We are speaking with Cezary Przybylski during the second edition of the Going Global – Lower Silesian Economic Diplomacy programme at Web Summit, an AI trade fair in Vancouver and one of the world’s largest technology-industry events.
Istotne.pl: What was most important for entrepreneurs from Lower Silesia at the fair?
Cezary Przybylski: This is another edition of the Going Global – Lower Silesian Economic Diplomacy programme, which was launched during the previous term. The fact that 15 entrepreneurs from Lower Silesia represent 20 companies from Poland at this fair, which is truly world-class, demonstrates, on the one hand, the potential that lies within this region and, on the other, our desire to make use of it.
"Lower Silesia has ceased to be a typical ‘assembly plant’, as it once was, and more and more research centres and powerful global companies are locating here."
Istotne.pl: This also demonstrates the potential of entrepreneurs from Lower Silesia.
Cezary Przybylski: Above all, it demonstrates their potential. Lower Silesian IT companies are truly top-class. We wanted to maintain the momentum of Lower Silesia’s development seen in the previous period. We want to remain leaders, and we want what our scientists have developed not to end up on shelves, but to be put into practice and commercialised. Lower Silesia has ceased to be a typical ‘assembly plant’, as it once was, and more and more research centres and powerful global companies are locating here.
Istotne.pl: How does participation in Going Global help entrepreneurs?
Cezary Przybylski: We decided that entrepreneurs, especially startups and small companies that are true leaders in their fields, should be helped during this difficult period. After all, the COVID-19 pandemic affected finances, and the war in Ukraine has not made the situation any easier. Many companies, including leading ones, cannot afford to participate in trade fairs or promote their products. Their fantastic ideas often disappear for trivial reasons, so we decided that we must also support our entrepreneurs in making contacts with global companies at trade fairs.
Istotne.pl: Does participation in trade fairs contribute to Lower Silesia’s development?
Cezary Przybylski: Today we are at an AI industry fair, and AI is entering every area of life. For example, this applies to the construction of our Lower Silesian Centre of Oncology, Pulmonology and Haematology, which will genuinely feature world-class equipment. This also requires trained and qualified staff—not only doctors, but also medical support staff and service personnel—fully prepared to operate the most advanced technologies. I would add that in Lower Silesia there are companies run by Lower Silesians whose inventions and products are also used in the space and aviation industries.
"For entrepreneurs, this is a clear signal that we are interested in what they do and that we very much want them to succeed, so that their products can become global products."
Istotne.pl: Regional assembly councillors also accompany the entrepreneurs. What is the purpose of these relationships?
Cezary Przybylski: Entrepreneurs in the Going Global programme are always accompanied by a small group of local-government representatives; today, the team consists of two councillors and myself. For entrepreneurs, this is a clear signal that we are interested in what they do and that we very much want them to succeed, so that their products can become global products. In each of the former voivodeships—that is, in the Jelenia Góra, Legnica and Wałbrzych subregions—not only in Wrocław and the former Wrocław Voivodeship, we have companies involved in regional development, which should also be understood as support for small, medium-sized and micro-enterprises. They can always count on our help, including financial assistance.
Meanwhile, representatives of the regional executive board and the regional assembly participate in the programme so that this support can be felt. If councillors see the results, it is easier for them to raise their hands in favour of adding funds and finding resources for entrepreneurs’ own contributions to projects. I often say that this is in the vital interest of the region, because one of its main sources of income is CIT, the tax paid by entrepreneurs.
"The better entrepreneurs are doing, the better the regional government will do."
Istotne.pl: We understand that everyone benefits from this relationship.
Cezary Przybylski: The better entrepreneurs are doing, the better the regional government will do, enabling it to carry out many tasks, such as building roads, investing in healthcare, supporting entrepreneurs and promoting culture.
Istotne.pl: You mentioned 15 entrepreneurs from Lower Silesia attending the fair in Vancouver. How do you assess interest in the Going Global programme?
Cezary Przybylski: The number of applicants is growing. Competitions are currently being held because the number of applications exceeds the local government’s capacity—we have a set budget that we must stay within. Interest is so high because this is an opportunity for companies to promote themselves, seek partners and find markets for their goods at virtually no cost.
"We must not be afraid of young and intelligent people around us."
Istotne.pl: We are interested in the world, but the world is also interested in us…
Cezary Przybylski: Definitely. This also obliges us to rise to the occasion. My generation never dreamed that we would reach such a level of international contact and become an equal partner in the world for the largest companies. The younger generation sees this differently. That is why it is extremely important for young people to be part of a decision-maker’s circle. That has always been the case in my circle. Today, they are adults with extensive experience. We must not be afraid of young and intelligent people around us. The fact that someone is more knowledgeable in a given field is an asset, and decision-makers should draw on that knowledge.
Istotne.pl: Could this type of fair therefore be held in Wrocław, given that we have such potential?
Cezary Przybylski: We dream of a future Web Summit being held in Poland, specifically in Lower Silesia. Because if it is to be in Poland, where else but Lower Silesia? Where else but Wrocław, home to numerous companies, research centres and universities, including Wrocław University of Science and Technology, which has enormous potential here.