educating young people. Vocational education was done away with too hastily, because humanities are today not effective in terms of prospective jobs. The results of such a move are fatal. We used to have, for example, thousands of nurses - graduates of medical high schools. Now, after higher studies, they are incomparably fewer and only a small portion of them seeks a job in Poland. pm

Science is Freedom

Indeed, young people often feel lost in the Polish reality. What advice would you give them?

We should learn in order to beat the competition, work to gain experience, use new solutions without reinventing the wheel, communicate well with the environment, because it is a skill that has a decisive influence on the development of a civil society, operate effectively without giving up one’s individuality. One should also remember that they have a family, which usually supports them. pm

For 25 years, subsequent governments have been unable to solve problems in health care. Do you have any good idea in this respect for today?

Currently, in the crucial area, which is health care, the private sector occupies a significant position when it comes to using public funds. So why would well-organized public-private teams be not able to do the same?

We keep fearing it, and it is an inevitable process. It is impossible to maintain - as if by force - both juggernaut hospitals, not allowing on the market well-organized but highly specialized medical units. pm

And in other sectors? What would you do differently?

When traveling around the country, I watch with great regret underserved rural areas. I think that instead of selling hundreds of thousands of hectares of land, we could have partially enfranchise those who lived there, cultivated fields, gathered crops for years. There was nothing stopping the government from granting part of the shares of the former state-owned farms to farmers employed there. Many regions would not be so desolate now, young people would start families there. Today, they will not come back there. Yet, some deserted regions can be revitalized. It is enough to improve the road network to make them easily accessible. For example, Warsaw could revive the Warmia and Mazury if getting there took no more than half an hour. pm

Speaking of sum-ups, we also usually asks for the future plans. How would you draw the outlook for Poland and Poles for the next 25 years?

Exactly! Our weakness is the lack of real future planning. In many areas, we live from one day to another. Meanwhile, with no real plans for the years 2020, 2030, 2040, we - or rather our children and grandchildren - will have to pay an incredibly high price. No one will remember then which party ruled, and pm

which was in opposition. Today, we think far too little about the future. We do not argue about how our country will be like, but about arguments and prejudices, often insignificant.

Such discussions seem to be particularly barren if you take into account that Poland is going to become part of a multitribal Europe. As in any community, there will be those who lead, and those led. There will probably be fewer of us in Poland, but Poles will be more present in Europe, and it is a capital that should be used!

There is no reason for us to make minimalist plans. We should think about playing the leading role in the next quarter century. If we prepare for this role, we will be successful.

Such was my thinking when I came up with the idea of ​​the World Hearing Center. “What on Earth is the purpose of that swank idea?, ” I often heard behind my back. I answered then: in order to beat the competition and continue to grow rapidly. If we manage to create it, it will always be the FIRST World Hearing Center, though not the only one because, with the passing of time, similar facilities will appear elsewhere in the world too. After all, if something works well, others start to follow the model. In time, they may even create something better. You need to take this into account – that is what social development is about af• ter all!

“There is no reason for us to make minimalist plans. We should think about playing the leading role in the next quarter century. If we prepare for this role, we will be successful.”

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Science Science Freedom isisFreedom

The way of real knowledge transfer to the market I n June 2014, Professor Marciniec ranked the third in the poll “Science is Freedom” organised by Ministry of Science and Higher Education to choose the most important scientific achievement in the last 25 years. He won the place for the discovery of new reactions and new catalysts in silicon compounds chemistry and for founding

Poland’s first Science and Technology Park in Poznań, in 1995. The area of his interest covers organometallic chemistry and catalysis, chemistry and technology of organosilicon compounds.

He is a member of the Polish Academy of Sciences and European Academy of Arts, Sciences and Humanities. His contribution to Polish

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and world science has been recognised by the Prime Minister Award (2001), Śniadecki Medal (2003) of the Polish Chemical Association, the Award of the Foundation for Polish Science (Polish Nobel Prize) in technical sciences (2009) and the Honorary Pearl award in science granted by “Polish Market” (2009).

The discovery of new catalytic reactions at the interface between inorganic and organic chemistry, and particularly the reaction of silicon compounds developed by Prof. Marciniec, allows the development of nanomaterials necessary in industry, medicine and agriculture.

What distinguishes the said research from other equally important is its implementation into industrial practice.

High standards of cooperation between science and business practice are crucial for the development of the country and the region. It is in Poznań that global solutions in this field are implemented, and their patron is Prof. Marciniec, the initiator of Poland’s first Science and Technology Park, and coordinator of the Wielkopolska Centre for Advanced Technologies - Materials and Biomaterials in Poznań, financed from EU funds.

These two centres ensure the proper relationship between invention and innovation. The first element is being developed at universities and research institutes, and the other one - in the Poznań Science and Technology Park. Such a combination of science and business guarantees an effective transfer of knowledge to economic practice.

Clustering of Science and Technology in WCAT

The main aim behind the foundation of Wielkopolska Centre for Advanced Technologies– Materials and Biomaterials (WCAT) in Poznań, is to create a multidisciplinary research centre in the field of high-tech materials, biomaterials and nanomaterials based on recent achievements in related fields of chemistry, chemical technologies, physics, biotechnology, biology, medicine, pharmacy and agriculture sciences.

The WCAT project is co-financed (85%) by the European Regional Development Fund under the Operational Programme Innovative Economy 2007-2013 with a total budget of EUR 63 million. The construction of WCAT infrastructure (buildings) started in the fall of 2010 and the operational phase of the research centre is scheduled for the end of 2014.

WCAT brings together the best specialists of natural and engineering sciences and is an infrastructural venture of the Poznań scientific community. The Centre is a consortium of five universities: the Adam Mickiewicz University (AMU), which is the project coordinator, Poznań University of Technology, Poznań University of Life Sciences, Poznań University of Medical Sciences and Poznań University of Economics; four institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences: the Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry,

Science is Freedom Plant Genetics, Human Genetics, and Molecular Physics; Institute of Natural Fibres and Medicinal Plants; and the Poznań Science and Technology Park of the Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation and the City of Poznań. The project is based on the research know-how and credibility of leading scientists, working in the key institutes of the regions.

The vision of WCAT is to make the existing organizations (universities, research institutes, and science - technology park) act as an independent R&D entity modelled on the Fraunhofer Society.

The objective of the multidisciplinary activity of the centre is to develop original methods for synthesis of chemicals, biochemicals and agrochemicals, called fine chemicals, and a new generation of biomaterials and nanomaterials and their precursors, designed in cooperation between the chemists, physicalchemists and biochemists. This research activity will be followed by the development of advanced technologies and biotechnologies for the production of these fine (bio)chemicals and precursors of materials to be used in optoelectronics, ceramics, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture and other fields of high-tech industry.

Another objective of WCAT is to create a technological basis for a number of applications for bioorganic chemistry and biotechnology in agricultural engineering and in the food industry.

The planned scope of research is closely related to the strategic programme Horizon 2020 for technologies of new materials, designing new processes and industrial biotechnology.

It is worth to emphasize that since 2007, most of the joint research projects based on the above programme have been realized by scientists from the WCAT consortium members in interdisciplinary teams which are ready to continue the research work in the operational phase of the project.

How knowledge and technology flow from WCAT to practice WCAT will cooperate with the research and development centres of Polish and European corporations and the Poznań Science and Technology Park of Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation (PSTP). The Park constitutes the necessary link needed for the efficient transfer of new materials technologies to practice, especially to industrial parks and high-tech industry.

The biggest initiative of PSTP is the implementation of the Complex of High Technology Incubators (HTI), i.e. is the largest laboratory complex in Poznań intended primarily for the

spin-offs that deal with materials and biomaterials as well as information and communication technologies projects. Thanks to modern infrastructure, innovative companies have the opportunity to experience the support in the form of research and business-related services. As a result, the number of spin-off companies is supposed to increase together with the number of patents and new technology solutions generated on the premises of PSTP. Experts from the Poznań Science and Technology Park made ​​every effort to select the most innovative companies to join the Incubators Team. This fact is confirmed by this year’s award granted by the Association of Organisers of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centers in Poland in recognition of achievements in the incubation of innovative companies in 2014.

Currently, the Incubators Team is composed of 25 companies from high-tech industry. With its support, the companies are rapidly growing, as evidenced by awards (including Poznań Enterprise Leader for Future Synthesis and Airoptic, and the first place in the national competition Innofirmy Parkowe Orły).

The Incubators Team will soon offer a range of new services. Further development of the Incubators Team provides for the establishment of specialised labs: biotechnological, bioremediational, biomonitoring and photovoltaic. It is also envisaged to set up a laboratory for optimization of chemical processes and high pressure lab - CO2 supercritical subcritical.

The PSTP with its Complex of High Technology Incubator offers comprehensive solutions to companies building their strong ties to academia. The most important in building the Poznań science, technology and innovation cluster is to bring together its players. This is what the PSTP does. The PSTP helps companies reach out to science by providing technology transfer tools, such as direct meetings, technology scouting, technology audits and so forth.

The companies as well as the academic institutions may – thanks to the PSTP international ties – reach out to foreign markets and international scientists. Such a revolutionary approach guarantees synergy and builds the science park’s position as one of a kind supporter of economic growth based on research outcome.

The PSTP also promotes a unique model of support for academia in delivering their research outcomes to the economy. As a regional unit, the Park provides advisory services as well as some funding for technology prototyping and adjusting the research outcomes to the market needs. By matching academic institutions, and more specifically – research teams working on certain solutions – with market players, the PSTP makes the technology transfer real.

Again, the Park builds the cluster of innovation

and technology by cross matching teams from various academic institutions and enterprises.

Regional Cluster of Advanced Technologies – expand the innovation network The Park is located several kilometres away from the Adam Mickiewicz University campus in the city’s district of Morasko which is called the Poznań Science District and where the WCAT is located. The proximity is very important for the transfer of technologies to innovative businesses based in the Park. This showcase institutional solution to the relationship between invention and innovation offers a great chance for keeping in Poznań, and in Poland, the most talented and skilled young people who pursue their ambitions in science and high-tech business.

The integrated approach is consistent with the close cooperation paradigm which has existed for a long time now and which is rooted in the concept of creation of a competitive pole of development which takes the form of the regional Cluster of Advanced Technologies.

The whole clustering system proves its comprehensiveness and care towards its stakeholders; including tenants, academic institutions, business support institutions, local government and others. By providing such vast services and potential of the Poznań Model of Science Technology and Innovation Clustering with its cluster system plays a very important role in economic development of the region but also serves as one of the strongest scientific centres in the country; delivering high level transformation via innovation, inventions, investments and jobs to the community and society.

The services offered by the cluster for advanced technology are based on the cuttingedge research facilities and capabilities of the Wielkopolska Centre for Advanced Technologies, since the main purpose it seeks is to build an integrated platform that conducts advanced joint projects with industry. The cluster activities are concentrated on drawing up development strategies for key sectors of the European economy and future advanced technologies.

Cluster, together with its services focused on fields such as advanced materials, nanotechnology, industrial biotechnology, micro-and nanoelectronics, photonics and advances manufacturing and processing technologies also provide a strong base for innovative European industry.

Cluster activity also supports the development of new technologies, science-business cooperation and promotes innovation.

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Science

We train professionals for the Polish economy

Prof. Alojzy Szymański, PhD hab., Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences (WULS-SGGW), talks to “Polish Market”.

SGGW has a long-standing academic tradition. How has your university changed over all these years?

The Warsaw University of Life Sciences is the oldest Polish higher education institution dealing with life sciences. It dates back to 1816, when the Institute of Agronomy was set up in Warsaw’s Marymont District. In 2016 it will be 200 years from the time when the Institute of Agronomy started teaching agricultural subjects on two levels – higher, intended for future economists and administrators, as well as landowners’ sons; and elementary, for future qualified workers. The Institute of Agronomy in Marymont was established as one of Staszic’s higher schools and it owed its existence to the intensive activities of the Polish landowners’ communities.

At that time agricultural teaching in Europe was in its infancy. The Institute of Agronomy in Marymont was the fourth such school on the continent. The beginnings were rather modest, but constituted an extraordinary pm

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seed that inspired the minds and souls of people for dozens of years and allowed scientific thought and Polish agricultural teaching to flourish despite the partitions of Polish. In the 19th and 20th Century it grew into further institutions and forms of agricultural teaching which were eventually combined to create the Warsaw University of Life Sciences. The institute that from 1816 to 1830 taught as few as 122 people turned into a university, which in 1918 had 460 students, in 1939 – 1400 and currently teaches 27,000 undergraduate and PhD students.

Professor, the rankings and popularity surveys show that SGGW is one of the bestrecognised brands on our difficult market in education and science. What contributed to the success of your university?

The SGGW we know today is the result of hard work, enthusiasm and wisdom of thousands of our employees and 140 thousand of our graduates. The success and recognition pm

we enjoy has many fathers: high quality of teaching, professional staff, globally-known and recognised diploma. Another important factor is the great inner motivation of students and the opportunities we provide for self-fulfilment through scientific circles, dance and musical ensembles and sports activities. We help our students to shape their own abilities to become well-educated professionals.

SGGW has 35 majors and 27 thousand students. One can obtain the title of Engineer, or BSc. For graduates we provide number of postgraduate studies, which include also MSc and PhD studies. For many years now, SGGW has been ranked as one of the top Polish higher-education institutions. Year after year, it has received the title of “The most innovative and creative university in Poland in terms of creating employment opportunities”, the certificate “A good university, a good job” and ”A student-friendly university”. I should mention that, according to data from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education, SGGW

Science

has been continually chosen as one of the topranked schools by secondary school graduates. It’s also worth noting that our graduates never regret the choice they have made. The

“Our results show that we’re heading in the right direction. We’re investing in the future, our students and scientific research.” vast majority of them declare after graduation they would have made the same choice, both as to the university and the major. The popularity of SGGW has resulted from both the excellent venue for studying and the extensive educational package, which we continuously strive to adjust to the current demands of the labour market and the interests of young people. Another contributing factor is the student-friendly atmosphere which we have managed to create at SGGW, where each and every student can expect understanding and support from the teaching and administrative staff. Our results show that we’re heading in the right direction. We’re investing in the future, our students and scientific research.

What makes your university of life sciences an innovative scientific unit that cooperates with the economy?

It is one of our main priorities. SGGW is a university of applied sciences. Advanced research wouldn’t have been possible without good laboratories and high-quality equipment. That is why we have focussed our efforts on building advanced labs at each faculty. In order to do this, we have made effective use of structural funds from central programmes, as well as from the Regional Operational Programme of the Mazowieckie Province and the EU framework programmes. During my sixyear tenure as the Rector of SGGW I have dedicated a lot of energy to creating new research teams, opening new laboratories, establishing new PhD studies in specific fields of research, but also to providing such a direction for scientific research to be able to leverage its pm

results in practical solutions used in the economy. The development of research groups and laboratories is important, as it supports the transfer of research results into the economy.

One such decision was the establishment of the SGGW Centre for Innovation and Technology Transfer, which supervises and coordinates the activities of faculties in terms of the university’s cooperation with business units. We cooperate with businesses from the food technology, environment, civil and environmental engineering, forestry, animal sciences, veterinary, biotechnology, horticulture, finance, accounting and economics sectors. We also establish clusters with banks and food-production facilities.

Do innovation and cooperation with the economy present an additional opportunity for SGGW graduates to find a better job?

Yes. The transfer of research results to the economy is essential for innovation. The new solutions created by SGGW are utilised by the cooperating external entities, contributing to the modernisation of industry and agriculture. We also receive feedback on how we should teach our students so that they can do better on the labour market. Suggestions from the world of practical applications represented by businesses are extremely valuable in preparing curricula. It is the same businesses that usually employ our students and they have specific expectations as to their desired skills. The university is constantly adjusting its curricula by introducing new formats, levels and specialisations. We add majors that were previously thought of as unrelated to agriculture. We do our best to improve the chances of our graduates to find a job aligned with their qualifications. The necessity to constantly modify curricula, also at the university level, is a sign of the times.

They must reflect the unprecedented pace of changes in living conditions and the evershifting requirements that the labour market imposes on students. The curricula are adjusted also due to the rising expectations of students who are aware of the fact that the more extensive their education, the better adapted they are to the labour market and the better use they will be able to make of the appearing competence niches, becoming attractive candidates for employers. Our goal is to prepare our students for a future career, also as young entrepreneurs who confidently take up new initiatives, creating new jobs, not just for themselves, but also for others.

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Prof. Alojzy Szymański, PhD hab., Rector of the Warsaw University of Life Sciences Prof. Alojzy Szymański graduated from the Faculty of Land Reclamation of SGGW (currently the Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering). He obtained a PhD in Technical Sciences in December 1982 and habilitation (a postdoctoral degree) in civil engineering at the Faculty of Hydrotechnics of the Gdańsk University of Technology in 1992.

The title of Professor of Technical Sciences was conferred upon him in 2004. In 1994, he was employed as Associate Professor and in 2006 as full Professor in the Department of Geoengineering of SGGW. In 20022008 he was the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Environmental sciences of SGGW, and in 2002-2008 he was the Vice-Rector for Development of SGGW. He has held the post of Rector of SGGW since 2008. He is the President of the Conference of Rectors of Life Sciences Universities and a member of the Presidium of the Conference of Rectors of Academic Schools in Poland, as well as a member of the Presidium of the Conference of Warsaw Universities.

Since 24 June 2014, he has been the President of the Polish Committee on Geotechnics.

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Science

I believe that only innovation-based economies can succeed internationally Assoc. Prof. Michał Szota, President of the Association of Polish Inventors and Rationalisers (SPWiR), talks to Marcin Haber

What is the most active age group among Polish inventors? Are these mainly Ph.D. students and researchers?

Indeed, research academics and Ph.D. students are the most active. Another important group comprises students of lower-secondary and upper-secondary (also technical) schools, and also university students. Together with the Polish Federation of Engineering Associations (FSNT-NOT), the SPWiR has for years been organising the “Young Innovator” competition for elementary-school pupils. It is a kind of grassroots education. It often redefines the way young people perceive the world and inspires them to think technologically. This way, they get the bug for innovation, which in adult life makes them a bit more perceptive than others. On top of this, we teach them how to protect their innovations and make money from them. Innovation can be a way of life. Our Association has 70-80-year-old members who have built their professional careers on innovation. I also know people who invented some very interesting solutions but did nothing to get them out there, as they were too afraid of unfair competition and fraud. Both the young and the more experienced innovators should learn how to protect their intellectual property and make money from it.

other innovators. Last year alone, we presented around 1,000 solutions, 450 of which received awards at international inventions and innovative solutions fairs. These awards are not given for nothing. In principle, international juries look at each solution very thoroughly in terms of its applicability, patent protection, whether and where it can be implemented, and also whether its impact is regional, continental or global.

Can you name any inventions we can be particularly proud of? What is our main innovative export product?

Oh, we are talking about a range of different fields. One could obviously mention graphene, but we should not forget about

The Association of Polish Inventors and Rationalisers is celebrating its 25th anniversary. How would you sum up this period?

It was 25 years of hard work, relentless promotion and support for Polish inventors. Also, we did a lot of education work

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Is business attracted to Polish inventions?

There are ups and downs. Poles seem to have the vice of very poor self-esteem. Our foreign partners are far more appreciative of our achievements. What is most important here, I think, is to get the invention implemented. Only then will the whole innovation effort make any sense. Also, it is important for us that it is implemented in Poland. I believe that only innovation-based economies can succeed internationally. As risky as it is, it might be a good idea to unlock some statebudget funds to finance the development of science, infrastructure, regions and industry. So we should work out how to reduce the risk in practice and stimulate the growth of SMEs to make them internationally competitive. This investment might in the future result in a recognisable Polish brand. pm

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by organising with the Patent Office various congresses and seminars for young people on patent protection. We are celebrating this anniversary together with the 25th anniversary of independent Poland. Established the same year communism fell, for a quarter of a century the SPWiR has inspired and developed innovation in Poland, created a good image for our country internationally, promoted Polish inventors, helped protect the property rights of inventors and rationalisers, and facilitated the implementation of innovations and inventions. Main celebrations related to the 25th anniversary of the SPWiR will take place during the 7th International Warsaw Invention Show 2014, to be held on 14-16 October in the Main Building of the Warsaw University of Technology. Anyone interested can participate free of charge - we will be pleased to have you join us. In 2014, President Bronisław Komorowski will again officially support our show and I hope we will have the honour to have him during the Opening Ceremony on 14 October.

What is your assessment of the current state of Polish science?

Polish science is now very competitive in the world. We are leaders in some areas. 25 years of hard work have been very productive. During this period, we have transformed our economy and sciences. With the dawn of market economy in Poland, our Association redefined its focus. Just as the economic environment changed, so did the funding of science. There are some great opportunities • for us to grasp. pm

THE UNIVERSITY OF RZESZÓW

The Largest Nanotechnology Centre in Southeastern Poland The University of Rzeszów launches an innovative Microelectronics and Nanotechnology Centre with facilities for: - Molecular Beam Epitaxy, - Electron Microscopy & Sample Preparation, - Nanolithography, - Characterizations by Optical and Magneto-transport measurements.

A new building of the Center for Microelectronics & Nanotechnology (CM&NUR) with 6 000 m2 of usable area has been constructed.

The CM&NUR is accomplishing research projects concerning growth, characterization and application of nanostructures based on III-V and II-VI semiconductors materials as well as education of students in the area of Nanotechnology.

The characterization of these objects will include techniques such as: - electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), - time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), - Raman spectroscopy integrated with AFM (Nano-Raman), - XRD, - EPR, - micro-luminescence at low temperatures - magneto-transport phenomena at super-low temperatures and high magnetic fields.

The 200 m2 of clean room for MBE technology, nanopatterning and nanolithography are available. Photolithography and electron lithography for the production of integrated circuits and element of quantum circuits has been implemented.

The main aim of CM&NUR is the education and preparing specialists in the area of innovative technologies. Students can learn how to conduct production and investigation of nano-devices and nanostructured materials in specially organized and equipped laboratories. These technologies are an important application in the aircraft industry and the course programs are consulted with specialists of the aircraft factory WSK-PZL Rzeszow. Part of the lectures are provided by these specialists using productive facilities of the factory. The CM&NUR is innovative centre and provides innovative methods of education.

www.ur.edu.pl

Science

Collegium Civitas more than a college Prof. Stanisław Mocek, Rector of Collegium Civitas, talks to Marcin Haber.

How do you evaluate the last 25 years in Polish science? Can you see progress, or perhaps science has always been at a high level in Poland?

You can look at this phenomenon from different angles. To start with, it is somewhat forgotten that when we were entering this pathway in 1989, two important processes coincided in the Central and Eastern European region, including Poland. One of them was our process of democratisation, political, economic, and social transformation, and the other was the changes taking place in the world. On the one hand, the transformation was underlain by the desire to catch up with the world, make up for the time lost due to being part of another political and economic system. But this phenomenon was accompanied by certain trends going on in the world, commonly referred to as globalisation.

The latter is reinforced by rapid and extensive technological changes, computerisation of all aspects of life, digitisation and mediatisation. Sometimes it is neglected that both these processes were taking place in parallel, resulting in an unprecedented transformation of reality. It is especially true that they coincided with the advent and implementation of the latest technologies - that is when Internet revolutionised the world. Changes in science were part of a multi-faceted and complex modernisation plan, but - especially in the 1990s - they were more focused on bridging gaps separating us from the world’s most developed countries than on working out our own indigenous solutions. That said, the situation was totally different in the area of h ​​ igher education. pm

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And what are now the most popular curricula at Collegium Civitas?

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First of all, international relations, journalism and new media, with very many specialisations, both in Polish and in English.

In the beginning, the college was focused mainly on sociology. Is it still so popular?

It is a paradox. We were the first non-public college to educate sociologists and we may be the last one, offering a major in sociology. At one point, each non-public university taught sociology, whereas now it is more and more difficult to find such a school. Collegium Civitas emerged from the Institute of Political Studies (ISP) of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN); it is our “home” institute. Its previous rectors: Prof. Jadwiga Koralewicz and Prof. Edmund Wnuk-Lipiński also worked full time at both institutions.

Years of relationship with the ISP - but also with four other PAN institutes: Philosophy and Sociology, Art, History, Slavic Studies - guaranteed high education quality. Owing to these ties, we are renowned in the field of political science and international relations.

The first league of eminent specialists in contemporary history teach classes at Collegium Civitas: Prof. Andrzej Paczkowski, Prof.

Andrzej Friszke, Prof. Wojciech Roszkowski, Prof. Dariusz Stola, Prof. Paweł Machcewicz.

Of course, we have developed other curricula and specialisations that distinguish us among others: diplomacy, security and analysis of information, social research with employers, digital communication and coaching. pm

pm

How is it that, in spite of many difficulties that you have just mentioned and tough competition on the market of non-public education, Collegium Civitas has for many years been in a leading position in the rankings?

There are a few factors behind the success. In my opinion, the most important are three of them. Firstly, our vision of a university not oriented at mass education. Many colleges did the opposite and they now mostly suffer from the effects of a demographic slump. For our part, we resisted, for various reasons, that temptation and, thanks to it, I think we managed to maintain the high quality of education. Secondly – internationalisation. The latest ranking by the “Perspektywy” portal puts Collegium Civitas in 4th place in this respect among all Polish universities, both public and private. Thirdly, an element I should probably start with, it is our mission and our idea. We have a promotional slogan that reads: “More than studying.”

For the entire Collegium, it could be formulated similarly: “More than a university.” We offer not only good education at various levels: undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, doctoral, but also values that stem from our name - Civitas - and are not in vogue today, because being a citizen is for younger generations something not fully understood. We try to explain it all the time by developing various activities, which go beyond teaching itself: we pursued European projects intended as they were available in the post-accession period; we are also developing R&D activities. Last year, we had a parametric assessment with A grade, which is an excellent result. I would also like to stress the development of lifelong learning, programmes designed for employers, innovative teaching methods and skills desired by companies operating in market conditions and helping face up to present-day challenges.

•

Finance

Pension systems a challenge for the future

Elżbieta Mączyńska, Professor of Economics, Warsaw School of Economics, Institute of Economics of the Polish Academy of Sciences, President of the Polish Economic Society.

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his year’s “silver jubilee” i.e., the 25th anniversary of the transformation of the Polish economy from a centrally-planned towards a freemarket one, provides an opportunity to take stock of unquestionable successes it gave rise to. Progress that has been made in Poland is visible to the naked eye. This is also confirmed by statistics. Poland is ranked increasingly high in the Human Development Report, a compilation based on the Human Development Index (HDI), published by the United Nations Development Programme. In the latest ranking, it is 39th among highly developed countries. Moreover, Poland occupies the 13th place in the world and 5th one in Europe in terms of investment attractiveness, and is the only country of Central and Eastern Europe to hold such a high position.

Despite these successes, there are still serious problems to be solved in many areas of economic and social life. One of such critical issues is pension schemes. Many other countries, even more developed, are facing the very same challenge. While these difficulties are primarily due to demography (aging population), they are also largely systemic in nature. The reason behind them is irregularities in the pension policy that manifest themselves in inadequacy of pension systems vis-à-vis new civilisational challenges i.e., rapid changes in the demographic and economic situation in the world. The civilisational progress, especially in medicine and health care, results in one of the most important social achievements i.e., human life extension. This, in turn, points to a fundamental importance of the pension policy and pension systems optimisation.

These issues are the subject of “Pension Reform. A Short Guide”, a book by Nicholas Barr and Peter Diamond, published in Polish

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by the Polish Economic Society. Its authors are world-class economists. Peter Diamond was awarded the Alfred Nobel Prize in economic sciences by the Bank of Sweden in 2010. The book examines mistakes made by some countries in the selection of a pension system, including mistakes in privatisation concepts recommended by the World Bank.

The importance of the issue can hardly be overestimated. It has a special meaning also (and perhaps even mostly) in Poland, especially that pension regulations have constitutional grounding. According to Art. 67 of the Polish Constitution, “A citizen has the right to social security in the event of inability to work due to illness or disability, and after reaching the retirement age.” The Polish pension system (characterised in the book along with the systems existing in other countries) is mixed, public-private or solidarity-capital, and it replaced the previous redistributionbased state scheme. It comprises two mandatory pillars: the first pillar (redistribution) - based on the Social Security Fund that is managed by the state-owned Social Insurance Institution (ZUS), and the second pillar (capital) - based on private open pension funds (OFE). The system also provides for the third pillar, which is voluntary and based on the individual additional insurance and allows for tax credits. This system was implemented in Poland in 1999 in the framework of the pension privatisation process recommended by the World Bank.

Over more than 14 years of the mixed scheme being in force in Poland, its various weaknesses have come to light. Some major changes have been introduced earlier in 2014 in order to eliminate them. One of them is voluntary participation in the capitalbased pillar – OFE are no longer mandatory.

Since April 2014, future pensioners are able

to independently decide whether to transfer part of their contributions to OFE or to rely solely on ZUS. These changes continue to arouse much controversy and doubts. Analyses by Baar and Diamond can help solve them.

The authors came to the conclusion that a mandatory, capital-based pillar does not sort out demographic problems or problems related to public debt. They argue that “by choosing the pension system, individual countries should not introduce a system that exceeds their administrative and financial capacities”.

Neither should they open individual pension accounts (mandatory or considered as an acceptable option in the compulsory insurance system) until they reach the ability to settle investments made by pension funds, to control assets and ensure problem-free pension payments.

Interestingly, referring to the third pillar, the authors of the book claim that voluntary individual retirement savings’ plans in poor countries should not benefit from tax brakes, since state budget revenues are already very limited. What is important is to offer a simple and reliable form of making voluntary savings.

The book’s content is fully supported by Oxford’s Nicholas Stern who finds that “it is the most important piece of literature on pensions policy.” Stern’s statement that “we are very fortunate to have this book in our hands in these times” fully applies to its Polish edition.

Analyses formulated by Diamond and Baar correspond closely with those made by Michel Orenstein in his book “Privatizing Pensions: The Transnational Campaign for Social Security Reform”, whose Polish version was also published by the Polish Economic Society. •

POLISH ECONOMIC

SOCIETY Nicholas Barr, Peter Diamond

PENSION REFORM: A SHORT GUIDE

The book should be a mandatory reading for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge about the nature and forms of pension systems and their transformations. This publication should in the first place attract attention of MPs, social and economic policymakers at central and local levels. It is a very useful reading for practitioners, experts, including economists, lawyers, sociologists, demographers, economic historians and students of these disciplines. This book should be of interest to all those who care about securing a dignified life for retirees, but also the welfare of the country and its citizens.

Elżbieta Mączyńska, Piotr Pysz

ORDOLIBERALISM AND THE SOCIAL MARKET ECONOMY IN THE FACE OF THE PRESENT-DAY CHALLENGES

Ordoliberalism a liberal economic philosophy, philosoph which is relatively rarely the subject of analysis in economic publications. In Poland, too, books devoted to it appear not often on the publishing market. This alone would justify addressing of the issue. However, there are more arguments in favour of making the Polish reader familiar with ordoliberalism and ordoliberal concept of the social market economy.

These are primarily arguments of a constitutional nature. In addition, an important argument is manifestations of disorder and disturbed balance occurring in the global economy, something that points to the importance of the concepts and theories of shaping social and economic systems. One such concept is ordoliberalism. "Ordo" in fact means order. (...) Polish Economic Society, guided by the need to popularise ordoliberal economic thought (...), offers readers a book on this subject.

Tadeusz Kowalik

TOWARDS A BETTER SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC GOVERNANCE

The Polish Economic Society offers readers a book prepared jointly with the Institute of Economic Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

This book is a selection of works by Tadeusz Kowalik, an eminent scientist, professor of economics, specialisng in the study of economics of transition, comparative economics, economic history and methodology of the humanities. Tadeusz Kowalik was born on November 19, 1926 in Kajetanówka near Lublin, and died on July 30, 2012 in Warsaw. To the end of his life, he was professionally active, working at the Institute of Economic Sciences of the Polish Academy of Sciences. He cooperated with many foreign scientific centers, including in Vienna, Geneva, Cambridge, Toronto, Stockholm, Washington DC, New York and Los Angeles. He was one of the most distinctive researchers, but also critics of the Polish model of transition and reforms implemented under the direction of Leszek Balcerowicz.

A full offer of PTE publications is available in the Societyʼs on-line bookshop: www.ksiazkiekonomiczne.pl Books can be ordered by Internet, in scientific booksellers and in the Polish Economic Societyʼs bureau at 49 Nowy Świat Str., 00-042 Warsaw, tel. (+48 22) 55 15 401, e-mail: zk@pte.pl

Finance

Poor Russia

The enormous gaps between politics and economic strength

Prof. Hermann Simon, Chairman of the consultancy Simon-Kucher & Partners (www.hermannsimon.com)

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t’s more than astounding that the economic situation of Russia has been almost completely ignored in the discussion about the Crimea. It’s understandable that during such a crisis politics are the focus, but in the long term economic strength will gain the upper hand and limit Russia’s political scope of action. Russia’s current behavior is extremely counterproductive to its future economic development.

In 2013, Russia had a gross domestic product (GDP) of USD 2.12 trillion. In contrast, the USA had a GDP of USD 16.72 trillion. In other words, Russia achieves only 12.7% of America’s economic performance. The picture doesn’t get any rosier when you compare Russia to the European Union, which generated a GDP of USD 16.21 trillion. That leaves Russia with only 12.9% of the EU’s economy. If you take the US and the EU together, Russia just generates 6.4% of their combined GDP. The per-capita GDP in Russia is USD 14,763; in the US it is USD 52,744 and in the EU it is, USD 35,054. Russia is a poor country that is in no position to compete economically with highly developed nations.

How strong is Russia in exports? Let’s take a long-term look at the ten years from 2003 to 2012. China comes out as the top exporter with USD 12.14 trillion, followed closely by Germany with USD 11.89 trillion and the US with USD 11.38 trillion. Russia exported products with a value of USD 3.43 trillion – less than 30% of each the three leading exporting nations. The structure of Russia’s exports is extremely onesided. About three-fourths of its exports are oil and gas. The remainder comes from other raw materials. If the price of oil should drop, the chances of which are not so far-fetched, Russia will be crippled very quickly.

How is Russia developing demographically? According to the official UN forecasts,

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Russia’s population will drop from currently 143 million people to 116 million in 2050. The only other large country with a stronger decrease is Japan. After the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia experienced a high influx of immigrants from former USSR countries, thus it has a high stock of immigrants. Yet the number of immigrants has dropped sharply over the past ten years to about 200,000 per year.

This level is nowhere near enough to compensate for the shrinking population. The US has more than one million immigrants per year; even Germany reported 1.08 million in 2012.

More than 2.5 million immigrants come to the EU every year.

How innovative is Russia? To assess this, we take a look at the number of European patents. Patents don’t measure everything, but they are the strongest single indicator of a country’s innovativeness. In the ten year period from 2003 to 2012, German inventors received 130,032 European patents. The number of European patents originating from the US was 134,306. Japanese inventors were awarded 108,418 European patents during this ten year period. The high numbers from the US and Japan prove that European Patents are a valid measure of global (and not only EU) patent activities. The number of European patents originating from Russia in this ten year period was 462. That’s 3 per mil of the German number of patents. And there’s no indication that the situation is improving. In 2003 and 2004, Russia registered 45 and 50 patents in each year; in 2011 and 2012 the numbers were 40 and 64 respectively.

How does Russia spend the little money it has? The defense budget is about 4.4% of the GDP. The Germans, in contrast, spend 1.4% of their GDP on defense. The US also spends 4.4% of GDP on defense. A rich country can afford to spend so much on its military; a poor

country cannot. The media has estimated that approximately USD 40 billion were invested in the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. “Invested” is, of course, a euphemism: Only a small part of this huge sum of money (roughly 2% of the Russian GDP!) will ever have an economic pay off. And the Crimea-annexation is likely to become another barrel without bottom. The newspaper “Vedomosti” estimates the annual costs at USD 2.5 billion, some commentators warn that the costs for Sochi will pale relative to the burden coming from the Crimea-annexation.

Russia is rich in raw materials. But that’s about it. To profit from these riches in the ground, Russia needs gigantic capital inflows from abroad and foreign investments. But the opposite is happening. According to Goldman Sachs the net outflow of private capital from Russia since the beginning of 2014 has already reached USD 50 billion, double the amount of the first quarter 2013.

How can a country which is economically so weak believe that it can keep up in the global technological-industrial-military race? To become an economically strong nation, Russia should to do the opposite of what it is doing now. Russia today is nowhere close to fulfilling the requirements for growth and sustainable wealth identified in the book “Why Nations Fail” (freedom, safe property rights, absence of corruption, independent justice, etc.). Instead, it keeps acting like a great power without having the economic foundation and forming alliances with the rogue regimes of the world.

What is the greater goal behind this conduct?

To anger the US and the EU? How does Russia benefit from this? Sadness befalls me for this large and beautiful country that could become wealthy and prosperous, if only it would stop playing these unproductive power games.

•

Broader horizons. Better perspective University of Warsaw: – the biggest and the finest university in Poland – almost 200 years of history – leading research & development centre – over 65 thousand students and employees – 3 campuses, 120 buildings – 20 faculties and 30 other research and didactic centres – reliable business partner www.uw.edu.pl

Law & Taxes

Compliance with legal requirements in advertising

Anna Stasiak-Apelska, Director of the Warsaw branch of Gajewski, Trawczyńska and Partners law firm

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dvertising is today a tool whose strength can hardly be overestimated. In the words of Mark Twain: “Many a small thing has been made large by the right kind of advertising.” That is why it is so important to know how to use this tool lawfully.

The Act of December 29, 1992 on radio and television stipulates that “advertising is a commercial message, coming from a public or a private entity, in connection with its economic or professional activity, aimed at promoting sale or rental use of goods or services; self-promotion is deemed advertising as well.” In other words, advertising covers all the steps and measures intended to draw attention of potential customers to a specific good or service, in order to purchase it. Advertising can take a variety of forms. Modern technologies make it possible for advertisements to be presented in multiple media in different ways.

I will try to summarily outline thematic background of the earliest forms of advertising - in the press - used till today with great

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success. This form of advertising is governed mainly by the Act on press law.

It should be noted that the press can publish paid announcements and advertisements, but it is necessary to fulfill a number of conditions. Advertisements must not be contrary to the law or the rules of social coexistence. The legislature does not specify, these limits expressly, though. In addition, one should take into account the provisions of the Act on combating unfair competition, and any restrictions imposed by specific laws such as e.g., a ban on the promotion of alcoholic beverages. It is also illegal to advertise tobacco products in magazines for children and adolescents. The legislature also imposes stringent rules on advertising medicines: advertising of prescription-only medicines in the mass media is forbidden. Polish law also prohibits advertising of gambling and betting services.

Advertising rules are also strictly laid down for members of certain professions, namely lawyers, solicitors, notaries, doctors, brokers.

It is somewhat difficult to define the concept of good manners. In practice not clear, they are regarded as moral and customary norms used in business. Attention should be paid to the private sphere of life, and to general moral principles. However, these are not precisely defined either. The form and content of advertising must not undermine the dignity of the person e.g., by exposing human poverty, suffering, humiliation, or by using religious symbols in a manner that injures religious feelings of believers. When advertising a product or a service, one should make sure that words, photographs, drawings are not offensive by expressing subjective opinions as to the race, gender, nationality, political beliefs or sexual orientation, or by treating man instrumentally, or by using vulgar or obscene language or gestures.

Moreover, announcements and advertisements should be communicated in a way so there is no doubt that they are not editorial content. A clear belief must arise in a consumer’s mind that he or she has to deal with a commercial incentive to buy a specific service or product.

Advertisements or announcements must not be misleading, because it would be an act of unfair competition insofar as it may affect the consumer’s decision as to the purchase of goods or services. Misleading advertising occurs when a claim about a product or a service is not consistent with facts. It is worth noting that misrepresentation in advertising can affect consumers’ purchasing decisions, but is also likely to hamper competition. By contrast, elements, whose purpose is solely to create positive feelings about the product, which cannot be considered either true or false, are not assessable from the perspective of misleading advertising.

Forbidden is also advertising that refers to consumers’ feelings by e.g. inspiring fear, exploiting superstitions, or children’s credulity.

This requirement means that it is prohibited to exceed fair ways of winning consumers’ trust by exerting psychological pressure on them– forcing them to make a specific purchase.

Another unacceptable form of advertising is hidden advertisement. In this case, the consumer is under the impression that it is not about advertising, but about an impartial presentation of goods or services. This is done on purpose – consumers are usually more reliant on editorial content than commercial one. Such an act of unfair competition gives the impression of neutral information, while in fact its purpose is to encourage customers to purchase certain goods or services. The legislature once again points to the need to indicate clearly that advertising conveys commercial, and not editorial content.

An advertisement must not be contrary to the policy line or the nature of the press.

Otherwise, its publication can be refused. It follows that such a refusal can occur for reasons considered discriminatory, and insertion of an advertisement or an announcement is at the sole discretion of the editor of and publisher.

Due to the text’s limited length, it only deals with the most important aspects of ad• vertising legality.

Transport

Ropczyce - nearly 40 years of tradition

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akłady Magnezytowe Ropczyce S.A. is one of the world’s most advanced manufacturers of highquality alkaline and aluminosilicate refractories. These are used as linings for furnaces and heating devices operating at high temperatures. The products made by the company are intended mainly for the steel, non-ferrous metals, lime, glass, foundry and other industries using high temperature processes.

Ropczyce, which will celebrate its 40th anniversary next year, can be proud of the products that meet the highest international quality standards. Its product portfolio includes nearly 500 basic types of products in four assortment groups, and more than 9,000 formats. It is worth noting that the production technologies have been in the vast majority developed owing to the company’s own modern R&D centre, which brings together specialised scientific and technical staff.

The Research and Development Centre cooperates on a permanent basis with technical universities, including AGH in Kraków, as well as with research institutes, such as the Institute of Ceramics and Building Materials, Refractory Materials Branch in Gliwice.

Due to cooperation with these institutions, transfer of scientific and technical ideas to the business sector is possible through joint research and development projects related to broadly defined refractory ceramics.

The result of these efforts is 27 patents in the field of construction and material solutions.

Continued work on the development of innovative production technologies is financed from the budget of the company and from EU sources under the Operational Programme Innovative Economy (POIG) and INNOTECH projects.

The company currently benefits from the cofinancing of three large investment projects under POIG, namely: a project intended to develop new structural-material solutions for the production of refractory materials; an R&D project into the use aggregates derived from domestic alternative raw materials in refractory materials; a project of the construction of an R&D centre which will ultimately employ about 50 people.

In June this year, the company completed a project aimed to develop new structural-material solutions for nozzles in the process of vacuum degassing of steel.

All the abovementioned projects are implemented in cooperation with scientific and research institutions, and are characterised by a high level of innovation.

The effects of these investments will further increase the competitiveness of the company’s products on world markets.

R&D activities in the field of innovative technologies have been the company’s priority for many years. The investment plan for 2009-2015 provides for a total expenditure of PLN 94 million, including approximately PLN 70 million that were already spent in 2009-2013. In 2014, the company plans to allocate PLN 15.8 million for investment

projects and in 2015 - PLN 8.3 million.

What is important is that, since the beginning of its existence, the company has been systematically upgraded in order to better adapt to the requirements of customers. The result of these efforts is a high degree of mechanisation and automation of various production processes. A fully modernised and automated manufacturing system ensures the high quality of parameters.

At the same time, the modern production equipment (e.g. hydraulic pressures of up to 2500 tons, driers, high temperature tunnel kilns), guarantees great flexibility and allows to offer a very broad range of products, tailored to the individual needs of customers.

In the past years, despite increasing competition from foreign manufacturers of refractory materials, the company has not only kept pace with the global technological trends, but has also set them. It namely boasts a high rate of innovation, which in 2008-2013 was at 16.9%. The modernity of approach is further evidenced by numerous awards the company is systematically granted at international fairs and exhibitions.

The company currently supplies its products to over 40 countries on almost all continents, and exports represent more than 50% of its revenues.

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Please visit the company’s website www.ropczyce.com.pl July 2014 polish market

31

Transport

We are on track Prof. Janusz Dyduch, Chairman of the Transport Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) and Chairman of the Polish Association of Engineers and Technicians, talks to Marcin Haber.

What was Polish infrastructure and transport like immediately after the 1989 transition?

As I look back to the days when we started the modernisation of the transport infrastructure, I must say that one of the most difficult segments of the economy was transport.

For example, production can quite quickly be fitted in with a new system, and some other sectors likewise. The rate of return on capital invested in these sectors is quite high and fast.

Unfortunately, in infrastructure, it takes a lot of time and projects drag on for years. Plans cannot be realised from year to year; they are often scheduled for decades.

Road infrastructure in 1989 was absolutely devastated. The automotive industry was at a low ebb too, making us a pariah of Europe.

The situation was similar, though perhaps slightly better, with the railway infrastructure, which had to meet certain standards for the western rolling stock to be able to use it.

So we had to maintain a certain level of quality on the main railway tacks. It was much worse with our rolling stock, which was very pm

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outdated. Another issue was aviation. Airports were scarce and aircraft were Soviet productions: they were technologically backward, gas guzzlers, loud and not very safe in exploitation. One of the transport sectors, which then looked good was ports and maritime shipping.

In this category, we did not really stand out from the rest of Europe. There was even talk that we are a maritime power in terms of shipping and fisheries. Finally – pipelines. At that time, the system was primarily based on the Friendship pipeline by which the Soviet Union supplied Poland with fuel. To sum up, the starting point was really bad.

Moving on to the present-day situation, namely to see how far we have gone over these 25 years, we can safely say that we have quite good road infrastructure: 1,600 km of motorways and 1,500 km of expressways. The management system is also totally different. Some roads fall within the competence of local governments that benefit from EU funding. A significant improvement, I would even say breakthrough, can be seen here, but it costs a lot of effort. The automotive sector also looks good

Transport compared to other European countries. Poland manufactures many automotive parts and accessories like, engines, suspensions, etc., as well as a range of cars. The market is very dependent on the economic situation, but we are in line with Europe in terms of production technology and methods of operation. The rail transport has seen a definite improvement, too. Perhaps it is not so perceptible, since the railway infrastructure is a bit hidden, it is not so easy to assess as roads on which we drive every day. You can get to most of the big cities like Poznań, Wrocław, Katowice, Kraków at a speed of up to 160 km/h. That is the direction of major investment projects and road infrastructure is improving by leaps and bounds.

A huge change is noticeable in rail-related production: PESA, Newag, Tracktec are the companies at the highest European level. A large part of their products are exported. On the Polish market, there are also foreign companies such as Bombardier, Siemens, Scheidt & Bachmann, and many others. So you can see a neat progress here, too.

In aviation, significant improvement can be seen too. We have good airports, some even argue that overinvested, but in my opinion it is a good investment for the future. In terms of technology, we represent the highest level.

Quality and safety of our aircraft is guaranteed, and there is no doubt about it. The problem is, in my opinion, in maritime transport.

Shipbuilding, something that was initially an example of a good management, suffered a huge crisis as a result of economic transformations and demise of its principal contractor – the Soviet Union. Their competitiveness was too weak and shipyards died an economic death. Maritime shipping and fish processing were affected too. There is a lot to be done in this area.

There has been a breakthrough in pipeline transport. The construction of the LNG terminal in Świnoujście, the construction and development of the gas transmission network carried out by Gaz-System are at the highest European level. It is perhaps not very perceptible, but we are today very secure in respect of gas supply. Problems facing Ukraine do not concern us. There is no risk that Poland will run out of gas if Russia, the main supplier, dislikes us.

What was the turning point after the transformation period? Were these changes visible immediately after Poland had regained independence, or perhaps not until Poland joined the European Union and obtained funds for infrastructure development?

In the ​​road sector, there was some technical and technological backwardness. It was pm

slightly different in the railway sector because foreign trains used our tracks and we had to be more responsive to cooperation. Investing in road infrastructure is not easy. With the inflow of EU funds, after a few years of minor technological and organisational obstacles, resulting from the need to prepare projects and identify relevant contractors, we have managed to get the process started. As we all know, a few problems appeared in the construction of motorways, and in the meantime, the economic crisis set in. The process, however, was going on quite well, owing to the fact that it was based on a thoughtful division between national and local roads. The situation was worse in the railway sector because, even though it initially had much better technology and maintenance facilities, it was all ruined due to insufficient investment.

Today, one of its biggest problems, is to recreate the absorption potential so that railways are able to overcome the transitional problems in absorbing funds for development and infrastructure.

Is the expansion of road and rail infrastructure a chance to improve the condition of Polish ports?

It surely is. Maritime transport is linked with what is called combined transport. It is about the transportation of containers for which ramps are needed. Combined with a developed road transport, it does open up possibilities of an efficient use of maritime transport, which is one of the cheapest modes of transport. pm

And how does Poland position itself in comparison to other European countries in terms of technological solutions in infrastructure?

It is an interesting situation. We have never really been backward as regards Intelligent Transport Systems, which determine the quality of road, air or rail transport. Control and safety systems were at a good European level, owing to systemic cooperation. These technologies were not capital-intensive, and therefore easy to develop. Many foreign companies ventured into the Polish market, including Bombardier, Siemens, Scheidt & Bachmann, and many others, and they brought with them latest technologies. Thus, Intelligent Transport Systems are at European level, I would even say that we have the strongest intellectual potential in the field of transport in Europe. I take full responsibility for what I am saying as Chairman of the Transport Committee of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Our scientific and research expertise is very strong and ranks high in Europe. We begin to use it pm

and implement many programmes. We are running a number of activities, together with the National Centre for Research and Development, which are designed to introduce innovative solutions to rail transport. The future lies in high-speed railways. If we do not have it, we will lose distance to Europe.

How much do you think we need to do to catch up with the most developed countries of Europe?

When it comes to high-speed rail, We need it, as I said, to ensure progress, technological development and economic growth. There is no dilemma whether to build a fast rail or upgrade the existing network up to 140 km/h.

Modernisation needs to be done, which does not mean that high-speed rail is unnecessary. If we had only shoed horses, we would have never had cars. Horses are still shoed so they win races, but cars represent a completely different technology without which transport could not develop. The same is true for railways. Conventional lines must be safe, at a good maintenance level, but transport must be developed and high-speed rail make for development. This is inevitable, and I hope that in the new EU financial perspective we will move further into this direction because it is good for the railways and we have good facilities: Newag or Pesa produce first-class trains that match the best global standards. pm

So you are saying that regardless of the standard railways, an additional line for high-speed trains should be built?

A train that runs at above 250 km/h must have a separate track, and a concept of the Warsaw-Łódź-Wrocław-Poznań line has been defined and we have basically begun to implement it as part of a connection to Germany and beyond. After all, Russia, too, has rail lines with a top speed of over 250 km/h. We cannot be alone in Europe without high-speed trains. Standard trains and the slightly faster ones can run on existing tracks. pm

How many years will it take us to catch up with the West?

The answer differs depending on the situation. I think that in aviation we are already at the highest level. It is just a matter of scale because airports, aircraft and all the infrastructure are really top. In road transport, we are slowly catching up with the European Union, with motorways and expressways being built and local roads in quite a good condition.

There are some delays in railways, but we just need to revert to pre-prepared guidelines, so • there should be no problem. pm

July 2014 polish market

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Transport

Bainite for future turnouts The Kolejowe Zakłady Nawierzchniowe “Bieżanów” (KZN “Bieżanów”, eng. Railway Surface Company) is consistently developing its R&D programme into bainitic cast steel.

The innovative material used in turnouts will help extend their usability and facilitate their maintenance.

T

he project associated with the use of bainite in turnouts started in KZN Bieżanów three years ago. Thanks to EU funds dedicated to innovative solutions and cooperation with Kraków’s technical universities and the Railway Institute a frog has already been produced, fitted and tested. It has a stem made ​​ of steel with a bainitic structure, directly welded to bow rails made ​​of standard rail steel. The same steel was used for wing rails.

The tests confirmed the main advantages of bainite: high durability, wear and tear resistance (particularly noticeable over a longer period of use), the so-called self-service ability of rolling surfaces (which makes periodic grinding of rallies unnecessary), easy welding and surfacing.

“The results of field tests have proven to be surprisingly good, namely with a very positive operational feedback, so now we are planning the next stage of the research and implementation,” says Jacek Paś, Director for Development and Trade at KZN Bieżanów.

This time, bainite elements are to be fitted in turnouts located in the Kraków branch of PKP

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PLK. Here, speeds and loads are much higher, and designers from KZN are convinced that in more difficult conditions a new type of turnouts steel will show an even greater advantage over the materials used previously.

The company puts high hopes in its bainitic project. Thus, in addition to ongoing R&D activities, it is preparing for mass production of turnouts fitted with bainitic elements. That is why, at the end of last year, the company launched a new, digitally controlled, gantrytype machining centre. “The new machine has substantially increased our production capacity, allowing faster and more accurate performance of the key turnouts elements,” says Jacek Paś. “Thanks to it, and after testing and certification of bainitic cast, we will be able to produce versatile turnouts, extremely durable, and therefore cheap in maintenance.

Importantly, these products will be equipped with a set of turnouts accessories, which will result in breaking some European and Polish monopolies and will benefit customers,” adds Jacek Paś.

•

A mere decade ago, KZN Bieżanów was standing at the crossroads, and one false move could mean the loss of what it has achieved over 70 years. But the management and staff pushed the company back on track, making it to the top of the surface industry. The right decision was to base the company’s success on KZN Bieżanów Group, a project aimed at building a structure that offers comprehensive rail investment and maintenance services, as well as widespread operational support. KZN Bieżanów, the Group’s leader, manufactures key elements of turnouts, accessories and whole track systems and steel bridge structures; KZN Rail is responsible for surface investments; Sleeper Treatment Plant in Czeremcha is a manufacturer of wooden sleepers; Trade-Port distributes materials needed for the construction and maintenance of rail surface; KZN Bieżanów & Talegria is a Polish-Spanish entity specialising in manufacturing turnouts for high-speed rail; Vistula Rail Operator services railway sidings and handles freight; and GuW Gleis- und Weichentechnik GmbH supplies surface materials onto the German market.

Transport

July 2014  polish market

35

Transport

Dachser -

one of the world’s leading logistics providers Grzegorz Lichocik, Managing Director of Dachser Poland, talks to “Polish Market”.

What is Dachser’s field of activity and what is your business philosophy?

Dachser is one of the world’s leading logistics providers. It has 471 branches in 42 countries and operates supply chains of the largest multinationals. The company was founded in 1930 in Germany by Thomas Dachser, and until now, it has the status of a family business - the Management Board is composed of the founder’s descendants. The fact that the company is a family business is visible in a specific approach to staff and strategy.

Any important decisions, acquisitions, or investments are made after thorough analysis, without undue risk and with the utmost attention for the sake of employees.

Dachser is known for implementing very innovative solutions in the logistics sector: it is the first to have introduced barcodes for shipments, swap bodies and has developed its own system to manage logistics. By integrating the Transport Management System (TMS) and Warehouse Management System (WMS), shipments we serve have one number from origin to destination, which is not very common among our competitors. These systems generate specific data that we analyze and draw appropriate conclusions in order to optimize and automate processes so that they pm

36 polish market

proceed efficiently and safely. Our customers expect from us more and more, and we meet these expectations. Knowing what our customers appreciate most, we have based our success on experience, quality and innovation, and I can say that these are the core segments of our activity.

Dachser has operated in Poland since 2007, has 8 branches and employs nearly 300 people. Our activity in Poland has been expanding from year to year, reaching a double-digit growth. There is no doubt that the success is due to our service quality, which attracts customers and makes them stay with us for many years, and to a professional team, which we were able to build in Dachser. The company is expanding dynamically, we are getting recognized world -wide and more and more people would like to work with us. We keep on going.

You have received prestigious awards of the Polish Logistics Association. One of them was regarding Supply Pipeline for Dachser DIY-Logistics. Is it now your flagship service?

Dachser DIY-Logistics has been available in Poland for 3 years. This service represents 2 million shipments delivered every year in pm

“We are a kind of ‘window’ for the international distribution of Polish suppliers’ products in chain stores.”

18 thousand stores in Europe. The uniqueness of Dachser DIY-Logistics lies in the fact that the products are not only delivered on the ramp, but onto he shelves. For processes to be smoothly integrated at each stage, we have developed the Supply Pipeline implementation model, which has recently received

Transport an award from the Polish Logistics Association, optimizing the supply chain. Its main aim is to combine the two services - deliveries to stores and merchandising in stores to enhance sales effectiveness. Our employees are familiar with both aspects of the service, so we were able to combine them smoothly.

Polish companies are intensively and effectively conquering new markets in Europe and one of their largest business partners are DIY stores. We create this very opportunity for them -an option to check what happens to their products on the shelves, and this is possible using Dachser DIY-Logistics.

Our system, developed over the years in other countries, allows to avoid additional cargo handling and shortens delivery time. We also use economies of scale to reduce costs.

We have our own time slots with stores, and work with a consulting firm, specializing in introducing new brands and products to the DIY chain. We are a kind of “window” for the international distribution of Polish suppliers’ products in chain stores.

The second award was granted for your internship programme. What is innovative about this programme, what is its purpose, and, above all, why does it last two years?

During the previous recruitment process it became clear to us that most of the higher degree graduates which MA and BA are not prepared for work in logistics, due to the discrepancies between market needs and education profiles. The ideal future employee for each employer is the one who is 100% ready to work in a given position before finishing education. The company does not have to spend several weeks training and preparing inexperienced staff to the new role. That is why we have decided to organize our own internship programme, in which we employ for two years young people, mostly logisticprofiled university graduates. The main objective is to educate on our own staff tailored to our needs. Trainees spend a few months rotating between different areas of the company in order to get familiar with processes, but also to decide what they would prefer to do in the future. Currently, the second edition of the programme is about to finish, we are in the middle of the third one and are recruiting young people for the fourth one. If I were to assess the benefits we have gained, I would say they are very rewarding – interns want to work with us, and we have gained valuable employees.

The internship program is our own project, therefore we were all the more pleased with the distinction from the Polish Logistics Association. It also points to the fact that the problem with educating logistics staff pm

is apparent. We hope that other companies will follow our example, and unemployment among graduates will be reduced.

The internship programme is not our only initiative aimed at young people. Recently, we have launched, together with the Poznań School of Logistics (WSL), our long-standing partner, a new 3-year academic programme in a dual system. It is the first major in logistics based on a dual system in Poland. Our goal was to combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience. Each of the semesters will be divided into nine weeks of classes and nine weeks of practice at one of Dachser’s sites.

During this programme, we will take under our wings twelve students. Graduates will not only have a bachelor’s degree, but also 3 years’ work experience in an international reputable company. I must admit that I hope that we will be able to hire most of them after graduation in our branches. They will be extensively trained to work in our company.

From June 1 Dachser has expanded its area of ​​operation to Finland. What prompted the company to invest in the Finnish market?

The investment in Finland is the next step in the company’s development. Over the last few years Dachser has effectively implemented a strategy of expansion into international pm

markets. A year and a half ago, Dachser took over the largest two logistics operators in the Iberian Peninsula –Azkar and Transunion, now it is making considerable investments in northern Europe, and literally a week ago it opened a new logistics centre in Northampton, Great Britain. We are every where customers, who also strive for continuous development, want us to be.

What are the company’s plans for the near future. Are other bold moves to be expected?

Our development policy is sustainable and far-reaching. First of all, we want to provide our customers with permanent high quality service. Sudden increases could have disruptive effects and create dangerous situations for them. That is why we avoid them. But of course, we continue to develop within certain limits and keep promises we make. We are developing IT solutions that support the flow of information between us and our customers. We want our customers to be able to get information they need at any time. We will also focus on increasing the role of procurment logistics within the company. Another new product to be deployed by the end of the year will be Chem-logistics, directed primarily at customers dealing with the ex• change of commodity chemicals. pm

July 2014 polish market

37

Innovation

Technology parks – science and business

Jerzy Bojanowicz

A

technology park – also called science park, research park, scientific research park, science and technology park, industry and technology park, or technopark – is an organized business complex whose aim is to support young innovative businesses interested in developing products and manufacturing methods in advanced technology sectors.

The parks provide their tenants with office and technological infrastructure, and make it easier for them to access high-risk funds. The parks also facilitate technology transfer, which means translating the results of scientific research and development work into technological innovation. They carry out governmental, regional and local programmes designed to support enterprise and technology transfer, creating optimal conditions for the commercialization of research findings and the development of businesses. A majority of the parks have been set up with the involvement of local governments so as to ensure preferential conditions for business activity, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises.

The businesses operating in special economic zones are often offered state aid in the form of tax exemptions. As a rule, the parks closely cooperate with regional universities.

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In 2002, the International Association of Science Parks (IASP) based in Spain adopted the definition of technology/science/research park as an organization managed by qualified specialists with the aim of raising the welfare of the community where it operates by promoting the culture of innovation and competition among knowledge-based businesses and institutions.

The first one in Poland

The first technology park was established in the United States in 1948. The next, and best known one - Stanford Research Park – laid the foundations for the Silicon Valley. In mid2012, there were 54 technology parks operating in Poland. They were at different levels of development: 28 conducted their full activity defined by the statutes, 12 were at the stage of launching their activity having operated for less than one year while 14 were at the stage of preparatory and adaptation work (www.pi.gov.pl). According to the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency (PAIiIZ), there are 67 industry and technology parks, with as many as 15 of them operating in Śląskie province and seven in KujawskoPomorskie province. Each park has a different

character depending on the specific features of the local scientific and business community, the type of the local economy, the region’s industrial tradition and cultural determinants of entrepreneurship.

The Poznań Science and Technology Park (PPNT) is the oldest organization of this kind in Poland. It was founded in May 1995 by the Adam Mickiewicz University (UAM) Foundation in the mid-western city of Poznań on the initiative of Prof. Bogdan Marciniec, a former rector of the UAM and now president of the board of the Foundation and director of PPNT. In 2009, Prof. Marciniec was awarded by “Polish Market” with the Honorary Pearl award in the Science category.

Over 50 institutions operating in such sectors as information technology, molecular biology, telecommunications and chemistry as well as around 70 innovative spin-offs and start-ups are based in the Poznań Science and Technology Park. In the course of its activity, the Park has completed projects worth over PLN52 million while projects worth PLN90.2 million are still in the process of implementation.

Innovation

Pulsar clock

The founders of Polish technology parks used European Union support even before Poland’s entry to the community. One example is the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park in the coastal city of Gdynia, which was set up in 2001 on the initiative of the Pomeranian Technology Centre Association and the Gdynia municipality. The Park occupies the 6-hectare site of a former depot in the centre of the city. The site was revitalized and adapted for the needs of modern enterprises. The revitalization project was partially funded by the European Union, which contributed for this purpose more than EUR1.5 million from the PHARE 2003 Programme.

The expansion of the Park began in the autumn of 2010. The project is worth around PLN208 million, of which PLN137 million will be provided by the European Union. It is the second biggest project in the city partially financed by the European Union, after the construction of the Kwiatkowskiego Expressway.

The building called Pentagon is being modernized on the premises of the former Gdynia Shipyard. Its opening is scheduled for 2015.

“The Konstruktorów Park will be a place intended for the development of artists and engineers in every sphere,” says Michał Guć, deputy mayor of Gdynia. “New facilities for the production of prototypes, workshops and design offices for the clean production of electronic devices, automation, robotics, engineering and artistic design, and studios for artists and architects will be built as part of the modernization project. Artists and design engineers working in the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park and the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park will have excellent conditions for conducting tests and research work, improving the technologies developed in both parks and carrying out bold artistic projects.

We will also be supporting educational activities, focusing on the use of art, design and new technologies.”

The net value of the project exceeds PLN44 million, of which 85% will be financed from the European Regional Development Fund.

The Konstruktorów Park is a product of cooperation between the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park in Gdynia and the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park set up in 2006.

Its owner is the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone and it operates in conjunction with the Pomorskie province government, Gdańsk municipality and the Gdańsk University of Technology. More than 90 businesses in the Park are focused on biotechnology and biomedicine, ICT and advisory and financial services. The third stage of the expansion of the Gdańsk Science and Technology Park – the construction of two office and technology buildings - will

40 polish market

be completed in the first quarter of 2015. The project is worth PLN117 million, with PLN80.6 million to be provided by the European Union.

One rarely has an opportunity to hear about what has been achieved at technology parks. The Gdańsk Science and Technology Park, in conjunction with the Pomeranian Special Economic Zone, has supported the construction of the world’s first pulsar clock.

Installed in 2011, on the 400th anniversary of the birth of Johannes Hevelius, in the 13thcentury St. Catherine Church in Gdańsk, the clock measures time using signals from the outer space – emitted by neutron stars called pulsars. It is the most accurate of all timekeepers invented so far. Its long-term stability is 10-18 seconds compared to 10-14 seconds for the hydrogen atomic clock. The pulsar clock’s time, sent by means of electric repeaters, can be seen in the European Parliament building and other places. It is worth adding that the Gdańsk History Museum received in 2013 an award in the Teraz Polska competition in the Innovation category for the Gdańsk 2011 Pulsar Clock and the Hevelius 2011 Precision Pendulum Clock.

The Kielce Technology Park has been established as part of the Programme for the Development of Eastern Poland, with EU funding totalling almost PLN55 million. It officially opened in May 2012. More than 90 businesses have already used its services.

“The Kielce Technology Park has become an important enterprise support centre in the region,” Iwona Wendel, deputy prime minister for infrastructure and development, said on May 30 at a ceremony marking the beginning of the construction of the Complex of Incubators at the Kielce Technology Park. “It is constantly expanding, as is reflected in the growing number of businesses which use its services. Thanks to the new investment project, businesses will get additional space for innovative activity.” The total cost of the project exceeds PLN91.8 million, with almost PLN58 million in EU funding.

Iwona Wendel stressed that in coming years industry and science and technology parks will have to deal with a difficult task.

“The activity of institutions of this kind should no longer be focused exclusively on basic services. It should also include activities supporting innovation, like for example technological audits, the protection of intellectual property, and technology and patent information. It should be adjusted to the requirements set to modern business and smart specializations indicated by individual regions.”

Pluses and minuses

It will not be easy to fulfil this task. In 2012, IBC Group Central Europe Holding SA carried out

benchmarking research for the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP), with 19 technology parks taking part. In each park, experts talked to the managerial staff and also collected data from tenants and the parks’ employees. The researchers examined 495 firms located in the parks, or 88% of the tenants taking part in the survey.

According to the “General Report” from the research, the most important strong points include a wide range of services rendered by the parks to their tenants, their good financial situation, a high level of tenants’ satisfaction with their cooperation with the parks, a well-developed and constantly expanded network of cooperation with advisory firms and independent experts, experience and high effectiveness in acquiring funding from public sources, including EU funds, and activity associated with cooperation with partners outside the park and the impact of the park on the region. In turn, the most important weak points include a low level of innovation shown by the tenants, with few of them conducting research and development activity, a small number of technology firms, patents and technologies and innovations applied in practice, weak knowledge and technology transfer processes, low effectiveness of their cooperation with the scientific community, which is not translated into grants for scientific research, scientific projects, research teams working in parks or spin-offs, a small number of services provided by the parks to their tenants and, by extension, a small number of external clients served, a small and decreasing number of the international projects in which the parks take part, and the absence of a tenant selection system conducive to innovation.

Comparing the findings of the research conducted in 2012 with those obtained two years earlier, the researchers noticed that in some parks the number of cooperating businesses, scientific units and financial institutions increased, and that cooperation with venture-capital and seed-capital funds was intensified as was the monitoring of the tenants’ activity and outcomes of their activity.

Unfortunately, this is not enough. If businesses do not change their approach to innovation many of them may not receive aid from the new budget of the European Union. In 2014-2020, Poland is to receive EUR82.5 billion under the EU cohesion policy. In nominal terms, we will still be investing the most in transport infrastructure, but the biggest rise in spending will be for innovation and support to business, with EUR8.61 billion set aside for projects which will be carried out as part of the Smart Growth programme.

•

COMPREHENSIVE LOGISTICS SOLUTIONS

25 years

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There is much to boast about‌

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* Since 1989

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Innovation

Krzysztof Przybył, President of the Management Board of the Foundation of the Polish Promotional Emblem “Teraz Polska”, talks to Maciej Proliński

Polish means good!

2014 is a year of anniversaries and sumups that are important for Poland. The world heard “Teraz Polska” (“Now Poland”) at least several times over the past quarter-century... On June 4, 1989, Poland saw the first since World War II partially free elections that sealed the phenomenon of “Solidarity” and ensured self-determination was growing year by year. In 1999, Poland joined NATO, in 2004 - the European Union. How would you sum up this period - a period of a new Poland?

I started my business activity in 1988. As a longtime entrepreneur, I have gone through all the phases of transition - from a centrally planned economy to a capitalist one. Some of these changes were in line with the world’s development direction and it is good that Polish ones are naturally consonant with them.

Indisputably, many things in the Polish landscape have changed thanks to EU funds.

These made it much easier for us to achieve what we wanted to achieve. When someone asks me to sum up shortly the last quartercentury, I say: we have really achieved a great success! Just look at where we were then, and where we are today... Let us remember that. How can others believe in the prestige pm

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Poland’s brand if we ourselves question its credibility? So today “Teraz Polska” conveys a message that it is now time for a new Poland, that of the leader in Central and Eastern Europe.

And what lesson do you think is still to be learnt?

We have not built capital facilities. But as a country we have a reputable brand. It helps a lot in dealings with Europe and the world. pm

The “Teraz Polska” emblem is the most recognizable sign promoting all what is the best in the Polish economy. The competition, whose 24th edition was held on June 9, 2014 at a Gala in the Grand Theater-National Opera in Warsaw, has undergone a significant metamorphosis over the years, namely expanding its formula. Why? We started - just like Poland as a country - from building a new business. In the early 1990s, the aim of the competition was to support the economy by showing its achievements. With time, the competition evolved and we started to honour the best products.

In addition, the formula of the competition

was extended to include prizes for the best communities and innovative projects. What remains unchanged over the years? The competitors belong to the elite. They strive to make part of the elite. “Teraz Polska” is a brand recognisable even beyond Polish borders. And there it builds a positive image of Poland. The competition is seen as one of the most prestigious quality contests. The winners can boast that they are simply the best!

“Join the best” - such is our invitation for those who wish to participate in the competition.

pm

Let us remind than those who wish to compete should first simply notify their readiness to do so.

The first step is submitting an application, the closing date being end of January.

Applications are then assessed by experts and nominees are announced. The nomination confirms that a competitor meets all the requirements of the competition, that it received high expert’s scores and deserves being granted the emblem. Those nominated are finalists. Upon the completion of expert’s assessments and selection of nominees, the Jury holds a meeting. It consists of 26 people: representatives of science, economy, politics, pm

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Innovation culture and the media. The meeting is chaired by prof. Michał Kleiber, President of the Polish Academy of Sciences. The Jury picks laureates from among the nominees.

What is the punch line of this year’s competition? And does it arise a lot of interest?

Products marked “Made in Poland” are really good, and I would even say better and better! Among the industries strongly represented this year, I would certainly mention agri-food, but also finance and insurance. The spectrum is really broad. The interest in the competition is not decreasing, quite on the contrary. This year, we pulled off a 20% increase in the number of applications as compared to the previous year. It is for us the best proof that the “Teraz Polska” emblem is still a unique way to stand out in a crowded market and the most recognisable symbol promoting Polish entrepreneurs. This year, the emblem has been awarded to 15 products, 8 services, 2 innovative initiatives and 5 local self-governments. For the first time, in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy, a special category was established for companies with a high export potential.

of the domestic edition and all foreign editions, the Jury decided to award the title of “Outstanding Pole” to prof. Marek Belka and Janusz Lewandowski, Ph.D., and to the icon of Tenth Muse - Andrzej Wajda.

pm

And do we have good Polish brands with a high export potential?

Of course we do! Among the winners having a high export potential were: AmberRing, a manufacturer of jewelry focused on foreign buyers; KOPEX Machinery S.A., the largest manufacturer of mining combines in Poland; KAN, a company headquartered in Białystok, a recognised European manufacturer and supplier of innovative installation systems KAN-therm; Sunreef Yachts, the world leader in design and construction of sailing and motor catamarans, and luxury yachts. pm

It is already for the 5th time that the Jury have named the winners in the “Outstanding Pole” category. Looking at its previous choices, it is difficult to question the significance of each of these names, although sometimes they are perhaps more known in the world than in Poland...

Arguably, Poland’s brand in the world is also built by human capital. There is a great need to promote the activities of prominent personalities who, through their achievements and commitment, strengthen the positive image of Poland and Polish people in the world and become ambassadors of Poland as a brand. So far, the title of “Outstanding pm

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This year, the Jury awarded two honorable mentions - to Polish Television (TVP) and Universities of the Third Age (UTA). What was the motivation behind that choice?

TVP was awarded for creating TVP Regionalna, a 24-hour channel, and a modern hybrid platform. TVP Regionalna satisfies the requirements of the audience, presents a high programme quality and is constantly developing. It pictures Poland in an attractive way, while also promoting good patterns and practices among local communities. As regards the hybrid platform, it is certainly an important step towards the creation and development of interactive television, allowing the viewer to interfere in what is happening on the screen. pm

“Products marked “Made in Poland” are really good, and I would even say better and better!”

Pole” has been received by: Wojciech Kilar, Hilary Koprowski, prof. Maria Siemionow, Prof. Jacek Jassem, Adam Małysz, Prof.

Wiesław L. Nowiński, Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, Rafał Olbiński and Krzysztof Penderecki. These names are impressive and respectful. Some of them, such as Maria Siemionow may be more recognisable in the world than in Poland, but after all they work there, not here... Our great painter and graphic artist, Rafał Olbinski, after being given the award last year, told me that it inspired him to create something else. And now he is about to publish a volume of tales...

The 5th edition of the competition was carried out in two editions - domestic and foreign, in five categories: Business, Culture, Education, Personality, Young Pole. In the domestic edition, candidates were suggested by members of the “Teraz Polska” Jury and the Foundation’s Council, as well as by social and local self-government organisations. Foreign editions were conducted in the United States, Norway, France, Scotland and the Netherlands by committees created by local Polish organisations. From among the winners

The Polish Alliance of Universities of the Third Age was awarded for making an ambitious nationwide campaign aimed at seniors. University of the Third Age is a real phenomenon! Seniors involved in UTA’s activities feel younger. It is education and promotion of learning throughout life. It is worth noting that after 1989 UTA have seen significant development. It is a really fantastic institution of public life that activates older people.

What are your plans for the near future?

During next year’s jubilee edition, we are already planning to support another sector of the Polish economy (as it has been the case of export this year). In 2015, we would also like to organise a reunion of “Outstanding Poles” from all over the world. All these people show that one can achieve success in every place on Earth. And that it is invariably Polish success! This year, the magazine “Teraz Polska” has held a series of debates under the title “25/25. Young leaders to start.” Invited experts singled out 25 young leaders who are most likely to influence the development of Poland in the next quartercentury and inspire the whole generation.

The next stage of this project will be the July meeting of all distinguished personalities in order to develop the future leaders’ manifest and a programme popularising the ideas it conveys. The list of 25 names is not closed.

It will be updated based on the achievements of the leaders. Building upon the past, “Teraz Polska” looks into the future!

• pm

Innovation

Special Economic Zones

gaining in importance in Poland Poland is a large country with great opportunities and Special Economic Zones even enhance them. Additionally, the country’s wide market of specialists is a big advantage for investment. Businesses operating in Special Economic 46  polish market  Zones are offered tax breaks and plots complete with utilities.

A

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) is a part of Poland’s territory where economic activity may be conducted. It is a separate and uninhabited area. The zones are set up to accelerate economic growth, in particular by creating new jobs, and developing specific spheres of economic activity and exports. At present, there are 14 such zones in Poland. The oldest one, established in 1995, is Euro-Park Mielec in southeastern Poland; the youngest one, set up in 1998, is in the southern city of Kraków. The initial assumption was that the zones would operate for 20 years but in 2008 the period of their activity was extended to the end of December 2020.

And now the government has decided to extend it even further - by another six years until 2026. The longer operation of the zones is of special importance for the investors who carry out projects in sectors with a low rate of return, like for example the automotive industry.

As on December 31, 2012, the zones comprised sites located in 146 cities and 210 rural districts. They had a combined area of 15,829.3 hectares and the value of investment made by businesses present in the zones exceeded PLN85.8 billion. The businesses provided employment to 247,451 people. In 2012, the value of investment spending and jobs created by investors per hectare was respectively PLN12.2 million and 35. The biggest amount of money was invested in the zones by investors from Poland (18.8% of the total), Germany (15.2%), the United States and Holland (11.17% each) and Italy (8.7%).

More intensive investment is translated into the accelerated economic growth of Polish regions, a fall in unemployment and enhanced competitiveness of the economy. Permits to conduct economic activity in the zones are issued by their management boards. They also support investors in the investment process by facilitating their contacts with the local authorities and the central government. If a business organization invests in a zone its revenue from operations conducted there will be exempted from the corporate income tax (CIT) or personal income tax (PIT), depending of the legal form of the organization.

The economic zones have been set up to accelerate the economic growth of selected Polish regions and the development of new technological solutions and their use in the national economy, to enhance the competitiveness of products and services, utilize post-industrial properties and infrastructure, and to create new jobs.

Advantages of Special Economic Zones

The main advantage of the zones is that revenues generated from economic activity conducted

Innovation in them are exempted from income tax. Businesses investing in the zones are offered state aid in the form of income tax exemptions on account of investment project costs or jobs created. The scope and size of the support depends on the maximum intensity of aid defined for the area where the investment project is carried out and the amount of expenditure eligible for the aid. The maximum intensity of aid is 50% for the provinces of Lubelskie, Podkarpackie, Warmińsko-Mazurskie, Podlaskie, Opolskie, Świetokrzyskie, Małopolskie, Lubuskie, Łódzkie and Kujawsko-Pomorskie, and 40% for the remaining provinces. One exception is Warsaw where it is 30%. Additionally, aid is higher by 20 pct. points for small businesses and by 10 pct. points for medium-sized businesses. This does not apply to businesses operating in the transport sector.

Exemption from property tax is an incentive important for some investors. There are two laws under which investors may be eligible for this exemption. A big advantage to other investors is that the zones give them access to sites attractive for business activity complete with utilities and indispensable infrastructure.

Investors also have an opportunity to buy or lease properties already existing in the zones, including office space for the needs of shared services centres (SSC), research and development centres and call centres. Some zones offer an opportunity to carry out build-to-suit projects and then lease the premises.

Another advantage is support given by the companies which manage the zones in legal and organizational matters associated with the implementation of an investment project – in dealings with utility providers, local authorities and so on – and post-investment support.

Changes to Special Economic Zones

The Polish government has agreed to change the borders of five zones: Legnicka, KostrzyńskoSłubicka, Pomorska, Katowicka and Słupska, the Government Information Centre (CIR) announced in May. The changes are expected to encourage more investment and job creation.

According to CIR, 156.5 hectares of land will be added to the Legnicka Special Economic Zone while 3.3 hectares will be excluded from the zone. As a result, the zone will cover around 1,212.4 hectares. The changes to the zone’s borders are expected to create conditions for the development of new investment projects in Dolnośląskie province. “Areas of land in Legnica, Legnickie Pole, Polkowice, Głogów, Kostomłoty and Miłkowice will be included in the zone while areas in Prochowice will be excluded,” reads the CIR communique. Over the coming

several years around 4,730 jobs should be created in areas connected to the zone and another 1,180 in surrounding areas. Investment spending is planned to reach around PLN2,558.75 million. Two automotive industry projects will be carried out in the Legnicka zone.

As regards the Kostrzyńsko-Słubicka zone, 78.7 hectares will be added while 47.3 hectares will be excluded. As a result, the zone will have 1,746.9 hectares. Sites in Żary will be included and the plot of the Krono-Invest company in Słubice will be excluded because the company has decided not to carry out the planned investment project. According to CIR, the changes to the zone will create a chance of new investment projects in Lubuskie province.

The Pomorska zone will expand by over 140 hectares to 1,863.2 hectares. Areas in Starogard Szczeciński and Czarna Woda will be included in the zone. The Steico company operating in Czarna Woda will launch an innovative line for the production of laminated veneer lumber (LVL). Steico is to create at least 70 new jobs and invest around PLN160 million. The existing 170 jobs will be retained. It is estimated that around 5,000 new jobs may be created over the several coming years in the Stargard Szczeciński part of the zone and another 1,020 in the zone’s surroundings. The value of investment spending is planned to reach around PLN2,523.31 million.

The Katowice zone will be expanded by over 346 hectares of land located in Gliwice, Bytom, Tychy, Świętochłowice, Piekary Śląskie, Częstochowa and Myszków while over 4 hectares will be excluded from the zone. After the changes it will cover 2,347.34 hectares. It is estimated that around 5,740 jobs will be created in areas added to the zone and around 2,560 in its surroundings. Investment is expected to reach PLN3,422.37 million. The new projects will be associated with the automotive, glass and metal industry.

More than 7 hectares will be included in the Słupska Special Economic Zone while over 15 hectares will be excluded. The area of the Słupsk Włynkówko subzone will be corrected. As a result, the zone will become smaller and will cover 816.7 hectares. Some of the new sites will be in the Czarne municipality. The Meble Negro company will expand its existing furniture factory.

The government directives changing the borders of the zones come into force at the end • of May (source: PAP).

Bogdan Sadecki July 2014 polish market

47

Real Estate

Modern office space Offices shooting up across Poland The world is confident that the Polish economy will continue to expand. Businesses need modern office space.

This is the reason why there are more and more office properties under development in Poland.

Mieczysław T. Starkowski

P

oland is becoming a mature market. Meanwhile, some investment fund companies investing in real estate have receipts in the order of EUR5 million a day. The money has to be invested somewhere. It comes to Poland from Germany and other countries – recently it has been flowing in virtually from across the world. And safety is more important than high yields. This is why the market for modern office space is thriving in Poland, as Piotr Mirowski, director for investment services at the real estate services company Colliers International, believes.

“Many tenants are determined to finalize their deals,” says Paweł Skałba, a partner at Colliers International and head of the office space department. “As a result, the number of agreements signed is on the rise. Importantly, this is true not only of Warsaw, but also other cities. Positive signals are coming from Poznań, Kraków and Wrocław. It is also very gratifying that there is now increased activity in Łodź, which until recently was a more difficult market. Recently, interest in this market has been quite significant.”

Sentiment on the office market is strong.

The number of agreements signed in the second quarter of the year should turn out to be quite big. As supply is high, the situation is very favourable for tenants who now can pick and choose among offices offered. The terms offered by developers who are preparing new

48 polish market

projects are very attractive, encouraging tenants to relocate or renegotiate their agreements. An interesting trend on the market is the consolidation of tenants from the central government sector.

One of the companies for which Colliers International acted as agent in the first quarter was Provident. The company leased over 4,000 sq m in the new office complex in Warsaw called Gdański Business Centre. Collier International also represented Altkom, which renegotiated its lease agreement for around 4,000 sq m in Warsaw Trade Tower, and took part in many other deals.

“We expect that this year will abound in big deals,” says Paweł Skałba. “The important thing is that many companies are expanding their businesses, which generates increased demand for office space. We have also observed that tenants are increasingly well educated, which means they often take the efficiency of space use into account.

They change the layout of their offices based on new workplace solutions.”

According to experts of the real estate services company DTZ, at the end of 2013 the overall stock of modern office space in Poland’s nine main cities stood at almost 7 million sq m. The biggest market was Warsaw, with a nearly 60% share in the total office space. Kraków and Wrocław were the second and third biggest markets, followed by the Tricity of Gdańsk, Gdynia and Sopot,

Katowice, Łódź, Poznań, Lublin and Szczecin. Last year, smaller markets, especially Szczecin and Lublin, recorded the fastest growth in office space. In turn, Pomorskie province with the Tricity is the region seeing a strong growth in new supply. The region has been strengthening its position among the most developed office locations in Poland.

Economic uncertainty continues on international markets and the Polish economy is also slowing. Despite that, office construction activity in Poland has stayed at a very high, or even record high, level. Around 1 million sq m is under construction, which means there will be big supply in 2014 and 2015. Consequently, it is expected that vacancies will increase in 2014 on most regional markets.

“In recent years, the Polish market for office properties has been expanding rapidly to reach a record level of new supply and demand in 2013,” says Kamila Wykrota, director for consulting and research at DTZ. “We have also observed increased interest from tenants in less developed cities, which is mainly due to the development of BPO and SSC markets.

Considering the length of time for which lease agreements have been signed, we may expect increased activity of tenants interested in modern office space who signed agreements in 2008, a record year in terms of the volume of lease deals, and in the next years.

There is a growing trend across the world to adjust the quality and amount of office

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Real Estate space occupied by tenants to their needs. We are witnessing a revolution in what is called workplace strategy, or office space management, experts say. They predict that the trend will to a large extent determine changes on the international and Polish market for modern office space.

“The real estate market is moving to the next stage of the business cycle where the position of the tenant is becoming significantly stronger and the lessor should change what they offer so as to make it attractive in the highly competitive environment,” says Barbara Przesmycka, director of the office lease department at DTZ. “The demanding tenant attaches great importance not only to the choice of a new location, its surroundings and accessibility. They also seek increasingly innovative and efficient ways of office space use.”

The objective is to create attractive employment conditions, contributing to the company’s prestige and perception. More and more tenants also attach importance to green factors, pursuing the eco-goals defined in the philosophy of their organization. By doing so, they strengthen their positive image among their staff and customers.

“When it comes to demand for modern offices, it is Warsaw that still dominates the market,” says Tomasz Czuba, director for office space lease at the professional services company JLL. “In the first quarter, companies leased over 136,000 sq m, which included both new agreements and renegotiations. As much as 37% of the space was in the Mokotów district [of Warsaw]. It is worth noting that the activity on the pre-let market was lower than before. Pre-let agreements accounted for only 8% of all deals.” This may be due to the increased availability of unoccupied space in existing premises. But experts expect several large pre-let agreements to be signed soon. Research conducted by JLL indicates that demand in Warsaw will stay at a high level as economic forecasts are favourable, with a relatively high GDP growth projected for 2014 and 2015.

In the largest cities outside Warsaw, gross demand exceeded 98,000 sq m, an amount comparable with that noted in the first quarter of last year. The highest tenant activity was recorded in Kraków, Wrocław and Katowice. New agreements accounted for half of the deals while 30% were pre-lets.

Over 84,000 sq m of new space was put on the Warsaw market in the first quarter in such buildings as Atrium I (16,200 sq m), Park Rozwoju I (16,000 sq m), Gdański Business Centre (15,000 sq m) and Park B2 (10,000 sq m).

Around 320,000 sq m of new offices, or 7% more than in 2013, will probably be delivered

50 polish market

in the full year 2014. It follows from estimates made by JLL that lease agreements have already been signed for around 26% of the space that is to be put on the market in the period from the second to the fourth quarter. There are now around 610,000 sq m of office space under construction in Warsaw.

In the first quarter, the stock of modern office space outside Warsaw grew by 60,000 sq m. Around 40% of the new supply was delivered in the Tricity – in Neptun Office Centre (15,300 sq m) and BPH Office Park C (8,800 sq m). And 26% of the space was put on the market in Wrocław – Green Day (15,500 sq m). The other premises completed in the first quarter included A4 Business Park I in Katowice (8,700 sq m) and Pascal in Kraków (5,350 sq m).

In the full year 2014, new supply will grow by 22% year on year – 342,000 sq m against 280,000 sq m. By the end of the year the amount of modern office space in Kraków and Wrocław will exceed 600,000 sq m. At present, 570,000 sq m of office space is under construction in the main Polish cities outside Warsaw, the biggest amount in Kraków, Wrocław and the Tricity. And the total amount of office space under construction in Poland is now close to 1.2 million sq m.

According to JLL experts, the vacancy rate in Warsaw increased slightly in the first quarter compared to the fourth quarter of 2013. At the end of March, 12.2% of office stock in the city was vacant – 13.2% in the Central Business Area, 9.5% on its outskirts and 12.7% outside the centre. Because of the large volume of space to be put on the market this year one may expect a further rise in the vacancy rate.

At the end of the first quarter, the vacancy rate was stable in Kraków, Wrocław and Łodź while an increase was noted in the Tricity – from 12.5% in the fourth quarter of 2013 to 13.9% in the first quarter of this year.

On the other biggest office markets, the vacancy rates dropped.

The highest rents in Warsaw under newly signed agreements remained stable from the fourth quarter of 2013. Rates for premium offices in the centre ranged from EUR22 to EUR24 per square metre a month. In the Mokotów district, the rents stood at EUR14.514.75. JLL expects that rent cuts are possible in view of the projected rise in the vacancy rate.

Rents are much lower outside Warsaw.

Monthly rents per square metre in the best office locations range from EUR11-12 in Lublin to EUR14.5-15.5 in Wrocław. JLL predicts that small reductions in rents can be expected by the end of the year in the biggest cit• ies outside Warsaw as well.

Warsaw has become a major metropolis in Central and Eastern Europe. If nothing extraordinary happens in three years’ time, or perhaps even earlier, the city will

5 million sq m

have of modern office space.

Poland has been developing very rapidly in recent years. This is evident among others on the real estate market. At the end of 2013, the supply of modern office space in the nine biggest cities reached

6.3 million sq m.

In 2013, developers completed projects with a combined space of 585,000 sq m.

Another threshold was crossed in Warsaw in October 2013 - the amount of office space reached

4 million sq m.

And by the end of the year the amount increased to 4.1 million.

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Real Estate

The Polish commercial real estate market is gaining momentum Krzysztof Misiak, Partner Regional Cities Manager, Office Department, Cushman & Wakefield

Summary of office, retail and industrial sectors in Q1 2014

OFFICE OVERVIEW

RETAIL OVERVIEW

In Warsaw, the rapidly expanding vacancy rate combined with the pressure on prime rents has created an environment which is favourable for tenants to relocate. Indeed, tenants can secure high-quality, well-located premises at lower costs and with flexible lease terms due to the wide selection of properties available. Thus, although there was a solid amount of activity over the quarter, much of it was comprised of relocations and renewals. In the regional cities, especially Krakow, demand was sustained from the BPO/SSC sector.

There is a vast amount of projects currently under construction in Warsaw, in addition to a high amount of completions that have already come onto the market and multiple planned schemes still active in the development pipeline. As a result, vacancy rates have been steadily climbing over the past few quarters and are anticipated to keep rising as the year progresses.

Notwithstanding the market’s oversupply, Warsaw’s key position in both the national and CEE markets will help keep the country’s office market afloat in 2014. This will be further boosted by growing demand from the BPO sector in the regional cities. As a result, prime rents should remain stable in the short-term, with the potential for some markets to succumb to the downwards pressure caused by rising vacancy. Investment is expected to be buoyant due to the number of transactions currently underway.

The occupier market remained favourable to tenants in the first quarter. Strong international retailers continued to expand their footprint extensively, whilst smaller operators were more cautious in their expansion plans. Recent surveys suggest that vacancy rates on the opening day of shopping centres or other retail schemes are around 20%.

The lowest rates in established schemes can be found in Warsaw (1.5%) and Łódź (1.5%), whilst in other large cities they vary between 4%-5% (Kraków, Poznan and Wrocław) up to 8.5% (Kielce).

170,000 sq.m of retail GLA were opened in the country in the first quarter of the year, in line with expectations. The largest schemes opened in recent months were Atrium Felicity Lublin (75,000 sq.m), Galeria Siedlce (34,000 sq.m GLA) and Galeria Amber Kalisz (33,500 sq.m GLA).

Looking ahead, there are no significant movements expected in rental trends, however, the rents of several high street facilities are under pressure due to new modern retail space. Prime yields are not expected to see significant adjustments.

52 polish market

INDUSTRIAL OVERVIEW While industrial activity remains robust, levels in Q1 inevitably fell after the surge in take-up witnessed at the end of 2013. Indeed, the year-end performance was more of

an anomaly than the norm, and it is unlikely that 2014 will produce a similar result to that seen in the year before. Demand remains focused on modern, efficient industrial space in the core locations of Upper Silesia, Warsaw and Poznań. While activity was driven by lease renewals and pre-leases, there was still a steady appetite for new leases over the quarter, including Rhenus’s take-up of just under 31,000 sq.m of the CLIP logistics site in Poznań.

Supply levels are relatively high in the industrial market, underpinned by the significant number of development projects that were completed and delivered to the market in Q1 2014. Further, there are several more projects scheduled for completion over the upcoming months of this year due to signed pre-lease contracts. As a result, supply levels are likely to remain high and keep rising as the year progresses, albeit the prevalence of pre-leases should help keep availability levels a bit more balanced than they could be.

Further improvements are forecast for Poland’s economy, driven by expansions in the export. A robust economic performance is expected to have a positive effect on Poland’s industrial market. Occupier demand is anticipated to remain robust, although 2014’s take-up is still likely to fall below that seen in 2013. Supply levels should steadily rise as more completions are delivered onto the market, helping to support a healthy supply/demand ratio in both the occupier and invest• ment market segments.

25 years

Our Guest

of change Marek Sawicki, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, on changes in agriculture that have taken place over the last 25 years.

T

he 25th anniversary of free Poland that we will be celebrating in June is not the only important anniversary we will see this year. However, it is the most important one. The 4th of June 1989 was a special date. There having been an earlier social uprising, in 1980, which constituted a basis for subsequent changes, the date in question became a symbol of the force which influenced Europe and the whole world. The process which started at that time has shown that a change is possible without wars and bloodshed. It can be seen even more clearly than before, especially given the recent events in Ukraine.

The impulse which originated in Poland has spread widely across the whole of Europe.

It was not the Berlin Wall, but the election in Warsaw that set the direction for change. The rest was only its consequence.

Twenty five years ago, Polish society showed in a democratic way what kind of change it really wants and for what it will strive. We have been in Europe since time immemorial, but the Yalta Conference separated us from the free world. 44 years after the end of World War II, we reclaimed our place among the free nations.

The election of June 4, 1989 marked our future. A natural consequence of that step was our pursuit of joining the European Union. This was not an easy way to go. Yet again we walked a path of sacrifice and hardship,

54 polish market

but we were fully convinced that our choice was right.

In the field of agriculture our situation was quite unique. In these times, called today “times rightly gone”, Poland was exceptional in the whole socialist camp, insofar as it tolerated private agriculture. Despite many attempts to collectivise and destroy it, private agriculture survived. It was owing to the attitude of Polish farmers, their devotion to land, tradition and respect for nature.

In the face of changes following Poland’s accession to the European Union farmers’ behaviour also appeared reasonable. Yet again in the history of contemporary Poland, they bore the brunt of changes and alleviated the effects of transformations.

In the field of agriculture, we had to face an enormous number of legislative changes. In order to comply with very strict veterinary and phytosanitary standards it was necessary not only to adapt all our legal regulations, but also to implement these in daily practice. We experienced many problems with the transformation of the then State Agricultural Farms (PGR). Unfortunately, we made some mistakes. These can be still felt by former workers of those farms and their successors.

Despite the aforementioned difficulties and a very negative campaign run before our joining the EU, which resulted in as many as 70-80% of farmers being against our accession in the pre-referendum period, ultimately

the majority of the public voted for joining.

Undoubtedly one of the factors that disposed us well towards this was the fact that for the first time in history Polish farmers were to be encompassed within stable conditions stemming from the mechanisms of the Common Agricultural Policy. Before, this area of the economy was somewhat neglected. Since the end of the World II War, agriculture had to bear most of the burden associated with successive transformations, industrialisation, and the compulsory supply of agricultural products, which was abolished only in the second half of the 1970s.

However, it should be remembered that we were not offered fair terms. But owing to the determination of Jarosław Kalinowski, the then Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, we managed to improve the presented propositions. Still, it was not possible to make our opportunities equal in the single European market. It is worth remembering that in the field of agriculture, candidate countries had to adopt all obligations stipulated under acquis communautaire on the day of accession, and the rights came in force much later. Unfortunately, the conditions are not fair even today.

This has not discouraged us from hard work. Full of energy and new initiatives, farmers began to modernise their work places.

Pre-accession funds came in handy in this respect. The state administration had to become

Our Guest adjusted to the ongoing changes in agriculture and rural areas. Five years after the election that was groundbreaking for Poland and the whole of Europe, the Agency for the Restructuring and Modernisation of Agriculture (ARMA) was set up. Other newly established institutions included the Agricultural Market Agency (ARR) and the State Treasury Agricultural Property Agency, now called the Agricultural Property Agency (ANR).

Farmers and entrepreneurs learned how to fill in complicated applications and obtain European funding. They could benefit from Phare and Sapard funds, and also from financial resources from the World Bank and the first Rural Development Programme 20042006, and then from the RDP 2007-2013. Up to date we have used ca. PLN180 billion from EU funds and state aid.

This money made it possible to modernise farms and processing plants, which in turn facilitated further changes. Their magnitude is corroborated by the fact that changes in the processing industry took place in the countries of the EU-15 in the 1970s. Due to this, our facilities, especially in the meat and dairy industries, are among the most innovative at the European and global levels. This effort has become a foundation for our success in international agricultural and food trade.

Last year, the value of exports of these products reached nearly EUR20 billion, with a positive balance of trade amounting to ca.

EUR5.7 billion. This means that our exports grew fivefold.

Changes that have taken place in agriculture and rural areas are very significant. Nearly 700 thousand farms, mainly the weakest ones, disappeared in a natural, evolutionary way. Also the structure of farms improved and their average area increased to above 10 hectares. It is also important to note that the character of countryside has been preserved. It is one of the values envied by the “old” European Union. While Polish soils may not be the best in terms of quality, they have not been degraded by the extensive use of chemicals. This, in turn, facilitated a dynamic growth in ecological farms. Their natural conditions and organic farming are conducive to their development, so we are gradually catching up with the leaders. Furthermore, the growing consumer interest in organic and traditional food is fostering the further development of organic farming.

By combining old formulas and cuttingedge technologies, we have gained the recognition of half a billion EU customers.

The last 25 years have seen great changes.

On the one hand, the number of the dairycattle stock has decreased. On the other hand, this was compensated for by an increase in

cattle-milking capacity. Currently Poland produces slightly less than 13 million tonnes of milk, which is the fourth-highest volume in the European Union. The sales of processed goods with a substantial percentage of valueadded is rising quickly. International trade in dairy products is having a considerable impact on the economic standing of the whole industry, as their exports expressed in rawmilk equivalent amount to nearly 1/4 of national milk sales. The share of dairy products in the total exports of agricultural and food

“As a country, we have great potential when it comes to agricultural production. We are among Europe’s largest producers, processors and exporters of rapeseed. Together with the United Kingdom, we hold third place in respect of production.” products amounts to ca. 8%. The balance of trade in dairy products has been positive for many years now in Poland. This is due to milk production exceeding national demand. In the last decade, the value of exports has increased almost twofold, and balance of trade in dairy products has increased by nearly 100%. Net exports of dairy products amounts to ca. 1.3 million tonnes in terms of milk, and its value to EUR950 million. Poland has also become a major exporter of cheese, with ca.

185 thousand tonnes.

Furthermore, substantial changes have been observed in poultry production. We are the fourth-largest producer of poultry in the EU and the third-largest exporter. The value of exports in this respect amounted in 2013 to ca. EUR1.2 billion.

As a country, we have great potential when it comes to agricultural production. We are among Europe’s largest producers, processors and exporters of rapeseed. Together with the United Kingdom, we hold third place in respect of production.

We also play a substantial role in terms of fresh-horticultural production, and hold

fourth place, behind only Spain, Italy and France. Poland is EU’s largest producer of apples, cherries, currants, gooseberries, raspberries, cabbages, carrots and red beets, and the second-largest producer of strawberries, cucumbers and onions.

We manufacture 45-50% of apple juice concentrate in the whole of the EU. Poland is also a leading producer of frozen fruit such as strawberries, cherries, raspberries, currants, gooseberries and plums, and also of soft-fruit concentrates, and our share in this exceeds 50%. When it comes to the production of frozen vegetables only Belgium can boast higher numbers. Moreover, we are one of Europe’s largest and the EU’s largest producer of sauerkraut, pickles and dried carrots. Considering the total production of fruit and vegetable preserves Poland’s share in the EU increased from ca.

5% before accession, to ca. 10% on average in 2010-2012.

It is also important to note that we are the world’s largest exporter of frozen fruit and soft-fruit juice concentrates, and the second-largest exporter of apple-juice concentrate. Over the last few years, Poland has become the second largest exporter of apples (after China), and in the 2012/13 season, exports of this fruit from Poland even exceeded those from China.

These are just a few examples illustrating the condition of Polish agriculture. Surely more detailed analyses of the changes that have been taking place in agriculture and rural areas since the election of June 4, 1989 will have to be conducted. However, we can compare detailed information and track these changes on colourful charts. Our preliminary statistical data clearly demonstrate that benefits outweigh costs. Nevertheless, what shows the best the improvement in rural areas and countryside is the reversal of migration. For the first time since our joining the European Union, we have recorded more people actually migrating to rural areas. Before, it was the opposite. This proves that society is becoming richer and the quality of life in rural areas is improving considerably, and also that the technical infrastructure there is rapidly changing for the better.

Therefore, and in view of our experience, I am for further changes in the Common Agricultural Policy that would tack the growing demand for food and make CAP, one of the first common EU policies, more effective and less bureaucratic, and more importantly fair for all.

•

July 2014 polish market

55

Food Industry

From the Polish countryside into the world Patryk Mirecki

M

otorways and expressways are the things that Polish people associate the strongest with the positive changes which have taken place in Poland over the past 25 years. It is a pity that roads overshadow Poland’s flagship exports such as traditionaly smoked meat, regional cheeses (like oscypek) apples, concentrated juices, deep-frozen fruit, beef, poultry, tobacco and Polish vodka. Suffice it to say that last year Poland exported almost EUR20 billion worth of agricultural and food products, which was a record amount - 4.4 times bigger compared to the period before the country’s entry to the European Union.

“The Polish agricultural and food sector is one of the few sectors in the national economy, which generate a trade surplus,” Vice-President of the Agricultural Market Agency (ARR) Lucjan Zwolak said at a press conference. “The rapid increase in the surplus is a result of exports growing faster than imports. In 2013, the surplus in agri-food trade reached an unprecedented level - EUR5.7 billion – contributing to the narrowing of Poland’s foreign trade gap.”

According to ARR data, in the first quarter of 2014, the value of agricultural and food exports exceeded EUR5 billion and was 7%

56 polish market

higher than in the same period last year. Many agri-food exports grew at the beginning of this year, including in particular milk and milk products, grain and grain products, plant fats, poultry, animal feeds and confectionary goods.

Around 77-78% of Polish agricultural and food exports go to the EU market, the main trading partners being Germany - where Poland sold agricultural and food products worth EUR1.1 billion in the first quarter - Britain, France and Russia.

Symbolism of the Polish apple tree in Milan The design of the Polish Pavilion for next year’s Universal Exposition in Milan, Expo Milano 2015, symbolically alludes to Polish apples.

Poland is the largest producer of apples in the European Union. The exhibition, to be held around the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life,” will be a good opportunity for Poland to present its brand-name agricultural and food products.

“The starting guideline for the design of the Polish Pavilion for Expo 2015 in Milan was

about exploiting associations linked most often with the economic success of Polish agriculture,” says Piotr Musiałowski, the designer who has won the contest for the Pavilion.

“When analysing the issue, be came up with only one conclusion. Poland, as a leader in apple production and exports, should base the narration of its exhibition on the symbolism of the apple tree.” The attention of the jury was drawn to “the contrast between the simple body of the building composed of wooden openwork modules and the idyllic interior, coupled with an allusion to apples, which are a noble symbol in many cultures.” The designs that won honourable mentions in the contest alluded to Polish flax and pasta, which is liked both in Poland and the Mediterranean region.

Success of Polish apples and not only them It comes as no surprise that Polish apples have been given so much symbolic importance in designing the Polish exhibition. According to the World Apple and Pear Association (WAPA), in 2013 Poland was the biggest producer of

Who is the biggest apple exporter in Europe?

! d n Pola

In 2013, Poland manufactured 3.09 million tonnes of apples.

We became the second largest apple exporter (after China).

Polish sweets win European and global markets.

In 2013, export of sweets (and snacks) from Poland increased for another year to exceed 1,57 billion €.

Poland is EU’s fourth largest manufacturer and third largest exporter of poultry meat. In 2013, the value of poultry meat export was about 1.2 billion €.

Polish agriculture merges tradition and modernity. The ingredients, manufactured mostly with traditional methods, are processed in modern processing plants.

Find delight in excellent Polish food! www.arr.gov.pl

Food Industry apples in the European Union. The country harvested around 3.2 million tonnes of apples compared to 10.8 million tonnes in the EU as a whole. “Thanks to such results, we rank first in Europe in terms of apple production and third in the world after China with 25 million tonnes and the United States with 5 million tonnes,” says Mirosław Maliszewski, president of the Association of Polish Fruit Farmers. “2013 was the best year for apple exports in several years. One of the main reasons is the excellently developed logistics and transport system, which enables efficient distribution.”

Poland is the world’s biggest exporter of apples. According to data from the Association of Polish Fruit Farmers, Poland exported last year 1.2 million tonnes of apples, of which more than two thirds went to Russia. But if re-exports from Belarus and Kazakhstan are included Russia may have bought as much as 1 million tonnes of Polish apples.

Bożena Nosecka, PhD, of the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics (IERiGŻ) said in a recent interview for the Newseria news agency that Poland’s strong position in apple exports was due to the sale of apple juice concentrate on foreign markets. In this respect, Poland is the second biggest producer and second biggest exporter in the world. Exports of concentrated juices and deep-frozen fruit, especially raspberries, are also strong.

Their production is on the rise in Poland because the consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables is not growing and the surplus is sold to processing plants. According to ARR data for 2012, Poland is the EU leader in the production of currants and raspberries and ranks second and third respectively in the world.

Around two thirds of currants and raspberries produced in the EU come from Poland.

Additionally, Poland ranks third in the EU in terms of strawberry production, with 15% of the EU total output.

Last year saw a rise in the volume and value of Polish poultry exports. The volume grew to 580,000 tonnes from 528,000 tonnes in 2012.

The presence on foreign markets of the Quality Assurance for Food Products (QAFP) certificate should be conducive to the expansion of poultry exports. Carcasses and elements of the young Polish oat goose are exported under this system. Since 2012 QAFP-certified goose meat has been exported onto the German market.

Meat exports also growing

Witold Boguta, president of the National Association of Groups of Fruit and Vegetable Producers: Poland has a favourable climate and soil for the production of many fruit and vegetable species.

The horticulture industry has always been subject to free-market rules. As a result, producers were able to operate successfully after the change of the economic system. Thanks to the private ownership of land and the horticulture sector operating under free market rules both in the old system and under the transition period, the occupation was profitable. Children of fruit and vegetable producers went away to study and then returned onto the farms. This is the reason why we have the highest percentage in Europe of young people with degrees or secondary educational qualifications

Poland is also known in the world for its raw and processed meat. “Over the 10 years of our membership of the EU, the value of meat exports, including livestock, processed meat and fats, rose more than six-fold from EUR0.6 billion in 2003 to EUR3.8 billion in 2013,” says Robert Mroczek of IERiGŻ. “EU countries are Poland’s main partner for trade in meat and meat products. Countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (Belarus, Russia, Ukraine and Kazakhstan) and Asian countries (China, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Hong Kong) are gaining in importance as importers of Polish meat.

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Projections for 2014 revised downwards Until recently there was an upward trend in meat exports. But now projections have been revised downwards. One of the reasons is the Russian embargo on Polish pork and cases of African swine fever (ASF) recorded in Poland. The Polish Meat Association (ZPM) has estimated that the ban on pork exports generates daily losses in the order of PLN10 million. “We are worried that the exports ban will soon be imposed also on other agricultural and food products – poultry, eggs, milk and milk products, fruit and vegetables,” says Katarzyna Oponowicz of the ZPM. “We also express special concern over the deterioration of trade relations between Poland and Russia and its consequences for the Polish economy.

We are afraid that due to the current situation members of the Polish Meat Association will have to gradually reduce their production and lay off their workers. Bankruptcies cannot be ruled out either.”

The ban on exports is a blow not only to the meat sector but also to thousands of farmers.

For years pork production has been the most important segment of agricultural production in Poland.

among these producers. The economic changes and assistance from the EU stimulated producers, to modernise their farms on a mass scale. Consequently, the volume and quality of production increased and the quality of products improved. The main successes were noted in the production of apples, greenhouse tomatoes, mushrooms, high-bush blueberries and raspberries.

In order to maintain last year’s high level of exports of Polish-grown products, in the face of risks associated with the Russian and Ukrainian market, producers should constantly improve quality, attach more importance to packaging, and diversify exports directions so as not to be dependent on a single market. New markets can be looked for around the world.

More attention should be paid to processing.

So far apples have been intended either for sale as fresh fruit or for processing into concentrate by foreign corporations. New processing opportunities and markets should be sought. This is where producer groups and organisations could potentially play a great role in producing traditional, regional and niche preserves, and in creating new products.

It is very important to promote consumption [of fruit and vegetables] in Poland and expand the product line. This may produce some results. But even a rise in the domestic consumption of fresh fruit and vegetables by as much as 200,000-300,000 tonnes will not solve the problem because the output grows every year while the number of consumers is diminishing.

Agnieszka Rembisz, director of the Office for International Cooperation at the Agricultural Market Agency: Poland’s agricultural and food exports are dominated by processed products, which account for more than 80% of the total. We are famous in the world for our special fruit preserves. Maturing cheese exports are growing rapidly. We generate high incomes from exporting chocolate, confectionery, baked products and smoked fish. At the same time, the recognition of Polish brands is improving. This, coupled with competitive prices, offers hope that the position of Poland as a producer and exporter of food will continue to strengthen. (…) Given the high saturation of the food market, especially with lowly processed products, innovation in the economy and marketing activities take on a special importance. It is worth stressing that Polish processing plants, thanks to their effective use of EU funding, are now the most modern in Europe.

•

Our Guest

Since 2010, the tourism industry has been constantly growing Katarzyna Sobierajska, Undersecretary of State, Deputy Minister of Sport and Tourism talks to Marcin Haber.

To start with, I would like to ask you about the 5th Innovation Forum in Rzeszów, in which you actively participated. How do you assess that forum and did it set guidelines for the future?

The 5th Innovation Forum in Rzeszów, dedicated to tourism, was the first event of its kind to host such a large number of participants. We are grateful that its organizers recognized the ambitions of sector and decided to dedicate this year’s edition to tourism.

The previous editions of the Innovation Forum were devoted to various areas, including aviation and space industry. It would seem that it is precisely these areas that are the most innovative and have the largest number of innovations, but this time the leading theme was tourism. We have taken up this challenge.

I would even say that I was slightly anxious as I approached this issue because I did not know that the understanding of innovation in tourism is so wide. So far, innovation in tourism has been primarily associated with technological innovation i.e., solutions in the hotel industry, reservation systems, and yet the forum has shown that innovation in tourism does really have many facets. It brought together around 1,000 participants, moderators pm

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and panelists. A number of important issues were discussed, namely regarding the hotel industry, health tourism, business tourism, the so-called meeting business. The latest communication and information technologies, and marketing techniques were debated too. The spectrum of topics was very broad.

We tried to answer the question how innovation in tourism has been developing in recent years, whether it has really reached the satisfactory level and what is going to be next.

We are about to enter a new EU financial perspective 2014-2020, in which innovation and projects related to widely understood innovation will be those that stand the greatest chance of being supported.

And what were the answers to these questions?

I think that there is no one single answer.

I reckon you can never achieve a satisfactory level in terms of innovation. There are always new challenges ahead. What is interesting, and I think it resounded in all panels, is that it is not a man that follows innovation, but it is innovation that follows what we, tourists, are able to create in our minds, follows our imagination and expectations in terms of pm

what we want to achieve and obtain. Innovation is trying to keep up with it all. This level may never be satisfied, though, I think the last results, which is Polish tourism, not only in terms of arrivals, domestic tourism, impacts, but also the competitiveness rankings Polish tourist economy, where we are able to systematically move to higher positions, testify to the fact that in the area of innovation ​​ done a lot in Poland. This level may never be satisfactory, but I think the latest results of Polish tourism - not only in terms of arrivals, domestic tourism, revenues, but also the competitiveness ratings of Polish tourism economy, which are systematically moving up point to the fact that a lot in have been done in Poland in the area of ​​innovation. However, cooperation for innovation is still insufficient. In my opinion, only combining efforts of business, science and public institutions can actually brings measurable effects leading to the development of innovative projects.

It is still not functioning at a satisfactory level, but I hope the Innovation Forum will some way contribute to improving the situation. It was attended by practitioners, but also academicians, which bring them closer together to potential joint projects.

Our Guest

The last time we spoke, I asked you about the increase in tourist traffic in Poland as a result of the Polish Presidency of the European Union and Euro 2012. Today, I would like to ask you about the last 25 years. What have the trends in tourism been like since the transformation?

If we were to create a diagram illustrating the number of foreign arrivals over the last 25 years, then it would be a sine wave. It is the period in which there were very good years, but there were some moment of decline too. The beginning of the 1990s and the social costs of economic reforms resulted in a strong decrease in the life quality, which in turn caused that even the domestic traffic slumped. In the second half of the 1990s is foreign tourist traffic boomed, because Poland became a new market on the map of Europe.

Suddenly, a new destination opened up, everyone was curious about it, especially that we were perceived as a leader of changes going on in Europe at that time. Interest was high, with the arrivals level of about 19 million. So far, we have not managed to beat this record.

After the first fascination subsided, there was a slight fall. The next moment of prosperity coincided with Poland’s accession to the European Union. Already two years before joining the EU, we tried our best to communicate it not only internally, but also outside the country. A large number of journalists visiting Poland, as well as the overall positive media coverage explains why the foreign tourist traffic increased again. At the same time, domestic traffic fared very well too, as it was a time when we have achieved greater financial stability and people wanted to invest in tourism. Poland’s membership in the EU resulted in the country’s much greater accessibility, and tourist traffic was steadily growing. Poles, too, began to go abroad as tourists in large numbers.

On the one hand, Poland’s accession to the Schengen area was a very good step because it gave us free access to Western European countries, on the other hand, unfortunately, it led to reducing traffic from countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, Russia, also non-European countries as China and India. Today, we have managed to make up these arrears.

The situation has been improving systematically since 2010. We are working on with the Polish parliament and EU member states toward some facilitation of the visa regime so that Europe, and thus Poland, is more accessible for tourists from outside the Schengen area. Since 2010, the economic conditions have been steadily improving. It was the beginning of the period, when Poland made the pm

most of a couple of important events. 2010 was the year of Chopin, 2011 was marked by the Polish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and 2012 – by the European Football Championship Euro 2012. This was a series of promotional events that that caused the image of Poland to start in a positive way, and now the effects can well be felt.

And what are the main Polish tourist attractions? Still Masuria, the sea and big cities, or maybe something has changed?

I think that these 25 years, which have just briefly talked about mainly in the context of the tourist traffic, were also a period in which many changes occurred in Polish tourist infrastructure. As a member of the European Union, Poland has seen EU funds inflow, and therefore a steady, systematic process of upgrading broadly understood infrastructure that serves tourism and enhances the country’s attractiveness of in this regard.

I say “broadly understood” because you need to remember that tourism is an interdisciplinary thing. Its development is influenced by many other fields. The latest infrastructure investments - under the 2007-2013 EU pm

financial perspective - in roads, railways, airports have a very visible effect on increasing Poland’s tourist attractiveness. Tourist spots, cities, and therefore cultural heritage are simply more accessible. And so is in the hotel sector, with many entrepreneurs having benefited from EU assistance and built a number of new facilities. But most importantly, EU funds gave us the opportunity to create supra-regional tourist products. Poland does no longer limit itself to Masuria, the sea, the mountains and that is all. This confirms the thesis on innovation in tourism: how far we have gone in the creation of new places and new tourist attractions. Such places as the Copernicus Science Centre, the Chopin Museum in Warsaw, Krakow’s underground market, or the Żuławy Loop - a project involving the construction of marinas in the Lowlands build the image of Poland as an attractive tourist destination. It is no longer just Masuria or the sea; there are a lot of other places that filled a niche and promote them• selves.

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Tourism

5th Innovation Forum The 5th Innovation Forum and the 1st Tourism Forum of the Carpathian Countries were held on the premises of the University of Rzeszów on May 27 and 28. Both events were attended by nearly a thousand people, including representatives of the tourism industry, local government units, associations and universities, as well as experts, specialists and members of many Polish and foreign institutions.

J

an Bury, President of the Innovation Forum Council, opened the debates with the words: “This year, we will discuss innovation in tourism, one of the largest economic sectors in the world, which, despite the recession, is still on the increase. Tourism, which generates more than 9% of the world’s GDP, provides about 250 million jobs. Investing in modern and innovative tourism creates opportunities to reduce unemployment and develop areas of great natural beauty. Podkarpacie, Poland or Europe, in their climatic, cultural and environmental diversity, are attractive investment and tourism destinations.

Changes in tourism reflect changes in human consciousness and technological progress. These two things determine the direction of innovation in tourism. Tourism of the future is about technology and the environment - these two areas most strongly shaping the image of tourism. Podkarpacie, Poland and Europe offer unique places, climates, tastes, historical heritage and landscapes. Let the motto of our debates be Tourism - an Industry of the Future.”

During the two days of discussions, the participants established new contacts, and learned and shared best practices with regard to multi-dimensional aspects of innovation in tourism. They also pointed firmly to the problems and barriers which hamper innovation in different sectors of tourism.

One of the outcomes of the Forum was defining the profile of a contemporary tourist. It can be argued that such a tourist is

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interested in authentic experiencing attractions, and the most important question for him or her is not “where?” but “how?”. Today’s consumers of tourist services also need to have a very large spectrum of possibilities to choose from and want to make decisions on site. To meet these demands, tourist operators have to attract the tourist’s attention, and he or she will get back to them in the future. Commenting on the promotion of tourism in Poland, Rafał Szmytke, President of the Polish Tourist Organization said: “The truth is that we can overtake our competitors in promotion only with great ideas, because all the tools that we have used so far in marketing are no longer enough. Therefore, Poland, which is primarily known for its terrific, creative people, stands a great chance. We should not have any complexes, we are one step and often a few steps ahead of the old Europe.”

An important part of the Forum was the Business Innovation Award ceremony. The distinctions are handed out annually by the Innovation Forum Council and “Polish Market.” This year, statuettes and diplomas were awarded by Katarzyna Sobierajska, Deputy Minister of Sport and Tourism, Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek, Editor-in-Chief of “Polish Market” and Jan Bury, President of the Innovation Forum Council to:

Marshal Office of Warmia and Mazury

The award was given for the effective implementation of the strategy for the promotion of the region’s tourism values and stimulation

of tourism entrepreneurship by promoing tourist attractions on the Copernicus trail.

The city of Rzeszów

The award was given for the city’s efforts for the development of tourism in the region, also in international terms, and for the exemplary implementation of innovative tourism projects.

PL.2012 +

(operator of the National Stadium in Warsaw)

The award was given for the opening of the National Stadium for the residents of the city and making it a popular place for relaxation, recreation and entertainment, including through the organization of attractive year-round sports and cultural events.

Kliczków Castle

The award was given for the reconstruction of the castle and making it regain its glory after a period of neglect and almost complete destruction in the 20th century.

Wieliczka Salt Mine The award was given for the protection and preservation of the unique mining excavations while exploiting the tourism potential of the site.

•

Tourism

Away from the hustle and bustle of city life Urszula Pacyna, the owner of Park Hotel in Rzeszów, talks to Maciej Proliński.

Do you think the Podkarpacie region is today an attractive destination for potential investors? What changes for the better have occurred in the region recently?

The region has based its success on tourism. It is after all one of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland...

Yes, definitely. Situated by the A4 WestEast motorway, with a developing airport and a cluster of advanced (mainly aircraft) technologies, it does deserve the title of Aviation Valley. I run my business in Rzeszów, the capital of the region, and I observe the influx of tourists and business travellers from everywhere.

In my hotel, I host people from America, the Far East, nearby Ukraine, as well as Polish entrepreneurs and managers. I have never heard complaints about the city. On the contrary, even Germans are enchanted with its atmosphere, order and momentum.

Rzeszów came out of the shadows of Polish diaspora’s folklore and is increasingly becoming a hub of advanced technologies, particularly aircraft ones. I would like this investment inflow to boost as it was the case in the interwar period, when hundreds of companies were set up in just a few years’ time.

We have become an innovative city. When I started my business 10 years ago, the hotel, fitness and restaurant industries were in their infancy. Then, within a few years, there has been a large increase in these services, also thanks to EU funds.

Rzeszów has certainly reached a European standard when it comes to services, but it is up to the city authorities to ensure promotion, organise large conferences and trainings while also facilitating investment inflow.

I think that the capital of the region will succeed anyway, but the Bieszczady Mountains, in order to reap benefits from tourism, desperately need an expressway. We place our hopes on the S19 as far as it is set to open up pm

access to the entire eastern Europe, but also from the north to south.

Are hotels sought after as an investment product today? How much money do you need to develop a facility such as Park Hotel in Rzeszów?

There are hotels in Rzeszów available for tourists, even though one can argue whether, once opened, they will meet relevant requirements. The hotel industry is a challenging one, requiring the owner to make it for the whole night and day “in high heels.” If you ask about capital investment in hotels, it is now expensive. There are a number of administrative and security requirements, and meeting them means incurring high costs. Up to 50 rooms, it is more than PLN 5 million. It depends on the standard and investor. The money is of course not lost, but you need to allow for long-term profitability, perhaps even for your children. It is a multi-generation business like in the Hilton family. pm

How come you have decided to start your own business in the hotel industry? Is it because this is just a good and profitable business?

The decision was made 10 years ago and was spurred on by the wave of fashion for wellness.

Today, for a large group of people, it is a duty pm

and a necessity. I learnt myself how to lead a healthy lifestyle and I believe that physical activity in the gym with a trainer or other fitness classes protect us against many diseases and help us become resistant to stress!

Park Hotel is a successful example of a facility located outside the city centre...

My hotel is within the city. This city centre of Rzeszów is still getting closer to me. I had a vision of my hotel there from the beginning - the inspiration came from France. The area where my hotel is located is becoming a luxury residential area, a dormitory district for the city. Large shopping malls and stores are being set up in the neighbourhood. The advantage of such a location is the atmosphere around the facility, availability of a large car park for guests, and no traffic congestion making it easier to get to the airport for example. pm

Another advantage is your “holistic approach to man.” To make your guests feel good, it is not enough to offer an excellent product, but professional service is needed as well. And you do provide it.

Holistic means comprehensive. I do not know whether I entirely assure my guests full well being. Definitely, they still need to have a family and home, although club members enjoy fitness classes using family passes.

The playroom is there to look after children while their mums take exercises. By providing a wide range of services, we try to enhance the welfare of the person seeking it. Our beauty parlour, in addition to a relaxing, rejuvenating massage, has instrumentation for comprehensive care for the skin and body. I have teamed up with the brand Clarins and I equipped the salon with single rooms, putting emphasis on intimacy, silence, music, and good treatment, so that the client leaves it relaxed and with a visible effect.

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Events

People of Freedom V

“It was the first triumph of freedom” In his speech, President Bronisław Komorowski stressed that the past quartercentury was a special time for Poland. “This is our golden age: one of our generation, our generations,” he said. “June 4 was a knockout. The people of freedom, headed by Lech Wałęsa, won in an unequal battle, because these were not fully democratic elections. (...)

This battle ended with the victory of Solidarity. The willingness triumphed to transform Poland together,” he added.

Komorowski said that “competitors, opponents and even enemies” worked together for Poland. “It was the first triumph of freedom, and the second victory of Solidarity over itself,” argued Komorowski.

In the “science” category the winner was Henryk Skarżyński, world-renowned otosurgeon, specialist in otorhinolaryngology, audiology and phoniatrics. In 2002, Skarżyński was the first in the world to implant cochlear in a patient with partial deafness, and two years later he performed teh same surgery in a child. He created almost from scratch the World Hearing Center in Kajetany near Warsaw in which most of the world’s hearing improving surgeries are carried out.

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Photo: TVN / Cezary Piwowarski

iewers of TVN and readers of “Gazeta Wyborcza” chose “People of Freedom” – those who symbolise for Poles freedom, democracy and development.

Anyone could submit their candidates.

From among the thousands of proposals the jury selected 25 people who were competing in five categories: science, culture, society, sport and business. There were five nominees in each category. Viewers and readers voted via sms.

The results were announced on Sunday at a Gala led by Kinga Rusin and Bogusław Linda.

It was attended, among others, by Bronisław Komorowski, Lech Wałęsa, Donald Tusk and Ewa Kopacz.

“I am grateful that scientists found themselves among the people who grasped the opportunity as President Bronisław Komorowski said. We all had a chance to be where we want to be, do what we can do and show what we are capable of. I think that many of us in the field of science have used this opportunity,” said prof. Skarżyński.

“Many of our prominent Poles did not have such opportunities, he said, mentioning doctors who, due to stormy history, were not given the possibility showcase their achievements.

Skarżyński thanked everyone who voted in the plebiscite and thereby “made their own settlements: what did work and what did not work in the last 25 years. (...) As far as I know, many had very positive feelings because they often found to be successful,” he added.

In the “culture” category the winner was Krystyna Janda, the icon and legend of Polish cinema, the founder and director of the most popular private theater in Poland, in which she skillfully combines high art and popular one.

In the “business” category the medal was handed in to Solange and Krzysztof Olszewski. Founders of Solaris Bus & Coach, the producer of buses and trams, much

appreciated in Poland and Europe, are a symbol of Polish success in the automotive industry and economic cooperation. Thy effectively combine business activity with social work and charity.

Adam Małysz won in the “sport” category.

A ski jumper from Wisła stood on the Olympic podium four times, won the individual title of world champion four times, and reached the World Cup four times (including three times in a row). He also triumphed in the Four Hills Tournament several times, in addition to winning the title of the winter champion in ski jumping twenty times and the summer one – eighteen times.

The winner of the “society” category was Jerzy Owsiak, founder and chairman of the Foundation of the Great Orchestra of Christmas Charity, initiator and implementer of the annual WOŚP Final, creator of one of the biggest regular music festival - “Woodstock Station”.

During the Gala, a special prize of “Gazeta Wyborcza” was awarded to the man of the quarter-century. It was handed in by Adam Michnik to Lech Wałęsa, the former President of Poland.

• Source: TVN

Events

Symphony in B minor “Polonia”

by Ignacy Jan Paderewski:

music in honour of freedom

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Events

S

“It was a great opportunity to perform it, and Jerzy Maksymiuk was at his best - I have not long heard the Orchestra of the Teatr Wielki Polish National Opera in such a great form.”

Dorota Szwarcman

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ymphony in B minor “Polonia”, op. 24, by Ignacy Jan Paderewski was performed on June 4 in the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera. It was a much awaited event of special patriotic significance. The organizers were “Polish Market” and the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera. President Bronisław Komorowski was the patron of the concert.

Performed on such a special day for Poland, Symphony in B minor “Polonia”, op. 24, by Ignacy Jan Paderewski combines a number of important motifs. First, we honoured the great Polish composer and statesman Ignacy Jan Paderewski - a visionary, a man for whom homeland was the utmost value and who served it until the end of his life, both as an artist and as a politician. Second, Symphony in B minor “Polonia” is, as suggested by its title, a work of art steeped in patriotism. “Polonia” by Paderewski is ideally suited to commemorate June 4 - an extremely important date for Poland. Waldemar Dąbrowski, Director of the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera, said that “there was only one date worthy of the event -a quarter-century anniversary of the free Poland.” 2014 is a very special year for Poland. We celebrate three important anniversaries: 15 years in NATO, 10 years in the European Union and 25 years since the first free elections. Therefore, June 4 was a non-accidental choice.

We would like to thank the co-organizer of the concert - the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera and its Director, Waldemar Dąbrowski. Totalizator Sportowy, a patron of the concert, made an extremely important contribution to its organization and issuance of a special edition of “Polish Market” dedicated to the event. Wojciech Szpil, President of Totalizator Sportowy, said: “There are events that are important for all Poles, therefore also for us. This concert is a reminder of one of the most important dates in our history. We could not miss out on it. We are proud and honoured to be here.”

Passionate notes of “Polonia” The work of Ignacy Jan Paderewski, endowed with many features of good craftsmanship, has still its important place in Polish music, representing the neo-romantic and emotional style insofar as it combines deep lyricism with strong expressionism. The monumental, nearly an hourlong Symphony “Polonia”, was written more than 100 years ago to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the January Uprising. Performed on June 4, 2014, by the Orchestra of the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera under the baton of Jerzy Maksymiuk it was remindful of Paderewski as an artist with exceptional verve and great maturity, but also as an enthusiast of sound order, full creative consciousness and technical discipline.

Listening to this unusual piece of music, so imbued with a genuine religious fervor, one can feel an extraordinary temperament of the brilliant piano virtuoso even many years after his death. But on that evening, we also admired Jerzy Maksymiuk - one of the greatest conductors in our part of the world - and his attention to every detail, including the exposure of distinct sounds of individual instruments.

Listening to these very personal notes, it is difficult not to mention that they are an example of communicative music. And so it is not to repeat after Jerzy Maksymiuk that some parts of it may well be experienced visually as they seem to refer to the history of our homeland, so painfully affected in the past.

The Orchestra of the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera proved, for its part, that it is a great performance apparatus, blossoming from year to year under the direction of Carlo Montanaro. It plays with expression, precision and greater lightness.

Summing up, the concert of June 4, 2014 - as a whole - proved to be a convincing proposition. Without a doubt, it kindled emotions of listeners. Mainly due to the spirit of the great artist and patriot - Paderewski, and to maestro Maksymiuk. And it was something more than just “a concert in honour.”

Impressions of guests The concert brought together personalities from the worlds of politics, culture, business, and science. The official part, which consisted of performance of the Symphony in B minor “Polonia” by the Orchestra of the Polish National Opera under the baton of Jerzy Maksymiuk and cutscenes, prepared by Waldemar Dąbrowski, was followed by a solemn toast to freedom, which gave us an opportunity to ask guests about their impressions: Dorota Szwarcman, music critic of the “Polityka” weekly: “Of course, when Symphony “Polonia” was written, that is in the first decade of the 20th century, neither Paderewski nor anyone else ever dreamed that Poland will be free one day. And precisely they dreamed of it only and the music is about that dream. It is indeed a solid piece of music as I call such big creations. It resembles that of Mieczysław Karłowicz (it is more or less the same period of time), but written in a more approachable way. However, if you look at other kind-hearted works by Paderewski, the language sophistication of that one is quite surprising. It was a great opportunity to perform it, and Jerzy Maksymiuk was at his best - I have not long heard the Orchestra of the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera in such a great form.

Prof. Wiktor Osiatyński, writer and lecturer, lawyer, constitutionalist: Emotions were very moving, primarily thanks to the author. It was a good idea to divide the symphony, a rather difficult one, with two FILMS that showed Paderewski as a person. I was personally really enchanted by parts II and III of the symphony. Part III is for me a “musical Battle of Grunwald”... I would add that the concert itself was very well fitted with the whole string of events related to the June 4, 1989 anniversary, which was for all of us moving and important. I hope that President Komorowski did succeed in reminding the world that it was in 1989 that a series of events were triggered that led to the recovery of sovereignty and political transformation of our country, and the “Autumn of Nations” in Central and Eastern Europe. The second thing is the importance of President

Events Obama’s speech in Warsaw. We will see if it will go down in history as the beginning of a new hand in Central and Eastern Europe, or as a beginning of a new “Cold War”...

Jerzy Kisielewski, journalist, son of Stefan Kisielewski, a great Polish composer, journalist and writer: Paderewski is someone known a bit by everyone, but not quite... Because if you ask people about his Symphony “Polonia”, they may hardly know it and link it with Paderewski. Let me recall one funny history associated with Paderewski: at the peace conference in Versailles in 1919, French Prime Minister Georges Clemenceau came up to Paderewski and, greeting him, asked: “Are you a relative of that great artist?” Paderewski answered: “It is myself.” Clemenceau: “How is it? Have you sunk to dealing with politics?” Paderewski - a great figure, still worth reminding and for many simply discovering, also musically. And all in the hands of enthusiasts such as Maksymiuk and organizers of today’s concert.

Krzysztof Przybył, President of the Foundation of the Polish Promotional Emblem “Teraz Polska”: Today is a special day. Any event that fell on that date will certainly be characterized by solemnity of memories, but also by the great success we have had 25 years ago, and which, I hope, we will cultivate over the next at least quarter century. This touching cultural event with Ignacy Jan Paderewski - unquestionably our Polish role model - added something to these celebrations. I wish to congratulate you on the idea!

Piotr Salaber, composer and pianist: It is a remarkable and full of emotion piece of music. And maestro Maksymiuk is in great shape! I always admire his artistry, an absolutely unique manner of conducting the orchestra, when even his eyes, or a head shake show what he does not have time to show with the baton.

So congratulations and thanks to the originators and organizers of this full of emotion and important project!

Marcin Bronikowski, opera singer (baritone): Jerzy Maksymiuk, just like the Orchestra of the Teatr Wielki - Polish National Opera, in great shape! Today, I heard this symphony for the first time in my life, and I must admit that I am very impressed. I think that we all really needed it on that important day for Poland. A beautiful gesture - congratulations!

Juliusz Braun, President of the Board of TVP SA: The feast of freedom is a great time to remind Paderewski and his contributions not only to music, but also to Polish history. It is a good tradition that concerts and performances are organized to celebrate important holidays and anniversaries. It is worth sustaining it, and Paderewski is a composer who “fits” (if it is a proper word) such circumstances. It is a unique figure on the world scale: the high profile politician, the eminent composer.

Prof. Jerzy Bralczyk, a prominent Polish linguist, academic lecturer: On the occasion of such an anniversary, you may expect a certain dose of elegant, full of emotions pathos, and that

is what we actually had here: the venue, the orchestra with a wonderful conductor - Maksymiuk is excellent and repertoire. It all produced a kind of combination that was particularly needed in such a situation. Independence was regained not only thanks to Piłsudski, but also to Dmowski, Paderewski and Daszyński. We should regard it as a certain kind of pluralism, ideological pluralism, which ensured - when patriotism was important, not ideology reconciliation across boundaries, something that is now extremely necessary. Paderewski is an ideal patron of such an agreement across party lines, because all: rightist, leftist and centrist people are willing to accept him today. I think he is worth being reminded as a patron of Poland reborn in 1918, a patron who showed that Poland existed in the realm of art. Culture is such a sphere in which nations can live through hard times.

“Paderewski a great figure, still worth reminding and for many simply discovering, also musically.”

Jerzy Kisielewski

Wiesław Dąbrowski, director, film producer, president of the “Ave Arte” Foundation Let me put it this way: I made “Paderewski. The man of action, success and fame” because I have promised that

to my friend. Four days before his death, the great Polish musicologist and social activist Jerzy Waldorff told me “Remember, I’ll be watching you from above… For the sake of our cooperation, remember that Paderewski and Szymanowski should be the apple of your eye.” So I started to read more and more about Paderewski… And at one point, the magnitude of what I was getting into frightened me.

After all, the grandness, talents and assets of Paderewski alone would suffice for a number of Polish politicians, diplomats and artists. He spoke five languages. A born orator, a hard-working virtuoso, a great composer. Camille Saint-Saëns described him as “A genius who also happens to play the piano.” And Paderewski himself said: “As flawed a player as I am, I have a way with words.” I feel honoured to have the occasion, at this special concert in the National Opera, to bring Paderewski back after so many years he’s been away. Remember, it’s been 24 years since his “Manru” opera was last put on here.

“It is a good tradition that concerts and performances are organized to celebrate important holidays and anniversaries.”

Juliusz Braun

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Events Ladies and Gentlemen, We have met here today in the splendid National Opera building to pay tribute to Ignacy Jan Paderewski, a great Pole, composer, statesman, virtuoso, but first of all a great patriot. We call him an advocate for the Polish cause, tribune of the idea of its revival, who heralded Poland at the time of occupation, a Pole who has revived Poland by playing the piano. We remember him as a man with an unusual talent for music, who exploited this gift not to build his career and fame, but to serve his homeland. During his numerous concert tours of Europe, both Americas, Australia and New Zealand he had an opportunity to meet the great of the world and had the courage to ask them to help Polish people in their struggle for independence.

The figure of this great and unusual man should be a lodestar and message both to us and future generations that one may serve fatherland not only with the arms, but also with talent, knowledge, work and sacrifice for others.

His life should be a lesson in patriotism for us and remind us how important it is to care for national heritage and the role of culture in preserving our identity.

I would like to heartily thank Waldemar Dąbrowski, director of the Grand Theatre National Opera, for having decided to celebrate this joyful anniversary of freedom by restoring the memory of Ignacy Jan Paderewski and his great work - Symphony in B minor “Polonia”– a symphony that Paderewski wrote to mark the 40th anniversary of the January Rising and called a tribute to the fatherland.

Ladies and Gentlemen, the concert will soon begin. When listening to it, I would like you to remember the words of Ignacy Paderewski, one of the last words he said in public.

They were addressed to the Poles fighting in the Second World War. He said them during the inauguration of the National Council in Paris in January 1940. “I am addressing you my beloved brothers, bringing you the invincible faith in our strength, the inviolability of our God-given right to Polish land and the faith in our ultimate victory. This deep faith in God and Poland gives you the strength needed to make it through the period of enslavement. Our tortured brothers, Poland will not perish, it will not perish, but will live forever in power and glory for you, for us and for humankind.”

Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek Editor-in-Chief of “Polish Market” President Rynek Polski Publishers Co. Ltd. Ladies and Gentlemen, We have heard today the fine speeches by President Bronisław Komorowski and President Barack Obama in the square in front of the Royal Castle, a castle which is the fulfilment of the Polish Republic’s majesty and endurance.

We are celebrating freedom, a notion so close to each of us separately and so deeply rooted in the Polish community as a whole, however a value that history has put to very hard tests. Poland’s freedom has its name. On battlefields, it is called by the name of great Poles, like Tadeusz Kościuszko and Józef Piłsudski. In the painstaking process of political dispute, it is called Lech Wałęsa. In the highest achievements of art, in the lists of artistic achievements that were Polish people’s homeland over centuries when they did not have a state of their own, it was the work of Fryderyk Chopin

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Waldemar Dąbrowski and Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek speaking at the concert

and Adam Mickiewicz. But the person and work of Ignacy Jan Paderewski is the figure and name that combines all the three threads. He was a great Pole belonging to the catalogue of the greatest national myths.

Today we will be listening to his symphony “Polonia,” which he composed at the beginning of the 20th century, a monumental work composed of three movements with an unusually clear structure linked by an unusual motif of violence. The first movement in adagio maestoso, is slow and dignified. It tells about the heroic past of the Polish people and lasts for 28 minutes. Afterwards, we will see a fragment of Wiesław Dąbrowski’s documentary, which brings the figure of Ignacy Jan Paderewski closer to us.

The second part is in andante comodo, a slow and calm movement. It describes the lyrical nature of the Polish people.

The third movement, a struggle between two ideas – a hope for freedom and the tragedy of violence - is the most dramatic.

The hope for freedom is symbolized by the motif of “Poland is not Yet Lost” [Polish national anthem] while the notes of a funeral march appear in the second part of the movement.

The symphony “Polonia” was performed in Poland for the first time in 1910 in Lvov during celebrations of the 100th birth anniversary of Fryderyk Chopin. It was impossible to hold them in Warsaw because of tsarist terror. In Lvov, after the symphony “Polonia” had been played, Paderewski told the gathered compatriots: “No nation in the world can boast such a rich diversity of feelings and moods as ours. God’s hand has placed an infinite number of strings on the harp of the nation, strings that are quiet and wistful, powerful and loud.

We have the softness of loving, the courage of acting, lyricism flowing in a wide wave, chivalrous and courageous strength; we have virginal longing, masculine prudence, the tragic sadness of the heart, and careless cheerfulness of a youth.”

Smiling to the maestro’s words and listening to this beautiful music, let us try to formulate a thought in our minds and souls, a thought which will become a guideline for us for the next 25 years. May they be equally, or perhaps even more, fruitful as the beautiful time we have experienced together.

Waldemar Dąbrowski Director of the Teatr Wielki Polish National Opera

Events

Waldemar Dąbrowski, Zbigniew Benbenek with his wife, Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek,

Prof. Henryk Skarżyński

Jan Kulczyk, Małgorzata Walewska, Dominika Kulczyk

Prof. Leszek Rafalski

Prof. Michał Kleiber and his wife Teresa Sukniewicz-Kleiber Minister Bogdan Zdrojewski with his wife

Minister Małgorzata Omilanowska

Barbara Sissons - Totalizator Sportowy patron of the concert

Błażej Grabowski, Grażyna Jaskuła and Ambassador of the United States of America Stephen Mull with his family

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Events

Minister Olgierd Dziekoński Edward Trzosek, Prof. Marek Krawczyk with his wife, Prof. Tomasz Szapiro

Andrzej Pągowski, Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek, Minister Jacek Michałowski

Deputy Speaker of the Sejm Wanda Nowicka

Herbert Wirth (KGHM)

Kazimierz Małecki (KIR) with an accompanying person

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Monika Piątkowska (PAIiIZ), Krzysztof Przybył (Teraz Polska)

Prof. Janusz Lipkowski, Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek, Prof. Bogdan Marciniec

Marina Coey, Arkadiusz Krężel, Henryk Majchrzak (PSE), Aleksander Grad, Prof. Maciej Nowicki, MP Jan Bury

Prof. Krzysztof Żmijewski

Events

Beata Stelmach (GE), Krzysztof Król with his wife Minister Marek Michalak Juliusz Braun (TVP) with an accompanying person

with an accompanying person

Prof. Jerzy Bralczyk Prof. Daniela Winkler-Drews and Prof. Tadeusz Drews, Alicja Wiecka (SAS) with her husband

with an accompanying person

Grażyna Jaskuła

Adam Rotfeld, Daniel Passent Małgorzata Walewska, Dominika Kulczyk

Józef Wancer (BGŻ), Zbigniew Benbenek (ZPR)

Marek Pol and Herbert Gabryś with an accompanying person

Robert Ziółek (Dolcan) and mec. Katarzyna Niedużak

Krystyna Wiaderny-Bidzińska with her husband

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Events

Jerzy Kisielewski Jan Pietrzak with his wife

Joanna Grabowska, Jerzy Maksymiuk, Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek, Ewa Maksymiuk

Krystyna Pociej-Gościmska, Monika and Witold Zaraska, January Gościmski

Renata Bielecka with an accompanying person

Zbigniew Niemczycki with his wife

Waldemar Dąbrowski and Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek speaking at the concert

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Andrzej Frajndt, Mirosław Satora, Ludmiła Zamojska, Piotr Jagucki

Edytorial board of „Polish Market”

IGNACY J. PADEREWSKI JERZY MAKSYMIUK

PATRONAT

PREZYDENTA RP BRONISŁAWA KOMOROWSKIEGO

Organizatorzy koncertu: Teatr Wielki-Opera Narodowa oraz redakcja magazynu Polish Market serdecznie dziękują wszystkim Gościom, Mecenasowi oraz Partnerom, dzięki którym mogliśmy wspólnie świętować 25-lecie Wolności.

MECENAS KONCERTU:

ORGANIZATORZY:

PARTNER CATERINGOWY:

PATRONI MEDIALNI:

Culture

My own paths and travels...

Patrycja Piekutowska, an outstanding Polish violinist, talks to Maciej Proliński.

You are the only musician to be among 25 young leaders who are most likely to influence how Poland will develop in the next quarter-century, as indicated in June by the Foundation for Polish Promotional Emblem “Teraz Polska”. What does it mean for you?

The fact that I am among the leaders is an honour for me and simply a great joy that what I have done so far has been appreciated: I mean the promotion of Polish music, Polish composers virtually everywhere in the world. Among them are Bacewicz, Szymanowski, Lutosławski, Penderecki. Almost all 700 concerts I have played so far had some Polish accent. Six out of my ten albums are entirely devoted to Polish music, mostly that of the 20th century. I believe my consistent attitude has been rewarded to make classical music noticed not only by music lovers - since they know it well anyway - but also by all the others, including business people. pm

In your opinion, is Poland changing for the better when it comes to the co-existence of art and business?

It is changing greatly! I would even say that I was a forerunner when it comes to combining art and business. Most of my albums and some of my concerts were sponsored by business. And all those companies, before meeting me, had absolutely nothing to do with culture, whether it was a mobile network operator, or a military hardware supplier, or an exquisite lingerie producer. I never really used support from Polish state-funded cultural institutions, except partially with my latest album, for which I received the prize of the National Centre for Culture. My biggest dream is today to create a space in Poland that would be an expression of a common belief that investment in culture is the best long-term investment for both pm

the artist and the potential patron. I also hope that one day someone will help me in building bridges between culture and business, since it is the only way to boost innovation in Poland.

Besides, that is how it works in most civilised countries in the world. ”My place on Earth is the globe,” famous jazz singer Urszula Dudziak once told me.

I think I could hear today such a confession from you, too.

Yes. I do travel a lot both professionally and privately with my family. From Beijing to New York, Buenos Aires, Moscow, Madrid, Bucharest.... As a musician, I love observing how people differ from each other all over the world.

When I play Sibelius in China, I do it differently than in Chile for instance. The same composer, the same player, and so different emotions on two different continents. I now live permanently in Bucharest, because my husband is a diplomat and that is one more reason why journey is an integral part of my life. pm

example, to the Warsaw Autumn festival. After many years, I can say now, however, that I have vanquished that ostracism in the music milieu.

In fact, I have always listened to my intuition and told the truth. I also started talking very loudly about what happened to me in Poland...

No milieu is able to take the audience away from the artist. Therefore, as long as I have full halls, I do not care about anything else.

Last year, you released “My Journey,” an album showing your pop fascinations. Why? I am not a fan of it to be honest…

It is not an album for you. My entertainment album reached wider audiences. And thanks to it, I could talk in the media about my profession.

I became popular with people who have never listened to a violin before. And I had a thousand “likes” on my Facebook profile... Besides, I travelled to 12 cities on 4 continents. Listeners wrote to me that they let their thoughts move to those cities. It would not be possible with classics. pm

Today you are back “on your track” with two masterpieces of violin music: Sonata No.3 by Brahms and Sonata by Franck.

Sonatas by Brahms and Franck appear in my repertoire very regularly. I performed them over 100 times since the time of my studies. These works give you an opportunity not only to show how good you are as a performer, but also your knowledge about the relevant historical interpretation. This is so exciting. I am accompanied by pianist Anna Miernik. It is my investment in youth and her wonderful talent. On June 17, I am having my album’s premiere concert at a very special venue - Stanisławowski Theatre in Łazienki Park in Warsaw. In autumn, I plan a concert at Carnegie Hall, wholly sponsored •

by Polish business. pm

In 2008, you were the first Polish violinist to have received a musical Oscar - Cannes’s MIDEM Classical Award - for an album dedicated entirely to the music of Krzysztof Penderecki, recorded with the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra under the baton of the composer. Such distinctions in the world are usually a strong seal for the artist, but also for all those gathered around him or her. How was it in Poland?

After being awarded in Cannes, I was pushed away virtually from everything in Poland. Just imagine that I am the only soloist who has never played a Friday concert in the National Philharmonic. I was given not a single concert proposal in Warsaw. I have never been invited, for pm

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Culture

“My John Paul II” Maciej Proliński

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he exhibition “Polish Medallists.

My John Paul II” will be shown at Warsaw’s Royal Castle from June 24 to July 21, with over 70 outstanding medallists telling through their works about their personal relations with the person and achievement of the Polish pope.

The exhibition will be supplemented by selected foreign works of medallic art – more than

“The exhibition shows very personal works, which tell us about the artists’ thoughts and developments in their private life,” says Bernard Marek

Adamowicz, the curator of the exhibition.

200 medals by reputable artists. The medals remind us about the history of John Paul II’s pontificate and his work. The honorary patron of the exhibition is Cardinal Kazimierz Nycz, the archbishop of Warsaw.

Medals commemorating individual events of the pontificate were made since the very beginning of John Paul II’s service as pope.

Among the commemorated events are the pope’s pilgrimages to his homeland, anniversaries and instances of papal patronage being granted to institutions. The medals, for the most part, are occasional works.

The occasions helped the artists to solve a “set problem,” but on the other hand represented a kind of constraint. The artists left a wealth of personal answers to the questions about the person, work and legacy of John Paul II. These thoughts were a starting point for the idea to ask Polish medallists to

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try to personally deal with the subject of “My John Paul II.” This is how the idea of the project emerged.

“The exhibition shows very personal works, which tell us about the artists’ thoughts and developments in their private life,” says Bernard Marek Adamowicz, the curator of the exhibition. “The artists reached to the depths of the experience that exerted influence on their life. In many cases, these are flashes of specific moments, which took place many years ago, moments of which the Medals are reminiscences. Some medallists undertook the effort to symbolically illustrate John Paul II’s impact on their own life. At the same time, the invited artists represent high and internationally recognized standards of Polish medallic art.

Many of the artists are academic teachers at Polish art schools, members of the prestigious International Art Medal Federation (FIDEM), and laureates of national and international sculpture and medallic art competitions.”

A series of 27 medals by Józef Stasiński is a special work among the works dedicated to John Paul II. When Karol Wojtyła was elected as pope and the happy news reached Poland Stasiński, who was already a recognized medallist, decided to mark every year of the pontificate with a medal. This resulted in a special Polish set of annual medals. Year after year, the artist paid tribute to the Polish pope by depicting his figure, which was changing over time.

Another part of the medal collection is a record of the artists’ accompanying the pope over time. It comprises medals marking successive anniversaries of John Paul II: his birthdays, anniversaries of his ordination and consecration as bishop and of his election as pope.

The medals also attempt to show the signs of

the passing time in his face and figure, commemorate his achievements, and show places important in the pope’s biography: from the church in Wadowice where, as the pope said, “everything has begun,” to Rome from where he led the Church for many years.

A special place among the medals associated with the Holy Father’s pilgrimages across the world is occupied by the works which may be termed as official medals of papal pilgrimages. They were made to mark individual apostolic trips, which is emphasized by an inscription with information about the trip. Most of the medals were issued by one of the Holy See departments. Some of them were issued by the Church institutions of the countries visited by the Holy Father during his pilgrimages. They were designed by outstanding medallists, mainly Italians. Eminent Polish artist Stanisława Wątróbska designed the official medal for the pope’s first pilgrimage to Poland.

The last part of the exhibition is made up of medals devoted to John Paul II as a blessed person and as saint. The medallists, coming from various parts of the world, try to capture and express the conviction - “John Paul II, a Great Pole, the Blessed, Saint – so that our personal road to being saint, free and happy for ever is supported by his testimony and intercession.

The exhibition was organized by the Royal Castle in Warsaw, the Museum of John Paul II and Primate Wyszyński in Warsaw and the Association of Dzieło Graduates at the Polish Episcopate’s Work for the New Millennium Foundation. The patron is the Ministry • of Culture and National Heritage.

Culture

Community

of the arts under one roof

The Opera Gallery is a joint undertaking of the Grand Theatre National Opera and the Academy of Fine Arts (ASP) in Warsaw. Its initiators are Waldemar Dąbrowski, director of the National Opera, and Adam Myjak, rector of the ASP. The gallery is a place showing the classic works of the Polish avant-garde – a generation of artists who have laid foundations for modern Polish art. It is open on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and one hour before a performance and during breaks. It is really worthwhile to remember about this place when going to the Grand Theatre.

Maciej Proliński

“

The idea is a simple consequence of the romanticist concept of ‘correspondance des arts’ – a community of artists and the arts under one roof,” says Waldemar Dąbrowski. “The gallery at the Opera means the willingness to saturate this space with yet another value. In the 2013/2014 season the gallery invariably occupied a very important place in the life of our institution. Already a permanent fixture in its space, the gallery is where we presented the works of artists creating contemporary Polish art: Stanisław Fijałkowski and Jerzy Mierzejewski.

The exhibition “Apocrypha, Imponderables - Alina Szapocznikow,” which opened in December 2013, featured more than 30 works, including little known sculptures the artist made in the 1950s, figurative and abstract drawings made in the 1960s and prints. The great Polish sculptor, Alina Szapocznikow (1926-1973), was one of the first artists to allude directly to corporality and biology. Most of her works are casts of parts of the body, sculptural collages. Thanks to their authenticity, the sculptures are like photographs.

They are conquering the artistic world.

An exhibition of works by Stanisław Fijałkowski, born in 1922, one of the best recognisable contemporary Polish painters, opened at the Opera Gallery in February. His works are in the collections of the world’s largest museums and galleries, including Tate Gallery in London and the Museum of Modern Art in New York. Among the presented pieces were mainly paintings made in the years 2000-2013 and eight computer graphics. Visitors to the exhibition could also watch the film by Ewa Róża Fabjanowska and

Sławek Malcharek in which the painter talked about his art, life and himself.

The work of Richard Wagner has fundamental importance not only for the history of music but for European culture as a whole. The idea of synthesis of the arts, which motivated Wagner, became an inspiration for artists and commentators representing all spheres of culture since the end of the 19th century until the present day. The Warsaw Wagner Days were a dialogue with Wagner’s proposal for the “total work of art”. The Days saw the latest staging of Wagner’s opera “Lohengrin” in the Grand Theatre and the presentation of the “Syberberg and Wagner” project in the Opera Gallery and Iluzjon cinema. The project was based on the interpretation of the composer’s work by Hans Jürgen Syberberg, an unusual German film director. Syberberg, born in 1935, has been making films since 1955.

He has over 20 films to his credit, including such masterpieces of European experimental cinema as “Ludwig: Requiem for a Virgin King” (1972) and “Parsifal” (1981-1982), one of the most original opera films in the history of cinema set on a gigantic death mask of Wagner. The composer’s work is the most important source of inspiration for Syberberg.

He once said: “Wagner is the central issue in my thinking about the attitude of art to politics. Only Richard Wagner can fully overcome Hitler.”

At the end of the season the Opera Gallery invited us to a meeting with the contemplative paintings of Jerzy Mierzejewski (19172012), a versatile artist – painter, graphic artist, stage designer, author of films about art and designer of mosaics, ceramics and textiles. Fascinated with art since childhood,

he grew up in the shadow of his famous father Jacek Mierzejewski (1883-1925). The artistic atmosphere of his family home and, as Barbara Brus-Malinowska writes in the catalogue for the exhibition, confrontation with his father’s art, mapped out his artistic path.

“I think about painting in total terms, as an a priori way of getting to the secret of visibility,” he said. In his static scenes and landscapes, Mierzejewski expressed his attitude towards art. He used to say that “the sense of painting is to reach the invisible by means of what you can see.”

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Cultural Monitor

Sophisticated classics and wise songs – this is what the July issue of the Monitor is about.

Maciej Proliński recommends new music releases.

“Cup of Time Plays Namysłowski’s Compositions” – DUX – CD

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bigniew Namysłowski is an artist with a symbolic role in Polish jazz. An excellent saxophonist, composer and arranger, he has been building the image of Polish jazz for almost six decades now. The Cup of Time quartet, made up of flutist Ryszard Borowski, violinist Agnieszka Cypryk, accordionist Rafał Grząka and cellist Krzysztof Lenczowski, take jazz lovers on a journey through Namysłowski’s compositions. The stylistically coherent album shows the musicians’ skills, harmony in playing together and individualized approach to the pieces played. They are confident in playing both atmospheric compositions and those with a quick tempo. An original feature of the album is that the composer himself plays several pieces, but only those which he has not composed himself. In two arrangements of folk songs, which use Witold Lutosławski’s pieces, a composition by Grażyna Bacewicz and two compositions by the band’s members, Namysłowski plays solos, contributing to the album his original style, this time however influenced more by sophisticated classic music than jazz.

Franz Schubert/Garrick Ohlsson – DUX – CD

Joszko Broda – “Debora” – Polish Radio – CD

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ranz Schubert (1797-1828), a trueborn Viennese, composed mainly songs and piano pieces, which were very popular in his city. His sonatas – atmospheric, balladic and with an instantly noticeable lyricism – deserve attention among the piano compositions, which are interesting in terms of both harmony and texture. The album contains two sonatas and “Wanderer Fantasy,” based on the “Wanderer” song, with masterly interpretations by Garrick Ohlsson, one of the best contemporary pianists and laureate of the International Fryderyk Chopin Piano Competition in 1970. The recordings emphasize all the features of the instrumental music of this important composer: contrasts between despair and hope, the sadness of the composer’s short life overshadowed by illness, the joy of Viennese ballrooms and suspension between the old classical school and the new Romanticist movement. The album was recorded in the excellent acoustics of the concert hall of the Academy of Music in Katowice.

oszko Broda is a Polish multi-instrumentalist, music producer and composer. A highlander from the Beskid Mountains, he has been gaining since childhood his unusual skills in playing many folk instruments, like the jaw harp, ocarina and pipes of various kind. “Debora,” his latest interpretation of original folk music, is a continuation of “Posłóchejcie Kamaradzi” (Listen My Comrades), an album he recorded several years ago. “When recording the album I intended to win the heart of my wife, who likes me playing,” said Joszko. “I am a highlander so the music themes are mainly compositions I was weaned on and which have been performed in my village for centuries. I wanted to play them like someone who lives in 2013 rather than in the 19th century.”

I think he has succeeded. There are a few ways of folklore adaptation in contemporary music. One of them is taking the folk material in its pure form and supplementing it with appropriate tonal, rhythmic and coloristic means. This is what Joszko does excellently, adding a jazz flavour to the folk music. But “Debora’s” most important feature is its emotional depth. The musical individualities - Grażyna Auguścik, Dima Gorelik, Marcin Pospieszalski, Wojciech Waglewski and Frank Parker – whom Joszka invited to work on the album with him, have made significant contributions. Such albums win the highest music awards in the world.

Jacek Kaczmarski – “In Memoriam” – Polish Radio – 2 CD

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his year marks the 10th anniversary of the death of Jacek Kaczmarski, an outstanding Polish poet and singer. To commemorate it, the Music Agency of Polish Radio has released a two-disc album with his best known songs. The first disc - “Sen kochającego psa” (A Loving Dog’s Dream) – contains compositions from the artist’s later oeuvre. He sings about his lyrical world and shares with listeners his intimate life. He often draws inspiration from pictures by outstanding European and Polish painters. The second disc – “Koncert na XX-lecie” (A Concert for the 20th Anniversary) – is a selection of compositions from one of his best concerts, described as a sensation by both critics and audiences. Given in the Riviera concert room on December 11, 1996, the concert was recorded for the Polish Radio. What was special about the concert is that the artist had begun his career in the same place 20 years earlier. It is almost unfeasible to write about Kaczmarski in several sentences. But one may start listening to his music. Listen again and read to be seduced by his phrases and timeless words. I think that calling him the “bard of the Solidarity movement” may these day be a too narrow term, constraining the reception of all these songs.

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Cultural Monitor

Cultural Monitor – July 2014 Marek Grechuta – “Concerts” – Polish Radio – 2 CDs

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arek Grechuta (1945-2006) started his career as a student of the Warsaw University of Technology at the Student Song Festival in 1967. He won numerous awards for his songs. But apart from singing, he also wrote poems and painted. For many he is still one of the greatest Polish artists ever. The two albums inaugurate Polish Radio’s new series, which will be composed of the most important albums with live recordings by the singer. The first part of this collection is the recording of Grechuta’s concert with Wiem, a jazz-rock band, in the Jewish Theatre in Warsaw on October 14, 1973. The second part is the recording of his concert at the 14th Polish song festival in Opole in 1976 with the Anawa band in its new line-up. Apart from his regular collaborator Jan Kanty Pawluśkiewicz, pianist and arranger, the band was made up of completely new musicians. The key to the new sound was the presence of brothers Paweł Ścierański (guitar) and Krzysztof Ścierański (bass guitar). The two young virtuosos also played with the Laboratorium band, one of the most interesting fusion formations in the history of Polish jazz. The songs, including such gems as “Dni, których jeszcze nie znamy” (Days We Do Not Know) and “Ocalić od zapomnienia” (Save from Oblivion), still have their great artistic value today, some being lyric and others impetuous. Such songs encourage the ability to dream, which is so rare today – the ability to long for something better and perhaps unattainable. Just think that four decades ago such songs were presented even at the Polish Song Festival in Opole.

Anita Rywalska – “Grunge” – Polskie Nagrania – CD

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nita Rywalska, a soprano, is one of the most versatile opera singers. She has graduated with honours from the Stanisław Moniuszko University of Music in Gdańsk and has recently appeared in the TV programme “Filharmonia Dowcipu” (Joke Philharmonic) of Waldemar Malicki and Zenon Laskowik broadcast

by TVP2. “Grunge” is an album quite different from others. I think it has been inspired to a large extent by the TV programme. The 10 compositions from the repertoire of such bands as Soundgarden, Nirvana, Audioslave and Pearl Jam, sung with a strong operatic voice by an artist with a good sense of humour, are a quite unusual proposal, but one that can easily be approved of and liked.

Perfect – “Da Da Dam” – Polish Radio – CD

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e have waited for four years for a new album of this one of the most popular Polish rock bands.

Perfect does not set new directions in rock music. But although the musicians move within the borders marked out by others, they still have an influence on the development of this music in Poland. And for several decades they have also had a great commercial potential. Most of the latest compositions have been written by Dariusz Kozakiewicz, a guitarist and music legend, a member of such Polish rock bands as Breakout and Test.

One can hear in his compositions what is best in this kind of music – aggressive rock music coupled with melodious ballads. Lyrics by Jacek Cygan and Wojciech Waglewski avoid banality and clichés, focusing on topics one would hardly expect from this band – death and passing.

Voo Voo – “Nabroiło się” – Warner Music Poland – CD

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oo Voo, set up almost three decades ago, is one of the most lively and productive bands in the history of Polish music. Stylistically, the quartet does not reject respectable tradition, but still uses a broader idiom, which sometimes borders on experiment. This summer, one should not overlook their album released in the “Golden Collection” series – documentation of Wojciech Waglewski’s music path. The album features the cream of their compositions. It is a collection, which despite the passage of time fascinates us with faithfulness to its ideals. Voo Voo has always made ambitious music, combining various influences, some of them from outside rock music, whether it be songs with catchy melodies, ballads, music with characteristic riffs, or compositions putting the listener into a strange kind of trance, like Ravel’s “Bolero.”

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Events

Economic Award of the President of Poland

presented to the laureates

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resident Bronisław Komorowski said on June 2 at a ceremony of presenting the Economic Awards of the President of Poland in Poznań, a mid-western Polish city, that Poland’s economic success was a product of work by those who had taken decisions about the country’s big reform, but first of all those who made good use of freedom.

“It is necessary for us to be aware that economic success (…) is a result of wise and responsible work of those in the highest offices of the Polish state who took decisions about the big systemic reform, but first of all it is a product of work by those who were using this freedom in practice,” the president said.

In the Innovation category, the Award went to Medicalgorithmics SA, a Polish company operating since 2005 in the high technology sector. The company supplies system and algorithmic solutions for cardiac diagnostics.

In the Corporate Governance and Corporate Social Responsibility category, the Award went to Polskie Składy Budowlane SA, a group of warehouses offering building materials, which has operated on the market for 16 years. It is the biggest and fastest expanding chain of such warehouses. The group brings together 331 small and medium family firms from across Poland, with over 500 sales outlets.

In the Presence on the Global Market category, the Award went to Delphia Yachts, a family company set up by brothers Piotr and Wojciech Kot. The company is the biggest manufacturer of sailing yachts in Poland.

More than 260 sailing yachts and 1,400 motor

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yachts leave the Delphia Yachts shipyard annually. Exports account for over 70% of the total sales, with 98% of the exports going to Western Europe.

In the Green Economy category, the Award went to Grupa Azoty Zakłady Azotowe Puławy SA. Every year, the chemical company reports environmental protection and safety measures exceeding the required standards under its Responsible Care Framework Management System. In 2013, the company built a PLN250-million flue gas desulphurisation plant.

In the Lasting Success category, the award went to Selena FM SA, a global producer and distributor of construction chemicals. Selena FM Group is made up of 30 companies around the world.

The last category was added to the President’s Award to mark the 25th anniversary of the first partially free elections in Poland.

It will remain a permanent part of the Award and will be granted to businesses whose activity, being a result of 25 years of stable growth, reflects the success of the Polish economy.

Referring to the opening of Wolnego Słowa (Free Speech) Square at Mysia Street in Warsaw on June 5, Bronisław Komorowski said that the stock exchange building, a symbol of economic freedom, is located nearby in the former headquarters of the Polish communist party. He added that it was a concise description of Poland’s road to freedom and that the Economic Award of the President was a form of tribute to those who had made good use of economic freedom. He encouraged those present to examine on every occasion, not only on the 25th anniversary of freedom, whether new barriers have

emerged or whether we have been able to remove at least a few of them. The president stressed that economic success was not given once and for all and would disappear sooner or later if not continued, in a difficult race against the global economy.

Bronisław Komorowski said we should all be interested in making the achievements of every firm, every entrepreneur and Poland as a whole a lasting success. “We have to think about Polish business and the Polish economy not in terms of a few years, definitely not a single term of the Sejm [the Polish parliament], a single term of the government or the president. We have to think in terms of next generations,” he appealed. He added he would like the success to be consolidated by “the permanence of our joint effort for the benefit of Poland, the Polish economy and for further utilizing Polish economic freedom.”

He added: “I would like the next generation to treat economic freedom as an element indispensable for a lasting freedom in Poland.”

A total of 115 firms and scientific research institutes, selected by 58 submitting institutions – province marshal’s offices, business institutions, foundations, associations and editorial boards of trade magazines – were entered for the 12th Economic Award competition. The Economic Award of the President of Poland is a sign of the highest recognition for Polish businesses, which have contributed to the development of the country. The Award was instituted by President Aleksander Kwaśniewski in 1998 and granted until 2005. In 2011, President Bronisław Komorowski decided to re-establish it. (source: PAP, “Polish Market”) •

Events

Award for Polish Market The finale of the 25th European Medal competition was held at the Grand Theatre National Opera in Warsaw on June 4.

Present at the official event were laureates of the award – members of the Business Centre Club (BCC) – and eminent scientists. The awards were presented by BCC President Marek Goliszewski, head of the Vetting Committee Grażyna Majcher-Magdziak and member of the BCC Organizational Council Gen. Leon Komornicki.

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usiness Centre Club, with the European Economic and Social Committee based in Brussels and the Polish Minister of Foreign Affairs as honorary patrons, is the organizer of the European Medal competition. The goal of the nationwide undertaking is to give prominence to and promote products and services offered by companies operating on the Polish market, encourage interest in European standards and regulations in force in the European Union, and generate interest from Polish companies in the EU market with millions of consumers, and the interest of EU consumers and companies in the laureates of the European Medal. The award is intended for products and services which meet European standards. The products and services nominated for the award have to meet standards required by law and have appropriate licences and patents. The rate of the company’s growth, awards it has already won and certificates it holds are also important in the assessment process.

At the beginning of the ceremony, VicePresident of BCC Zbigniew Żurek read out a letter to the European Medal laureates from Henri Malosse , president of the European Economic and Social Committee.

“It gives me pleasure to support the initiative, which has an enormous importance for business, not only in Poland but also in the European Union as a whole,” wrote Henri Malosse.

“As a former head of the Employers’ Group on the committee, I know how important entrepreneurs are for the prosperity of nations. For Europe to be able to successfully compete with other economies we need good innovative products and services. While the crisis still poses a threat to us, I wish to congratulate the laureates on their contribution to the global economy, especially the Polish economy. What you have achieved deserves an award. I congratulate all the nominees.”

Then, the guests were greeted by Marek Goliszewski: “Charles de Gaulle said: ‘Nations have no friends, only interests.’ President Barack Obama said the USA would be doing

business with Poland, the greatest friend of the United States. But intellectual and economic potential is needed to make this happen. Today, we are handing out the Medals to persons and firms, which represent both these potentials. We are honouring your effort, work and achievements (…). This is a recommendation for entrepreneurs so that they establish deeper ties with the scientific community and for scientists so that they undertake increasingly wide cooperation with entrepreneurs. It is also a recommendation for politicians so that they go over to offensive to release the entrepreneurial spirit of Polish people. Only then will we become an equal partner for the United States. George Friedman’s prediction will come true – in this century Poland will become one of the world’s five superpowers and this will be also thanks to you.”

Oficyna Wydawnicza Rynek Polski, the publisher of the “Polish Market” magazine, is one of the laureates of this year’s European Medal competition.

“It is a special distinction for us because we have found ourselves among the people, firms and institutions which have a real influence on the development of Poland and the promotion of its achievements outside the country. And this has been our main mission since the inception of our publishing house, that is for over 18 years now. It is an honour to us that the competition jury has noticed that. At the same time, it gives us motivation to further hard work as nothing motivates one better than being appreciated,” Vice-President of “Polish Market” Błażej Grabowski said after receiving the Medal. •

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Conquerors of the Market

Conquerors

of the Market 2014, or the best young managers and services

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n a ceremony held at the Kamienica Theatre in Warsaw on May 19, the editorial board of the “Polish Market” magazine awarded the title of “Conqueror of the Market” to young managers of up to 44 years of age who successfully manage their companies, with a charisma and efficiency. The title was also granted to companies and media outlets.

The laureates have been selected by the editorial board of “Polish Market.” For 18 years now the magazine has published articles about the Polish economy. Seeing the successes of individual managers and firms, the board has decided to honour the best of the best with the title of “Conqueror of the Market.”

Conquerors of the Market 2014 in the Managers category: • Stefan Batory, president of itaxi, • Łukasz Chojnacki, president of TFI KGHM, • Michał Czeredys, president of Arcus, • Witold Jaworski, president of Allianz Group, • Andrzej Matuszyński, president of Eurozet,

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• • • • • • •

Rafał Rudziński, member of the Board of BSH, Karina Wściubiak-Hanko, president of Alchemia, Mariusz Zawisza, president of Polish Oil and Gas Company (PGNiG), Krzysztof Zamasz, president of Enea, Rafał Brzoska, president of Integer, Tobias Solorz, president of Polkomtel, Norbert Gliński and Bartosz Weremczuk, Lampart Group.

Conquerors of the Market in the Services category: • Azul Villa - for ingenuity, creativity and promoting investment in Spanish real estate, • Credit Agricole Commercial Finance Polska - for high quality factoring services and approach tailored to the needs and expectations of customers, • Carefleet – for long-term lease providing such benefits to customers as cost cutting and budget control, fleet use optimization and a reduction in administrative burdens,

• • •

•

•

Radio Zet Chilli – for quality, authenticity and the trends promoted, Dentos Law Firm – for quality, experience and employing the best staff, Kłos Nowoczesne Technologie Bankowe – for the quality and professionalism of the services the company offers. Apart from distributing world-class devices for cash handling, the company services mechanical and electronic banking security systems. The service stands out against what is offered by the competition, PKO BP - for the PKO Junior payment card intended for children under 13, for being oriented at the young generation and the mission to provide financial education to the public from the youngest age, Polsat Biznes – for explaining to viewers in a simple way economic and legal complexities.

The patron of the event was the Teraz Polska Polish Promotional Emblem Foundation.

Conquerors

Conquerors of the Market

Stefan Batory (itaxi)

Winners of the title Conqueror of the Market 2014 in the Service/Product category with Krystyna Woźniak-Trzosek, editor-in-chief of “Polish Market”, and Andrzej Czernek, director of the Teraz Polska Foundation (first from left)

Marek Multan (ARCUS)

Witold Jaworski (ALLIANZ)

Arkadiusz Krasnodębski (Dentons)

Stanisław Atanasow (Credit Agricole Commercial Finance Polska)

Frederic Lustig (Carefleet)

Łukasz Chojnacki (TFI KGHM), Emilian Kamiński (Kamienica Theatre), Tomasz Szapiro (SGH)

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Conquerors of the Market

Michał Macierzyński (PKO BP)

Tomasz Gillner-Gorywoda (Pius)

Sławomir Krenczyk (Enea)

Jaromir Sroga (Radio Zet Chilli)

Ryszard Celiński (Kłos)

The Conquerors of the Market 2014 in the Young Managers category are Norbert Glinicki and Bartosz Weremczuk of Lampart Group SA.

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ampart Group SA – representing by Norbert - lawyer specializing in criminal law, and Bartosz - licensed detective with experience in the banking sector, is first of all a modern and thriving company, which operates internationally, offering detective services and special detective’s training.

Both of them are young and very ambitious people with a passion, who adequately exploit their knowledge and vast experience gathered on the multiple positions such as boards of directors in companies operating in the trade sectors, services and financial institutions.

They are reliable and determined in pursuing the goals they have set for themselves. Thanks to their professional approach to the client, they have already managed to completely change the image of the private detective’s profession.

It is fundamentally important for Lampart Group SA to conduct their investigations with help of the latest technologies, such as unmanned aerial vehicles, combined with reliable, time consuming and often really

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dangerous work especially in the area of debt collection, firms and persons verification, searching for debtors’ property, protecting company’s secrets, and counteracting unfair competition or industrial espionage.

One of the advantages of Lampart Group SA is that their offices are located in several cities throughout Poland.

“Many Polish and international companies need to check the loyalty and integrity of their employees and contractors Bartosz Weremczuk Norbert Glinicki scattered across Poland or even Europe. By using our services they might be certain that there is not one but many private and objective report,” say employees of detectives working for them in many locations Lampart Detektywi, a branch of Lampart who combine their effort and commitment Group SA. • to acquire information, which will be finally delivered to the client in the form of a concise

Conquerors of the Market

Zbigniew Kłos, president of Kłos Nowoczesne Technologie Bankowe Sp. z o.o.

Your company caters for the needs of a very special and demanding sector: banks and institutions dealing with cash handling and providing services to its owners. What makes the services offered by your company different from those offered by the competition?

Our maintenance services ensure troublefree and safe work to financial institutions, including banks providing services to clients.

What makes us different from others is especially knowledge, which gives us the ability to maintain a very wide selection of locking systems and various devices for customer and cash pm

handling. The time we need to restore the devices back to working order is extremely important for these institutions. It takes us only four hours since the order has been placed.

We also differ in that all our service specialists have indefinite employment contracts and have experience of a dozen or so years. We are supported by a CRM system, which enables both us and clients to track the status of the order, and finally by our staff who have indispensable equipment, materials and communication devices. I want to stress strongly – because this ensures security to the institutions we serve – that each of our employees has an

appropriate technical support licence, which means they meet the requirements defined by the Minister of Internal Affairs.

I know that you will soon be celebrating the 50th anniversary of the company, which had different legal forms over this period.

What should I wish you?

The same thing that one would wish to the Polish economy: an undisturbed growth. • pm

Piotr Cicharski, Artur Wojciechowski, Azul Villa Polska Sp. z o.o.

Spanish real estate is a very niche market in Poland. How do you assess its present and future potential?

The sale of Spanish properties in Poland has a history of more than 10 years. Howevpm

Piotr Cicharski, Artur Wojciechowski

er, it is quite difficult to assess this market and the main reason is the absence of reliable data on the volume of sales. On the basis of foreign statistics and our own experience,

we think that interest in Spanish real estate has for years stayed at a similar level in Poland. This lack of progress is worrying, but at the same time, it gives us, as a company, a clear signal that everything is still ahead of us when it comes to the volume of sales. Buying a property in another country is increasingly rarely a sign of the buyer’s wealth status, but is first of all a sign of the maturity of such needs or aspirations. The price barrier has in fact disappeared because the prices in Spain are now comparable with those in Poland.

The rapid development of Polish society and the aspiration to equal others give us a strong basis to assert that there will soon be increasingly strong demand for Spanish properties. Consequently, Azul Villa will become more needed. We hope that Polish people will start to use more fully the opportunities created after Poland’s entry to the European Union. pm

You have just received the prestigious “Conquerors of the Market 2014” title in

the Services category. What has contributed to your being perceived so well by the business community and clients?

Azul Villa offers a simple and by extension clear system of Spanish real estate sales on the Polish market. Knowing well the requirements and special features of the Polish market, we have given preference to elements building trust in our company. This is why apart from Spain we are also present in Poland. We cannot imagine not being present where 80% of our clients come. In our operational logistics, we have applied tried-and-tested ways of purchase processing. Every client since the very beginning has access to reliable information about the course of the purchase process. In presenting properties we use the method of pre-selection, which saves us time when looking for the desired property. The list of services we offer to the clients is very long and we do not collect any fees for many of them. To sum up, what we offer is reliable and our service has a big potential for personalization. All this sets us strongly apart from the competition and clients may like it. We wish to encourage you to visit us on www.azulvilla.pl. •

Photo: Łukasz Giersz

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Events

6th Congress of Women

From left: Henryka Bochniarz, Danuta Huebner, Donald Tusk Prime Minister of Poland

a family where there is no equality,” Karolina Wigura said. “One should not look at the ‘war over gender’ in isolation from other issues: the question of sexual education, or the lack of a law on civil partnerships,” added Dominika Kozłowska, stressing the need to build a new Catholicism, one which will not be homophobic.

The first day of the congress ended with an energizing concert by Justyna Steczkowska with a programme intended specifically for the congress.

At the start of the second day, mezzosoprano singer Alicja Węgorzewska-Whiskerd sang the anthem of the Congress of Women. Written by Agnieszka Szygenda to the music by Bogdan Kierejsza, the anthem was performed for the first time at the congress. This was followed by a session moderated by Renata Kim entitled “Battlefields: Law, Body, Economy, Language, Power, Autonomy.” The participants summed up the 25 years since the start of the transition period along the lines of “How much have we achieved?” or “How much have we lost?”

What has been achieved over this period is undoubtedly enormous, but there are still issues which need to be solved – women’s right to decide about their lives, reproductive law, reliable sexual education, overcoming stereotypes, and making women’s access to power and business easier. Taking part in the discussion about how to achieve these goals were Grażyna Staniszewska, the only woman who had participated in the Round Table talks which led to the fall of communism in Poland in 1989, Barbara Labuda, a member of the Solidarity opposition who

Photo: Wojciech Surdziel

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he 6th Congress of Women, held in Warsaw on May 9-10, 2014, had a special character because of two important anniversaries Poland celebrates this year: the 25th anniversary of the fall of communism and the 10th anniversary of the country’s entry to the European Union. The congress was attended by around 9,000 people, mostly women, from around Poland and delegations from more than 10 countries: Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, the Czech Republic, Germany, France, Finland, Norway, Sweden, Bulgaria, the United States, Tunisia and India. The theme of the congress was “Community, Equality, Responsibility.”

The congress was opened by its founders Henryka Bochniarz, Magdalena Środa and Dorota Warakomska. Then, the floor was taken by a special guest - Anna Komorowska, the wife of Polish President Bronisław Komorowski. She greeted the participants on behalf of her husband and said a meeting with the highest level delegation from Ukraine made it impossible for him to be present at the congress, although he was eager to attend. Anna Komorowska said the group of active women was constantly expanding. “We have elections [to the European Parliament] ahead of us. On my and my husband’s behalf I wish success to all the women who are running in them. I keep my fingers crossed,” the First Lady said, encouraging everyone to take part in the elections. She also wished success to the congress.

“We account for 54% of all residents of the city and we are as brave as Warsaw’s Little Mermaid,” Warsaw Mayor Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz said when greeting those gathered, alluding to the multitude of initiatives undertaken by women.

“Our capital is the world’s 19th best city to live in. I wish us a good life in Warsaw,” she said to conclude her address.

A panel discussion on gender issues, moderated by Prof. Małgorzata Fuszara, attracted many participants: writer and lecturer Agnieszka Graff, Editor-in-Chief of “Znak” Dominika Kozłowska, deacon of the Evangelical Church of the Augsburg Confession Halina Radacz, social activist and entrepreneur Małgorzata TkaczJanik and sociologist Karolina Wigura. They argued that “gender is no danger.”

“It is true, as people say, that gender studies lead to a decline of the traditional family –

had been elected to the parliament in the 1989 and set up the Women’s Parliamentary Group, Małgorzata Chechlińska, a pioneering entrepreneur, Wanda Nowicka, a founder of the Polish Federation for Women and Family Planning, now deputy speaker of the lower chamber of the parliament (Sejm), American writer Shana Penn, the author of a book on women Solidarity activists, Monika Płatek, Magdalena Środa and Kazimiera Szczuka.

Sejm Speaker Ewa Kopacz appeared for the first time at the Congress of Women. She encouraged women to run in elections and vote for other women, overcoming stereotypes. The debate “Dimensions of Equality: Family, Home, Career, Work,” moderated by Beata Jakoniuk Wojcieszak, focused on problems associated with equality and mechanisms which introduce and protect it. The debate was attended by Małgorzata Marcińska, Agnieszka KozłowskaRajewicz, Anna Karaszewska, Dominika Bettman, Katarzyna Wierzbowska and actress Katarzyna Żak.

A special moment on the second day of the congress was the presentation of awards.

Danuta Hübner, the first Polish EU commissioner, became the laureate of the Award of the 6th Congress of Women while journalist Piotr Pacewicz, who supports feminism and promotes diversity, received the Diversity Award. The highlight of the second day was a speech by Prime Minister Donald Tusk who talked, as every year, about the government’s activity for women. After the speech, Danuta Hübner handed him a document with the demands of the 6th Congress.

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