The event, organised at the London Tech Show venues, is attended by ten companies from the IT, AI and VR sectors. The joint presentation of Lower Silesia’s potential and technological expertise aims to establish new business relationships, sign contracts and bring the innovative solutions of Polish entrepreneurs closer to European and global markets.
“We are very pleased to be here today, in London, at one of the most important events in this part of Europe when it comes to technology events. Ten Lower Silesian companies from the IT, AI and VR technology sectors are presenting their offer and capabilities here in London,” emphasises Monika Włodarczyk, Councillor of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship and Chair of the Culture, Science and Education Committee. She added that such trade fairs are an excellent opportunity for SMEs to mark their presence on the international technology scene.
The London Tech Show is one of the most important industry events in the United Kingdom, a fact that has not escaped the attention of the local authorities of Lower Silesia. “The scale of this programme, and the importance of having our entrepreneurs at a trade fair attended by 20,000 participants, can best demonstrate how important it is. This scale makes it possible to see what opportunities there are to gain new customers and investors here,” says Ewelina Szydłowska-Kędziera, Councillor of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship and Chair of the Complaints, Requests and Petitions Committee.
Among the invited guests was also Rafał Owczarek, head of the London foreign trade office of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH), who notes that “Polish technologies are known and valued in the United Kingdom. Above all, their quality is appreciated, their price is appreciated, and their specialisation is appreciated. Last year, the value of Polish technology services reached nearly £300 million.”
The visit was part of the long-term Going Global project, aimed at supporting the international expansion of Lower Silesian companies. “This is currently the seventh year of implementing the Going Global project in various forms. (...) So far, nearly 200 entrepreneurs have taken part in our missions. (...) The effectiveness of Going Global is quite considerable. (...) The project brings tangible results and tangible benefits to companies,” explains Krzysztof Hodun, Director of the Foreign Cooperation Department of the Marshal’s Office of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship.
Elżbieta Berezowska, Treasurer of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, speaks about the importance of the project from the perspective of the region’s finances: “We promote our entrepreneurs because the Lower Silesian region is developing industrially at a very rapid pace. (...) It should be emphasised that the gross domestic product of our voivodeship is growing very dynamically compared with other voivodeships. (...) We care greatly about the development of entrepreneurs because this directly affects our finances.”
During the two-day event, technological presentations, discussion panels and the opportunity for direct B2B meetings are attracting attention. The regional authorities emphasise how important thorough preparation for trade fairs is, as well as ensuring that Lower Silesian stands stand out.
“The presentation format is crucial. The stand must stand out, the region must stand out, and the companies must do something that has a wow effect, something that genuinely encourages people to stop. (...) At this type of trade fair, we also want our companies to acquire partners and contacts that will help them stabilise production and ensure continuous product deliveries over the long term,” says Krzysztof Hodun.
It is also important for entrepreneurs to use the advisory support and local contacts available, as Ewelina Szydłowska-Kędziera emphasises: “Just as today in London, at the London Tech Show, we have PAIH representatives, and our entrepreneurs can immediately benefit from their expert knowledge to understand exactly how to target potential customers and contractors and how to identify opportunities in this market.”
Monika Włodarczyk expressed a similar view, pointing to the enormous potential of innovative companies from Lower Silesia: “People from Lower Silesia have no complexes when it comes to cooperation with European or even global companies. They are present in markets in many countries. Germany, France and Scandinavia are the places where our Lower Silesian entrepreneurs are competitive.”
The visit to London confirms that Lower Silesian companies are valued for their flexibility, creativity and high quality of services, which facilitates the establishment of new contracts. In the opinion of the trade-fair participants, further editions of the Going Global project and continued promotion of Lower Silesian specialisations may strengthen the region’s position on global markets even further. It is worth recalling that, as the Voivodeship Treasurer noted, previous economic missions had already generated revenues worth millions, and everything indicates that the London meetings will also result in the signing of new, promising agreements.
The project is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund under the European Funds for Lower Silesia 2021–2027 and by the Self-Government of the Lower Silesian Voivodeship as part of the project entitled “Going Global 4.0 – Internationalisation of Lower Silesian Enterprises”.