Imagine a place where innovation meets industrial tradition and technological development goes hand in hand with care for the environment. Such a place is the Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSEZ), which has just won the prestigious title of the best industrial zone in Europe in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2024 ranking organized by fDi Intelligence. This award is like a trophy for the entire region and Poland, showing that dynamic economic development can be not only achievable, but also modern and sustainable.
In a competition in which 38 industrial zones from around the world were evaluated, Katowice topped the podium, ahead of the Klaipeda Free Economic Zone in Lithuania, among others. What makes the KSEZ so special and why does it attract the attention of global investors?
Katowice Special Economic Zone
The KSEZ was established in 1996, and its main purpose was to support the restructuring process of the Polish economy that took place after the political transformation. Over the years, the zone has grown to encompass areas of the Silesian and Opole provinces, creating four vast industrial subzones. Today, nearly three decades after its establishment, the KSEZ is one of the key engines of Polish industry, attracting investors from all over the world.
The zone has earned a reputation as a center for innovation and modern technology. It is not only a place where manufacturing plants and service companies develop their operations, but also a space where investments are made in automation, robotization and digitization of processes. It is these features that set the KSEZ apart from other industrial zones in Europe and made it recognized by fDi Intelligence.
Success in the European ranking
The Global Free Zones of the Year 2024 ranking assessed industrial zones from around the world. The main criterion for evaluation was efficiency and ability to support its tenants – companies producing goods or providing logistics services. The Katowice Special Economic Zone not only met these criteria, but clearly surpassed them, earning top marks for innovation, sustainability and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
One of the key elements that contributed to the KSEZ’s success was its cooperation with the European Network of Digital Innovation Centers. Through this partnership, the zone is actively supporting the digital transformation of businesses, enabling them to become more efficient and competitive in the global market. This cooperation is particularly important for SMEs, which often lack access to advanced technologies and need additional support for digitization.
Supporting innovation and technological development
The KSEZ is constantly investing in the development of new technologies. One of the key areas in which the zone excels is the automation and robotization of industrial processes. Investors can count on financial support in the form of grants, which amount to up to 25% of the investment costs of innovative projects. This significant support encourages companies to take risks and invest in modern technologies that increase their efficiency and allow better use of resources.
The KSEZ’s commitment to research and development is also not without significance. The zone focuses on the development of research centers and laboratories where companies can conduct experiments and tests on new products and technologies. This kind of activity not only attracts investors, but also contributes to an increase in the innovativeness of Polish industry on the international arena.
Sustainable development
One of the things that sets the Katowice Special Economic Zone apart from other zones in Europe is its commitment to sustainable development. At a time when climate change is becoming one of the most important global challenges, the zone is showing that it can combine economic development with care for the environment.
High marks for sustainability and good management have led to the KSEZ being named the best free zone in Europe in terms of environmental activities. Investors who decide to locate their plants in the zone can count on support in implementing green solutions, which is an important factor in attracting companies that focus on social and environmental responsibility.
Summary
The success of the Katowice Special Economic Zone in the Global Free Zones of the Year 2024 ranking is proof that Poland has great potential in the field of innovation and modern technology. The KSEZ is not only a place where factories can expand, but also a space that promotes investment in the future – from digitization to robotization to sustainable development.
The example of the KSEZ shows that well-managed economic zones can play a key role in building the competitiveness of the national economy on the international stage. The achievements of this industrial zone are an inspiration for other regions, showing that innovation, sustainability and efficiency can go hand in hand, and that the results of these activities benefit both local businesses and the country’s economy as a whole.
