Special Economic Zones and Technology Parks in Poland

SEZs operations and tasks

According to law regulation – The Polish Act of 1994 on Special Economic Zones – SEZ is defined as an inhabited part of Poland, within which, companies can conduct their business on preferential terms.
The SEZ is a place which is subject to special treatment and tax exemptions where an entrepreneur can run business without paying income tax (CIT – imposed on legal entities or PIT – on physical persons, depending on the legal form used to run the business). There are sites or buildings fully prepared for development and available at a competitive price and (in certain gminas – administrative units) exemption from property tax is also offered. Primarily most zones were anticipated to operate until the end of 2016. However, mostly because of positive impact on regional economies, the period of operation was extended until 31 December 2026. From investors point of view not only public aid –
in this particular case tax holidays – matters.

The added value lies in convenient access to transport infrastructure, availability of talent pool and strategic geographical location. Tailor-made offer of zones agents, including free counselling and assistance in dealing with formalities, facilitating contacts with local and central authorities are definitely additional assets. The geographical borders of the SEZs are not permanent, upon request new plots can be incorporated. It is important to stress that rules applicable to zones are entirely in compliance with EU public aid regulations.

Such factors as social, cultural, historical and economic background constitutes different regional environments which influence a unique quality of each SEZ. For example Katowice Special Economic Zone (KSEZ) is the right choice for companies willing to join a strong automotive cluster. More than 60% of investments in KSEZ represent that industry. Such players as: General Motors Manufacturing Poland, Nexteer Automotive Poland, TRW Braking Systems Polska, TRW Polska and Eaton Automotive Systems decided to settle in KSEZ. There are some areas in which Krakow Technology Park – managing body of Krakow Special Economic Zone – stands out. Investors are welcome to make use of greenfield areas as well as renting modern office spaces.

The zone is dedicated to all businesses from the traditional industry sector, however permits may be also acquired by certain firms from the services sector. Preferred are those rendering ICT, R&D, accounting (with the exclusion of tax declarations), technical research and analyses and telephone care centers services. This kind of diversity is possible thanks to proximity of large academic hub – Krakow. The result is presence of such brands as Comarch, Shell or Capita. It is also worth to mention about established in 1995, as the first one in Poland, Special Economic Zone EURO-PARK MIELEC. The zone geographic coverage includes 5 voivodships (shifting zone borders and creation of subzones is possible), its another advantage is unique presence of aviation sector representatives: Hamilton Sundstrand, GOODRICH AEROSPACE and Polskie Zakłady Lotnicze.

Industrial and Technology Parks in Poland

Industrial and technology parks are places which concentrates firms from one up to several sectors and (usually) supporting science and research facilities. This is a pro-development model increasingly popular in our country. The facilities provided, are applicable both to Polish and foreign entities. Though there are many similarities in the industrial and technology parks (missions, forms of operating or structure of organization), this is a diversified segment. Each park has an individual character, deeply rooted in regional specifics and resources.

A technology park is a complex of office spaces together with a technical infrastructure. Support offer frequently covers below services:

• counselling in the setting up and development of an enterprise,
• transfer of technology, knowledge and know-how,
• transfer of R&D activities into concrete technological innovation.

Likewise to SEZs each* of 79 parks in Poland dedicates its services to chosen branches of economy. For example established in 2001 Pomeranian Science and Technology Park, the largest this type of facility in Poland, offers startup zone, laboratory, design centre and social innovation platform. Construction project worth PLN 137 million provides modern and accessible mix of office space (fit for around 2,000 employees), laboratories and exhibition halls.

By contrast, nearby Walbrzych operates Lower Silesian Technology Park “T-Park” dedicated to BPO, IT, renewable energy sources and medical spa industries. Lower Silesia is a region with longstanding tradition of spa tourism, just to name the most well-known towns: Cieplice Zdrój, Duszniki Zdrój, Kudowa Zdrój or Ladek Zdrój. Aside from convenient location, modern infrastructure and experts support, financial incentives are also available for chosen projects.

The Białystok Science and Technology Park, located in Podlaskie voivodship, Eastern part of Poland, is a project worth over PLN 120 million implemented in the years 2008-2014 by the City of Bialystok. According to carried out analysis the crucial and most desired industries for development of the province are: IT, BPO, biotechnology, pharmacology, electronics and nanotechnologies. Board of the Park, in cooperation with Programme Council and President of Białystok aim at comprehensive assistance to technology firms at all stages of their development together with stimulating the their establishment. The emphasis shall be laid on: training, counselling on acquiring financial resources from external institutions, assessment and support of technology transfer.

* Complete list of special economic zones and technology parks in Poland is available on the PAIiIZ website: www.paiz.gov.pl/governmental_grants