In the recent studies by the Pro Progressio Foundation on the key factors affecting the choice of business location, the availability of Special Economic Zones (SEZ) proved significant for 67% of respondents, and the presence of Business Parks only for 50%. Nevertheless, experts expect the importance of these institutions to grow.
“Special Economic Zones and Science and Technology Parks are good ways to use post-industrial sites and their infrastructure. Such investor-friendly environments encourage economic growth across Polish regions, reduce unemployment and build the image of attractive business destinations. We are now observing the dynamic development of Zones and Parks in Szczecin, Tri-City, Poznań, Rzeszów, Częstochowa and Bydgoszcz,” says Wiktor Doktór, President of the Pro Progressio Foundation.
The oldest SEZ in Poland is EURO-PARK Mielec that has its sub-zones in five Provinces. What makes it exceptional is the strong presence of investors from the aviation industry, such as Hamilton Sundstrand, GOODRICH AEROSPACE and Polish Aviation Works (PZL). In terms of area, the largest Zones are located in Wałbrzych (over 2,648 ha) and Katowice (2,347 ha). The smallest, the Suwałki Special Economic Zone, offers 375.63 ha. SEZs provide businesspersons with tax reliefs and exemptions, investment-ready areas and buildings at preferential prices, and various non-material assistance, such as support in dealing with the formalities connected with investments or the employment of workforce.
In addition to Special Economic Zones, there are 71 Business Parks in Poland. According to Best2Invest data, the greatest number of these is found in the Śląskie Province (14), while the lowest number in Mazowieckie and Lubuskie Provinces (1 each). Currently, the largest Park in Poland is the Pomeranian Science and Technology Park, established in 2001.
Business Parks can be divided into technological, industrial, science & technology, and industry & technology. They bring together companies operating in one or several predefined sectors, and their supporting R&D centres. The Parks are involved in various operations, such as laboratories, co-working, conference-room rental, exhibition-space rental, production-hall rental, and business incubators. The benefits of Business Parks are enjoyed mainly by start-up owners, small and medium-sized enterprises, and research & development organisations. Their business support packages usually include support in creating and developing enterprises, technology transfer, expertise, know-how, research-findings processing and technological innovation development.
Due to various factors, such as geographical location, infrastructure, human resources, the specific nature of the local scientific community, and regional traditions in the selected sector of the economy, the majority of Zones and Parks have their specific business profiles. For instance, the Katowice SEZ is committed to developing its automotive cluster, the Lower Silesian Technology Park – T-Park focuses on BPO, OZE, IT and health-resort medicine, and the Białystok Science & Technology Park provides support for such industries as IT, BPO, biotechnology, pharmacology, electronics and nanotechnology.
Pro Progressio Fundation | FB | Best 2 Invest
Illustration © Best 2 Invest