The University of Silesia has become a member of the consortium for the development of Silesia’s innovative economy as part of the international ‘Innovation Policy Ignition Program’, led by Hughes Hall at the University of Cambridge.
The agreement was signed on 17 September at the Goldstein Palace in Katowice, and the University of Silesia was represented by Agnieszka Turska-Kawa, PhD, DLitt, Vice-Rector for Research.
The initiative brings together representatives from the local government, universities, business environment institutions, NGOs, equity investors and technology companies.
The aim of the ‘Innovation Policy Ignition Program’ is to build on the innovation implementation experience of the Cambridge Silicon Fen—one of Europe’s leading high-tech clusters—and the research framework of Cambridge University. All that for the purpose of developing effective tools to support innovation, entrepreneurship and new technology transfer in the region.
The programme includes a series of expert lectures and practical workshops culminating in a training trip to Cambridge. The partnership will ensure the exchange of knowledge and provide support for drafting the Regional Action Plan and developing pilot solutions in the area of innovation that connect science, business, and public administration. The project will culminate in the implementation of the developed initiatives in Silesia.
Working within the consortium will help reinforce the regional innovation ecosystem and boost the competitiveness of Silesian businesses, expanding their role in the global technology transfer market.
The leader of the project is the Katowice Special Economic Zone, which will be responsible for coordinating the Consortium’s activities. The consortium’s strategic partners are the City of Katowice and the Katowice Gaming and Technology Hub. Joining the University of Silesia in the consortium is the Silesian University of Technology.
Agnieszka Turska-Kawa, PhD, DLitt, Assoc. Prof. | Photo by Zosia Wleciałowska / Katowice Special Economic Zone