Industrial clusters in the Podkarpackie

In a nutshell, this is how clusters operate as a group of enterprises or institutions linked by their business profile and geographical location. Depending on the industry they represent, clusters include business entities, and in many cases local government units, universities and research centres, business-related institutions and non-governmental organisations. Clusters do not only serve the interests of their members, they are also definitely an engine for regional development.

The document issued by the national government, specifying Cluster Policy in Poland after 2020 defines three types: seed clusters, growth clusters and the major entities classified as National Key Clusters. Their impact varies ranging from local/regional to European/global. In the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, all three types are represented. The largest clusters are related to the smart specializations of the region. Cluster entities have been created in the aerospace, IT, and the automotive industry, and in sectors related to renewable energy sources, tourism and health. The Regional Innovation Strategy of the Podkarpackie Voivodeship implies support for cluster entities since their growth provides boost to the region’s economy.

Selected clusters operating in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship:

The Aviation Valley Cluster was established in 2003 by a group of 15 enterprises from south-eastern Poland. It is coordinated by the Aviation Valley Association in Rzeszów. Being a National Key Cluster, today it brings together around 200 entities including enterprises, universities and research centres and two Regional Development Agencies. The main objective of the Association is to strengthen the role of south-eastern Poland as one of Europe's leading centres of aerospace industry.

The cluster comprises both industry leaders, such as MTU Aero Engines Polska and Pratt and Whitney, as well as smaller companies. These are part of the ecosystem as they supply various components and services. One of the cluster's strengths is its international character, which enables small, often family-owned companies to expand into global markets. To achieve this they participate in international trade fairs and are involved in economic missions.

The cluster cooperates with local research centres and universities as well as secondary schools, which align their curricula with the needs of the aviation industry. As a result of such educational initiatives, two Industry Skills Centres were established in Mielec and Krosno. Aviation Valley benefits from European and international funds supporting innovation and technological development.

The Unmanned Systems Cluster, established in 2015, is coordinated by the Science and Technology Centre for Unmanned Systems in Rzeszów. It brings together companies producing drones, or providing drone services as well as training companies.  The cluster also comprises the Rzeszów University of Technology, the University of Rzeszów and the Rzeszów Regional Development Agency.

Members of the cluster build specialised drones used for increasingly complex tasks. These devices are used in more and more areas, including the mass media, agriculture, forestry, air monitoring, mountain rescue services, railways and defence. The cluster focuses on developing novel technologies, and the projects carried out require extensive knowledge in such areas as software, communications, data transmission, artificial intelligence or agro-analytics.

Through its educational campaigns, the cluster promotes the safe use of drones. Furthermore, its members provide expert opinions related to the proposed changes to regulations. In February 2023, the cluster expanded its profile by including space technology. It has also established cooperation with the international organisation UNIMOS Alliance, which carries out projects involving companies, clusters from different industries and research centres.

The IT cluster, founded in 2006, is coordinated by the Informatyka Podkarpacka Association. Its main objective is to represent the interests of its members in their dealings with the authorities and to create a platform for cooperation between IT companies. The cluster brings together around 130 companies from the Podkarpackie Voivodeship and other regions of Poland.

The cluster organises conferences, IT congresses and economic missions. It also cooperates with universities, as a result of which dual study programmes have been introduced at the University of Information Technology and Management in Rzeszów. Students combine their course of education at the university with work for the companies – members of the cluster, which favourably affects their practical training. Owing to the efforts of the cluster members, Information Technology was included among the smart specialisations of the region, which certainly opens up new opportunities for the development of the IT industry. As a result, IT enterprises have better chances to obtain EU grants or government subsidies and support from the regional government.

The Polish Automotive Group (Polska Grupa Motoryzacyjna - PGM) was established in 2016 in the Podkarpackie region. It is now a nationwide association and cluster comprising domestic manufacturers of vehicle parts and components. PGM's mission is to support the development of automotive companies in Poland.

PGM brings together more than 80 Polish factories and engineering companies that supply a variety of parts for the production of new vehicles as well as spare parts and accessories for used vehicles. The affiliated companies offer a wide range of products, including: filters, suspension and brake components, engine parts, electronics, lighting, seats, oils, coatings, chemicals, as well as plastic and metal parts and fabrics.

The association facilitates the process of establishing cooperation between its members and potential business partners, promotes cooperation between companies, organises purchasing groups, training sessions, economic missions abroad, joint trade fair stands as well as conferences and workshops.

PGM cooperates with the ŁUKASIEWICZ Research Network, it is a member of the European Automotive Cluster Network (EACN) and the ‘Polish Clusters’ Employers' Association. The Polish Automotive Group has the status of a National Key Cluster, awarded in 2019 by the Ministry of Development to organisations with a key impact on the Polish economy. PGM has also received the distinction ‘Badge of Excellence in Cluster Management’ from the European Secretariat for Cluster Analysis.

The East Automotive Alliance was founded in 2015 in Tarnobrzeg. The cluster currently comprises 37 entities, including automotive companies, universities, secondary technical schools and business environment institutions. The image representing the cluster presents a model of the ‘Car of Podkarpackie’ - a realistic picture of a vehicle built from the elements produced by companies located in the region.

The aim of the Association is to protect the interests of automotive companies, to create conditions facilitating their growth and to promote Podkarpackie as a region supporting innovation in the automotive industry. The cluster fosters the growth of the industry by organising thematic think tanks. At present, there are eleven think tanks which focus e.g. on work safety and product quality. These meetings provide an opportunity to prepare projects and implement innovative solutions, in order to improve the technological and organisational culture of the cluster members. The Eastern Automotive Alliance also organises economic missions and study tours for companies.

Using EU funds, the cluster participates in international, national and regional programs related to the cooperation between business and educational institutions. Responding to the needs of the labour market, the Alliance implements programs related to education, such as Podkarpackie Automotive Academy - Innovative Vocational Education. Results of such operations include modifications in the teaching curricula, as well as teacher training and internships for students and teachers in member companies.

The cluster is a member of international associations such as the European Automotive Cluster Network and the Automotive Skills Alliance. It also supports small and medium enterprises in areas such as flexibility of production processes, robotisation, artificial intelligence and Industry 4.0.

Notably, the cluster also conducts business operations. Together with the Tarnobrzeg Regional Development Agency, it operates the Tarnobrzeg Industrial and Technological Park. This project provides companies with access to modern infrastructure and support in running their businesses.

The association was established in January 2021 by medical and healthcare professionals, as well as scientists. It currently comprises manufacturing companies, universities, public institutions and NGOs. The cluster has 16 members and focuses on creating disease prevention and screening programmes, and on developing novel forms of treatment with the use of artificial intelligence. The cluster also engages in scientific, research, educational and training activities.

The flagship project is the Podkarpackie Health Promoting Umbrella. Some initiatives, which have been implemented, focused on improving the senior citizens’ health-related digital skills.

Another project, ‘Ask your oncologist’, is a guidebook offering answers to questions frequently asked by oncology patients. There are also projects focusing on behavioural addictions and the promotion of active rather than psychoactive lifestyles. The cluster also aims to implement a large-scale HPV vaccination program in the Podkarpackie voivodeship.

The Subcarpathian Flavours Cluster, established in January 2013, has more than 50 members and is administered by the ‘Pro Carpathia’ Association. It mainly comprises micro-enterprises, producers of traditional, regional, local and organic foods. The cluster was created as a platform for cooperation, exchange of experiences and good practices, as well as for mutual inspiration. It organises conferences and trainings tailored to the needs of its members, focusing e.g. on new regulations, as well as the certification process and succession in companies.

Another objective of the cluster is to promote Podkarpackie regional products through participation in local and national fairs, and through joint advertising campaigns. Cluster members receive support in the process of obtaining funds for the expansion of activity. The cluster has also created the Podkarpackie Flavours Culinary Trail which leads to restaurants with regional and traditional dishes on the menu.