Context
The Małopolska Region has for many years consistently implemented strategic actions aimed at strengthening innovation and competitiveness of the regional economy. Recognising the key role of innovation in sustainable socio-economic development, the regional government has been systematically building a comprehensive support system for entrepreneurship, research, and development activities, and effective transfer of knowledge and technologies to the economy.
Particular emphasis is placed on increasing business engagement in research and development, supporting green and digital transformation, and promoting solutions contributing to sustainable development, largely through the use of European Union funds. A key element of this systemic approach is the project SPIN – Małopolska Knowledge Transfer Centres, which operationally and practically leverage the potential of regional universities and research institutions to support economic development.
The project is aligned with the Małopolska 2030 Regional Development Strategy, which defines priority development areas and enables targeted public support for the most promising sectors of the regional economy, strengthening innovation-oriented governance and policymaking in response to real market needs and the region’s transformation challenges.
Objectives
The main objective of the SPIN – Małopolska Knowledge Transfer Centres project is to bridge the gap between science and business by creating an effective system for the transfer of knowledge, technology, and innovation. The project supports micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises as well as small mid-cap organisations in developing and implementing innovative solutions that enhance their competitiveness on domestic and international markets.
This support is delivered through access to specialised advisory services and technological resources provided by leading regional universities and research institutes. As a result, scientific research and academic innovations are translated into practical economic applications, while enterprises receive assistance in technological, digital, and green transformation.
The project also contributes to regional development by strengthening cross-sector cooperation, building trust between public administration, academia, and business, and improving access to innovation, particularly for the smallest companies.
Its specific objectives include:
- enhancing knowledge and technology transfer with the involvement of regional authorities;
- providing high-quality advisory services in new technologies, digitalisation, and sustainable development;
- strengthening entrepreneurial competences in innovation and R&D implementation;
- facilitating innovation access for micro and small firms;
- building long-term partnership-based relations between science and business;
- supporting the development of Regional Smart Specialisations aligned with market needs.
Implementation
The project SPIN – Małopolska Knowledge Transfer Centres is addressed to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises as well as small mid-cap companies operating in the Małopolska Region. Its implementation is based on a network of specialised knowledge transfer centres operated by leading universities and research institutes in the region. The project is delivered through interdisciplinary, sector-oriented expert teams that support enterprises both in developing their own innovative ideas and in identifying new development pathways.
Each Centre provides tailor-made services adapted to specific needs of enterprises and focused on areas of Małopolska’s Regional Smart Specialisations. In the current project edition, partners include Kraków University of Technology, the University of Agriculture in Kraków, the Mineral and Energy Economy Research Institute of the Polish Academy of Sciences, and AGH University of Science and Technology.
The project offers enterprises a broad portfolio of professional support services, including technology audits, advisory support for preparation of R&D projects, implementation of product and process innovations, and specialised training. Technology audits, for example, enable assessment of development potential, identification of key barriers, and definition of strategic development directions. Strong institutional partnerships, clear governance structure, and alignment with regional and European development policies ensure effective implementation and scalability of project as sustainable knowledge and innovation transfer model.