Malopolska has more than one name
Everyone knows that Małopolska offers beautiful landscapes, exceptional monuments, unique traditions and cultural wealth. However, this is only the better-known part of the region's image. The latter is related to the economy.
Małopolska is one of the most innovative and dynamically developing regions in Poland, quickly catching up with Western Europe. It bases its development on the creativity and entrepreneurship of its residents. This is the origin of innovations, both those developed in scientific centers and those implemented in Małopolska companies. Today, “Innovative Małopolska” is not just a slogan, it's the everyday reality of the people of Małopolska.
Małopolska has been unique, attractive and important on the map of Europe for centuries. It is a strong economic center and an excellent place for business development, which definitely stands out from other regions. We have been recognized for our achievements with prestigious awards for years, and we are at the forefront of rankings regarding the investment attractiveness of European regions
- notes Łukasz Smółka, Marshal of the Małopolska Region.
There is no shortage of evidence for all this. Among them are prestigious awards, high positions in independent international rankings, but also specific statistics.
European Entrepreneurial Region
Małopolska, as the only one in Europe, can boast a special distinction in the competition “European Entrepreneurial Region 2024” (ERP) for 2024, awarded unanimously by a jury that includes representatives of the most important EU institutions, including the European Commission and the EU Committee of the Regions. The ERP title for the year is awarded to regions with a forward-looking vision for the development and support of entrepreneurship. It is worth noting that Małopolska found itself on the European podium for the second time - it was also honoured with the ERP award in 2016.
The Małopolska Region was recognized primarily for creating a friendly climate for the development of entrepreneurship, a strong regional partnership and the involvement of many institutions in activities aimed at strengthening the region's business and innovation potential. A major role was also played by its readiness to be a center of expertise and a cooperation partner for Ukrainian business environment institutions and entrepreneurs, including in supporting Ukraine in its reconstruction and European aspirations. Indeed, over the past few years, Małopolska has accumulated a huge package of knowledge and experience, including in the implementation of European funds, building an entrepreneurial ecosystem, and creating innovation strategies. Experts from Małopolska are eager to share this knowledge with Ukrainian institutions so that they can build their economic potential anew at the European level.
Entrepreneurial and innovative
Małopolska is a region that is constantly developing, and its economy is based on the innovation and creativity of its residents. More than 492,000 business entities are registered in the region, placing Małopolska 4th in the country in terms of the number of companies. Moreover, the region generates 8% of the national GDP, ranking 5th in Poland.
Startups also find favourable conditions for development in Małopolska - the region is 3rd in Poland in terms of their number. Małopolska is a great place for young, innovative companies. This is primarily due to the creativity of young people and the development of technology, which is the basis for the development of startups. Extensive support from the region's local government is also not without significance.
There is a great potential for further innovation development in the region. There are 800 research and development entities (including 740 in the business sector) - the second best result in the country - and 107 accredited research laboratories (4th in the country), and 13 calibration laboratories (5th). Małopolska is also home to almost 30% of all projects included in the Polish Research Infrastructure Map. These ventures represent the following fields: technical sciences and energy, biological-medical and agricultural sciences, physical sciences and engineering, digital research infrastructures. The region is also home to as many as 45 innovation and entrepreneurship support centers.
A huge role is played by the Business in Małopolska Center, which offers comprehensive services to entrepreneurs wishing to start a business in the region or enter foreign markets.
All this translates into the region's high position in terms of innovation. Małopolska ranks third in the country in terms of both reported inventions and granted patents. The region has the highest R&D expenditures in the country in relation to GDP, and ranks second in terms of the number of R&D personnel.
Educated specialists
One of Małopolska's key strengths is access to highly qualified specialists. There are 25 universities in the region, including the oldest in Poland - Jagiellonian University. About 37,000 graduates complete their studies here every year, and the number of students is almost 150,000. This gives entrepreneurs access to a broad talent base, which is crucial for the development of innovative projects. Human capital is also evidenced by 1.5 million economically active people - a potential that makes Małopolska able to compete with Europe's largest economic centers.
Funds for entrepreneurs
Małopolska is betting on support for entrepreneurs, offering numerous programs and funds to enable business development. Under the European Funds for Małopolska 2021-2027 program, the region will allocate more than €300 million to support research, development and entrepreneurship. As a result, entrepreneurs can count on financial and substantive support, enabling them to innovate and develop their businesses. Such assistance makes the region even more attractive to investors, and local companies have greater opportunities for development.
Kraków - the leader in investment
The capital of Małopolska has for many years been at the top of international rankings assessing the investment attractiveness of European cities and regions. In fDi's European Cities and Regions of the Future 2024 ranking, Kraków won, among others, 1st place in the “business friendliness” and “human capital and lifestyle” categories. The city also ranked highly in other categories, such as “economic potential” and “overall investment attractiveness.” Such high ratings are the result of the region's consistent development policy, which focuses on innovation, entrepreneurship and attracting young talent.
The heart of the region was also recognized by Forbes magazine, taking 2nd place in the “Business Friendly City” category. These distinctions are not accidental - Kraków has been attracting global corporations and multinational companies that recognize the potential of the place. Among the investors are such global brands as Google, Cisco, Motorola, Shell and Volvo Cars.
The largest number (261) - after the capital - of shared service centers has been located in Krakow. They account for almost 17% of all jobs, the highest rate among national metropolises. 12.5% of them are research and development centers.
A region full of opportunities
Małopolska is a region that is developing rapidly, offering excellent conditions for innovation-based business. Thanks to strong regional partnerships, extensive support for entrepreneurs and access to highly qualified specialists, the region is becoming increasingly competitive on the international stage. Investments by global corporations, a growing startup sector and dynamic domestic companies prove that the Małopolska region is one of the most attractive regions in Europe for doing business.
Małopolska is a great place to spend leisure time, to study, to work and to start a business. It's a great place to live in every respect
- emphasizes Marshal Łukasz Smółka.
