The 10th anniversary Polish Clusters Congress took place on November 6–7, 2024, in Białystok. The city welcomed us with beautiful sunshine, creating the perfect atmosphere for discussions, sharing experiences, and participating in engaging panel sessions. This year's theme, “20 Years of Poland in the European Union, 10 Years of Innovation Development Through Clusters and European Funds,” set the main focus areas for the Congress, where we analyzed past achievements and the challenges ahead for Polish clusters in the coming years. The event brought together leaders of the Polish cluster community, entrepreneurs, representatives of public administration, and experts.

The Congress was an opportunity for participants to reflect on the successes of clusters while exploring new directions for their development. It was also a perfect occasion for networking and inspiring interactions.

Key Panels of the Congress:

• Innovation and New Technologies in the Development of the Economy and Infrastructure of Polish Regions – discussions on the role of clusters in supporting regional innovations.
• The Food and Agricultural Industries as Innovative Sectors of the Polish Economy – development priorities for the sector, particularly in the Podlaskie Voivodeship.
• Innovation and Development Require Investments! Financing: National and EU Funds – discussion on sources of funding for innovation.
• Poland’s Industrial Transformation – the role of clusters, economic zones, and business support institutions.
• Green Transformation: New Energy Sources and Circular Economy – cluster initiatives tied to ecological transformation.
• Supporting Export Activities and Foreign Investments of Polish Companies: Internationalization of Cluster Enterprises.
• Digitalization of the Economy: The Role of the ICT Industry in Creating Innovations.
• Scientific Collaboration Through Clusters: Innovations and Technology Transfer.
• Biotechnology, Medicine, and Life Sciences: Clusters Serving Medicine and Improving Human Life.
• The Dual-Use Products Industry as a Response to Contemporary Security Challenges and an Opportunity for Polish Enterprises.

The Congress served as a platform for exchanging experiences among the private sector, scientific institutions, and public administration. This unique collaboration highlights the pivotal role clusters play in seeking and implementing new technologies and innovative solutions, acting as catalysts for development both locally and internationally.

Distinguished Guests:

The conference opened with speeches from Łukasz Prokorym, Marshal of the Podlaskie Voivodeship, and Rafał Rudnicki, Deputy Mayor of Białystok.
Panel discussions featured notable figures, including:

• Dr. Maria Śmietanka, Deputy Director, National Contact Point Department, National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR).
• Agata Rakowska, Director of the Innovative Program Management Development Department, NCBR.
• Piotr Placha, Key Expert, Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH).
• Grzegorz Orawiec, Director, Ministry of Funds and Regional Policy.
• Agata Wancio, Deputy Director, Ministry of Development and Technology.
• Dr. Hubert Cichocki, President, Łukasiewicz Research Network.
• Dr. Hab. Eng. Mirosław Świercz, Vice-Rector for Development, Białystok University of Technology.
• Prof. Dr. Hab. Katarzyna Socha, Vice-Rector for Development and Cooperation with the Economic Environment, Medical University of Białystok.
• Dr. Mariusz Citkowski, Vice-Dean for Development and Research, University of Białystok.
• Łukasz Górecki, Director, Silesia Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing Cluster.
• Ryszard Hordyński, Director of Strategy and Communications, Huawei Poland.
• Dr. Beata Lubos, Director of the International Cooperation and Research Excellence Center, Łukasiewicz – Institute of Aviation.

Organized by the Polish Clusters Association:

Since 2012, the Polish Clusters Employers' Association (PCEA) has been supporting Polish clusters and the innovation ecosystem. Representing over 40 clusters and initiatives, indirectly encompassing more than 3,000 companies from innovative industries across Poland, the PCEA advocates for its members through participation in key monitoring committees, such as the Operational Programme for Smart Growth (2014–2020) and the European Funds for a Modern Economy (2021–2027).

Since 2013, the PCEA has organized numerous events to integrate the cluster community, including nine editions of the Polish Clusters Congress, the Visegrad Group Clusters Congress (Gliwice, 2018), the Visegrad Group Clusters Meeting (Brenna, 2017), and the V4+Georgia Tourism Cluster Event (Gudauri, 2020).