In many respects, Silesia is at the forefront of the most dynamically developing regions in Poland. After all, most of Poland’s products and services exported to foreign markets originate there. Moreover, Silesia has been undergoing some spectacular changes. Its industry is already largely based on state-of-the-art technologies and digital solutions. Silesian companies operating in the sectors of the modern economy or industry 4.0 also promote their innovative solutions on foreign markets. In undertaking effective and orderly activities, they are supported by the Marshal’s Office of the Silesian Voivodeship and the Upper Silesian Fund S.A. through the implementation of comprehensive internationalization projects for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.
Each year sees an increase in the number of companies operating in the Silesian Voivodeship, seeking new development opportunities. This primarily includes entrepreneurs operating in the promising sectors of IT/ICT, energy, green economy, emerging industry, logistics, and transport. The Silesian Voivodeship offers them extensive development opportunities, not only on the local market but also in increasingly distant parts of the world. Business partners from Europe, the Middle East, and the Caucasus region see the potential of Silesian companies, as evidenced by the fact that about 8.5% of entities operating and having their headquarters in the region have foreign capital.
Silesia – an attractive place for business from all over the world
The Silesian Voivodeship is an extremely attractive place for business development and ranks as Poland’s second most economically successful region. For many years, it was seen as a place with abundant natural resources, offering extensive deposits of zinc and lead, as well as hard coal. Silesia is also famous for its natural gas and methane deposits and is a center rich in thermal, healing, and mineral waters. In recent years, however, Silesia has undergone a major transformation, with the region becoming an increasingly attractive place for business from across the world. Its economic structure is changing dynamically, which is followed by the latest technologies, automation, and modern business services becoming an increasingly crucial part of Silesia’s landscape. The development of these fields is fostered by the growing number of highly skilled employees and a strong scientific and research base. The ongoing changes contribute to the rapid development of innovative technologies, which constitute a strong bargaining chip in the process of foreign business expansion for Silesian companies.
The popularity of new technologies from Silesia is growing
Silesian entrepreneurs who offer innovative products and services enjoy the support of many local institutions. Such institutions are one the Voivodeship’s strong suites and significantly contribute to the business attractiveness of the region. They include regional and local development agencies, chambers of commerce and industry, and entrepreneurship support centers. Representatives of Silesian institutions perfectly understand how important it is to promote small and medium-sized enterprises that focus on modern technologies. Loan and guarantee funds also help in the development of such businesses, as do industrial and science and technology parks.
The Global Silesia project prepared and implemented by the Marshal’s Office of the Silesian Voivodeship and Upper Silesian Fund S.A. enables the creation of a multi-track and well-thought-out strategy for gaining new markets. It helps entrepreneurs to gain an in-depth understanding of the demand for products and services in highly varied and often different business environments. It also creates numerous opportunities for establishing lasting contacts with potential and current, proven business partners. Silesian entrepreneurs can also take part in trade missions organized and financed by the Upper Silesian Fund, which allows them to find new contractors. Thanks to this, representatives of Polish companies are not left to their own devices – they do not have to waste time searching for and verifying business partners, nor do they need to meticulously prepare for trips abroad. Trade missions allow them to gain a wealth of knowledge about new markets and significantly increase the chances of establishing fruitful and profitable cooperation.
International fairs also offer an opportunity to promote innovative products and services, one which has already been exploited by companies specializing in modern medical services. Silesian entrepreneurs participated in the Arab Health fair held in Dubai between June 21 and June 24, 2021, thanks to which they had a chance to enter the international space and find customers in various countries. What makes Silesian companies effective in establishing business relations outside Poland itself are also training courses organized as part of the Internationalization Academy. Offering broad knowledge on the internationalization of business activities, the courses help entrepreneurs consciously build and implement a well-thought-out export strategy. Further, they provide information on the legal and logistical aspects of internationalization. A vital element of the meetings is also learning about cultural differences in communication and negotiations, as well as marketing activities that bring the best results. The cyclical meetings as part of the Internationalization Academy are hosted by experts and practitioners with extensive knowledge of enterprise internationalization and foreign markets.
The project “Economic promotion of the region and activities related to the creation of favorable conditions for investment and export” is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the Regional Operational Program of the Silesian Voivodeship for 2014-2020.
To learn more about the project, please visit invest-in-silesia.pl and fgsa.pl/.
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