Poland factsheet on clusters
Since 2004 Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) has been at the forefront of implementing cluster policy in Poland. PARP is a vital player within the cluster ecosystem, both domestically and internationally, actively supporting clusters through grants aimed at various developmental purposes.
The agency's initial focus involved acquiring knowledge about clusters and inspiring Polish companies to embrace clustering as a strategy for growth and innovation. Operating under the principle of "Think Small First," PARP emphasizes the needs of small and mediumsized enterprises (SMEs), which are essential to Poland's economic landscape.
Since its first support programmes, Agency has provided Polish SMEs, clusters and communities with a total of PLN 74.3 billion (approx. USD 19.9 billion) in funding under 47,000 agreements (out of 163,000 applications submitted and evaluated) - and this figure will keep growing, as the 2021-2027 data reflects the current state only and will be updated with further calls for proposals.
At the beginning some facts about Poland, a country in Europe and a member of the European Union:
1. 37,5 million habitants
2. 322 thousand km2 surface
3. national budget for 2026: 173 billion USD
4. R&D spendings 2024: about 1,6% of GPD
5. defence spendings 2025: 4,5% of GDP and 4,8% expected in 2026
6. economic growth: 3,6% in 2025 and 3,7% expected in 2026
7. about 130 clusters, including 18 Key National Cluster
8. Main exports 2025: automotive, furniture manufacturing, agri-food sector, machinery and equipment (incl. household appliances), services (transport, business services/bpo/ssc/it), chemicals, textiles and clothing.
9. Main imports 2025: fuels (oil and gas), automotive (vehicles and parts), electronics and it components, chemicals (pharmaceuticals, cosmetics), machinery and equipment, food products, metals and metal products.
For more information, look at the website of Polish Statistic Office Poland in figures 2024 and Poland 20 years in European Union.
More about PARP and Polish cluster policy in the Presentation about cluster policy in Poland, below.
Polish Clusters
A cornerstone of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development's (PARP) strategy is the cooperation and support for Key National Clusters (KNC), recognized since 2015 as vital elements of Poland's economic framework. There are 18 designated KNCs that enhance cooperation among small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), promote innovation, and facilitate internationalization efforts (currently there is new competition for KNC status). These clusters are assessed based on their ability to develop staff competencies and invest in infrastructure while linking businesses with research institutions. KNC are designated by the Ministry for Development and Technology (economy).
Apart of KNC, clusters in Polish policy are systematically categorized into two types based on their development stage:
- Emerging Clusters, which require a minimum operational period of 18 months and at least 20 members, primarily operate at a local level; and
- Developing Clusters, which have been active for at least two years and consist of a minimum of 35 members, demonstrating significant growth potential and often operating on a regional or supra -regional scale.
This structured classification aids in evaluating the maturity and capabilities of clusters, enabling PARP to provide targeted support that enhances the innovation landscape across Poland.
List of the 18 best Polish clusters which have KNC status:
2. Interizon Pomerania ICT Cluster
4. Polish Cluster of Composite Technologies
5. WestPomeranian Cluster Green Chemistry
9. Polish Construction Cluster
11. Silesia Automotive & Advanced Manufacturing
14. Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley
15. Sustainable Intrastructure Cluster
16. Waste Management and Recycling Cluster
17. Cluster of innovative technologies in manufacturing Cinnomatech
To gain deeper insights into the status and development of clusters in Poland, the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) has been conducting a biannual survey since 2010. The findings from the latest edition in 2024, which analyzed data from 2022 and 2023, are detailed in the report titled “Benchmarking of Clusters in Poland – 2024 edition. General report” .
This study encompassed 42 clusters across the country, representing 4.942 of their members (733 participated in the study). The benchmarking study aims to present a comprehensive overview of cluster development in Poland, analysing 90 indicators related to cluster functionality to determine their state and level of maturity during the study period. Two additional analytical areas have also been introduced:
- Inter-cluster cooperation, assessing the intensity, directions and effects of collaboration, as well as the importance of linkages between clusters for building broader cooperation ecosystems.
- Accessibility analysis of cluster websites, evaluating compliance with digital accessibility requirements and the quality of communication with members and stakeholders.
The research methodology also included the selection and description of 16 good practices - 13 national and 3 international - along with cross-sectoral and value-chain analyses within clusters. Additionally, the report concludes with a list of recommendations tailored to various stakeholders, including government bodies, local authorities, cluster coordinators, business environment institutions, and universities.
Reports from previous editions (2010–2022) are available on the PARP website at: Reports.
Each participating cluster coordinator receives in each survey an individual report detailing their specific results within the broader cluster population and sector, along with expert conclusions and recommendations tailored to their unique circumstances.
The systematic approach of the benchmarking survey not only enhances understanding of the current landscape but also supports targeted interventions aimed at fostering growth and innovation within Polish clusters.
Some findings from the previous report which can be interested for audience:
- 42 clusters with almost 4 thousand companies & 1 million workers (versus 2010 study: 47 clusters with 1,5 th. companies & less 100 th. Workers)
- Clusters own budget: 2020-2021 = 25 mln USD -> Clusters own budget: 2022-2023 = 41mln USD
- Sales value: 2020-2021= 88 bln USD -> Sales value: 2022-2023= 562 bln USD
Sectoral representation of Polish clusters that participated in a benchmarking study (with contact data) presents Table 1 below.
Clusters in benchmarking survey were categorized into six main sector groups: Biotechnology and medicine (4 clusters); Chemicals, construction and the circular economy (6); Education and consulting, food, tourism (6); ICT – information technology, electronics, digital technologies, cybersecurity (9); Automotive, aviation and transport (9) and Metal, machinery and materials industries (8). This structured division not only facilitates targeted support but also enables clusters to effectively address specific industry challenges while fostering collaboration across sectors. The evolution of these clusters is crucial for Poland's economic growth as they serve as hubs for innovation, knowledge transfer, and technological advancement.
Saturation of digital tools in Polish cluster enterprises: IT systems (80%), cybersecurity (73%), 3D production (71%) and cloud computing (68%), big data analytics (61%), digital platforms (59%), Internet of Things (56%), autonomous robots (54%), Industrial Internet of Things (51%), simulation (49%), artificial intelligence (41%), blockchain (37%) and artificial intelligence of things (29%).
Polish clusters demonstrated a significant international presence in 2020 and 2021, establishing collaborations across five continents, in 101 countries. This global reach underscores the dynamic nature of Poland's innovation ecosystem and its ability to forge partnerships on a worldwide scale. The diverse geographical spread of these collaborations highlights the adaptability and competitiveness of Polish clusters in various markets and industries. Polish clusters presence abroad (countries) in years 2022-2023 present Table 1 below.
Polish clusters' interest in activities with foreign clusters & companies:
- Economic cooperation with foreign clusters and companies
- Initiation of joint international projects
- Participation in foreign trade fairs, business trips (including economic missions)
- Organisation of international business events
- Export & import activities
- Services for internationalisation of activities
- Opening of foreign representative offices of the clusters
Polish Cluster Policy: Over A Two Decade Journey
Poland's cluster policy has undergone significant development over the past two decades, demonstrating a clear progression in focus and sophistication. This evolution can be divided into four distinct phases, each building upon the achievements of the previous one.
1. Initiation Phase (2004 - 2006):
The journey began with foundational activities aimed at establishing the concept of clusters in Poland. During this period, the focus was on setting up the first clusters and conducting informational and awarenessraising activities. This laid the groundwork for future policy developments.
2. Formalization and Support Phase (2007 - 2013):
This phase saw a more structured approach to cluster development. Key initiatives included:
Providing training and advisory services for Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) and cluster initiatives
- Implementing investment grants for cluster initiatives
- Formulating a cluster policy framework until 2020
- Introducing benchmarking surveys to assess cluster performance
- Creating the first Clusters Map to visualize the cluster landscape
3. Internationalization and Standardization Phase (2014 - 2020):
The focus shifted towards enhancing the global competitiveness of Polish clusters. Major developments included:
- Implementing standards for cluster management
- Creating the first Clusters Map to visualize the cluster landscape
- Creating a Clusters Inventory
- Initiating PARP cluster policy projects
- Creating a Polish labelling system with National Key Clusters (KNC) competition
- Offering internationalization grants to promote global engagement of KNC clusters and their members
- Introducing cluster offer development grants for KNC
- Continuing benchmarking surveys
- Implementing cluster policy projects by PARP with international experts, clusters, clusters associations and governments
- Establishing guidelines for cluster policy post 2020
4. Advanced Development Phase (2021-2027):
The current phase emphasizes sophisticated development strategies:
- Focusing on cluster offer development, internationalization and training grants for KNC and Supra-Regional Growing Clusters (more details about this instrument below)
- Continuing the Key National Clusters competition (by Polish Ministry for Development and Technology)
- Influence EU level Cluster policy to enhance
- Continuing benchmarking surveys
- Implementing cluster policy projects by PARP with international experts, clusters, clusters associations and local governments
- Developing manuals & tools for clusters to support digital & green transition
- Launching an updated Clusters Map 2.0 (December 2026)
- Establishing TCI Network membership and other international partnerships
- …and many more to come…
This phase is set to continue, indicating an ongoing commitment to cluster development.
Current Cluster policy 2020+ assumptions accordingly to the official government documents:
- Adaptation of support to the cluster's level of development
- Public support at both the national and the regional level
- Dual cluster policy subjective approach (recipient of aid) and functional approach (instrument of regional/national development)
- Nonlocal/regional & long term nature of policy
- Development of social capital around the idea of cooperation and the idea of clustering
In table 3. below, there are some key financial figures about grants’ budget for Polish clusters in last and current EU financial perspective distributed by PARP.
In the new EU financial perspective Polish Key National Clusters and Supra – Regional Growing Clusters have about 75 million USD to receive in grants from PARP.
Some details:
Program: 2.17 FENG Development of the cluster offer for companies
For whom?: National Key Cluster and supra-regional growing clusters coordinators
Aim: Activities aimed at strengthening the potential and professionalising the activities of cluster coordinators, in particular through the development of a service offer to companies in the field of R&D&I. Optionally, the project may address the development and provision of services in the context of internationalisation or the development of services in the context of knowledge transfer and good practice in a cluster.
Rules: The minimum eligible expenditure is: no limit.
Funding may be used for:
- development of research or demonstration infrastructure necessary to build the capacity of the cluster coordinator to provide a new or significantly improved service to the members of the cluster;
- activities connected with improving human resources potential in strategic areas;
- activities connected with participation in fairs, seminars, congresses and conferences;
- cluster quality labelling.
Conclusions
Over 20-year involvement of the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP) in cluster policy has yielded significant results.
This longterm commitment has fostered a dynamic ecosystem of innovation and collaboration across Poland. One of the key achievements has been the establishment of effective cooperation between clusters and PARP, both from the grassroots level and through topdown initiatives. This collaboration has created an environment conducive to innovation.
The commitment of clusters to shaping economic policy in Poland is exemplified by their dedication to collecting data every two years from both coordinators and cluster members. This effort is reflected in the comprehensive cluster benchmarking survey, which now encompasses 90 indicators as of 2022. This systematic approach not only provides valuable insights into the current state of cluster development but also highlights the active involvement of clusters in contributing to national economic strategies. By gathering and analyzing data, clusters can assess their performance, identify areas for improvement, and showcase their impact on innovation and entrepreneurship. This ongoing engagement underscores the importance of collaboration between clusters and PARP, ensuring that the voices of cluster members are heard and considered in policy-making processes. Ultimately, this commitment to data collection and analysis strengthens the role of clusters as key players in Poland's economic landscape, driving growth and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
Clusters have become integral to Poland's economic landscape, contributing their expertise to various PARP and government initiatives. They play a crucial role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation while participating in advisory bodies that influence regional policy development. By activating local authorities, clusters highlight their value to communities and have been instrumental in building knowledge capital across various domains. This capacity for knowledge sharing drives innovation and shapes the country's economic future.
The formation of the Polish Cluster Association as an active representative body further underscores the growing importance of clusters in Poland. On the international stage, Polish clusters have made significant strides, not only through the export and internationalization of their members but also by engaging in crossborder research and development projects. They have formed Euroclusters and shared best practices through European funding initiatives, demonstrating their commitment to collaboration beyond national borders.
Key National Clusters (KNC) have taken a lead role in creating small, sector specific collaboration networks that integrate clusters without KNC status. This strategic approach allows for a more cohesive development framework within the cluster ecosystem.
Perhaps most notably, this two decade journey has cultivated a remarkable community of leaders who enjoy working together, fostering a collaborative spirit that promises to drive continued innovation and growth within Poland's cluster landscape.
Author: Monika Antonowicz (e-mail: