Innovation
The city of Poznan has a considerable scientific and institutional potential focused on innovation and actions for knowledge-based economy. The city is one of the Polish leading innovation centres.There are two technology parks in the city, which constitute a cooperation platform for the economy and science, and create a friendly environment for the development of innovation: Poznan Technology and Industry Park, and Poznan Science and Technology Park, affiliated with the Adam Mickiewicz University Foundation. In addition, the city's first private science and technology park, Nobel Tower, is being constructed. The multidisciplinary research centres of modern technologies are active or being created, including: the Complex of High Technology Incubators, Wielkopolska Centre for Advanced Technologies, Intercollegiate NanoBioMedical Centre, the Mechatronics, Biomechanics and Nanoengineering Centre, the BioCentre, the National Innovation Centre in Logistics and e-Economy, as well as business incubators and centres for technology transfer.
A key role in raising the level of innovation and competitiveness is played by the enterprises active in the centre. The transport equipment industry, as well as chemical, rubber and wood products industries are among the most innovative in introducing new products and services. The food industry and production of mineral resources have the smallest range of innovation.
Clusters
Innovation in Poznan is also supported by a number of clusters and cluster initiatives, located on different levels of organization. They include, among others: the Wielkopolska Furniture Cluster, the Wielkopolska Furniture Design Cluster, the Wielkopolska Chemical Cluster, the Wielkopolska Automotive Cluster, the Wielkopolska Cluster of Advanced Automation Techniques Elprotech, the Wielkopolska Renewable Energy Cluster, the Wielkopolska ICT Cluster, the Wielkopolska Advanced Building Technologies Tech-Bud-WIB, the BioRegion Wielkopolska, the Finet at the Regional Wielkopolska Agricultural and Industrial Chamber, the Wielkopolska Medical Cluster, the Metal Cluster, the Construction Cluster, the Food Cluster, the Renewable Energy Cluster, the Poznan Education Cluster, the Western Cluster of Plastics Plastopolis, the Synergy IT Cluster. Some of the cluster projects received EU funding. Cluster initiatives support economic organizations and local authorities.
Creative sectors
Creative sector companies, including, besides higher education institutions and scientific research units, ICT, architecture, arts and media, pattern-design and fashion design, handicraft, financial, business and legal services, are developing in Poznan. They represent 22% of the companies registered in Poznan and employ 18% of the workforce. Since 2001, the number of companies in the creative sector in the city has increased by 64%, mainly in the group of companies with a high use of knowledge. This group of companies accounts for more than 60% of the companies in the creative sector in Poznan.
Design
Poznań has become an important Polish design centre. The University of Arts in Poznan and the Poznan School of Social Sciences teach the largest number of design students in the country. The city also boasts the first Polish design and creativity centre, Concordia Design, and the international design academy, School of Form. Moreover, it hosts the World Innovation Days, the arena DESIGN and moodFORM exhibitions, and thematic conferences and workshops.