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Financial Forum in Wrocław on Poland’s development and the challenges facing the economy
Wrocław puts its bet on capital, technology and economic resilience
Wrocław has launched the third edition of the Finance Forum. The discussion focuses on economic security, new technologies, investment and the question of how to keep growth going amid rising uncertainty. The organizers are also making the point that for the city, financial capital is not the only thing that matters — human, relational and technological capital matter too.
During the first panel, dedicated to the vision for Wrocław 2035, participants discussed how the city can maintain its competitive edge against other metropolitan areas. The debate touched on demographics, the labor market, cooperation between universities and business, and how to attract foreign investment. In the background is also the question of how not to weaken the wider region when one center draws more and more people and companies.
Jakub Mazur pointed out that over the past two or three decades Wrocław has doubled its population, and after the outbreak of the war in Ukraine the city received 190 tys. people in six weeks. He also recalled that after a year unemployment stood at 1,7%, and the city budget reached 10 mld zł. In his view, Wrocław’s strength lies in the combination of scale, history and an academic base that attracts both specialists and large companies.
The deputy mayor also spoke about the need for better regional integration. The local government wants to stabilize the population and the number of city users at 1 million people, while also pushing for a metropolitan law and the development of suburban rail. It would connect the regional capital with Wałbrzych, Jelenia Góra and Legnica. This is also important for commuters and for companies that count on efficient employee transport.
Magdalena Okulowska stressed, in turn, that Wrocław attracts not only students but also experienced specialists. Over the past decade, the number of residents aged 30 to 35 has increased by 120%. The head of ARAW highlighted the Startup Wrocław program, cooperation with universities and post-investment support, meaning assistance after an investment has been placed. In her view, the city should build an ecosystem that is resilient, diverse and open to projects in R&D and high technology.
Krzysztof Domarecki, meanwhile, spoke about the AI revolution and its importance for the region. He noted that Europe must find its own place in the new economic order, and that Wrocław should make use of its tradition in machine learning. Prof. Czesław Zając added that the university is adapting its study programs to technological change, and is also developing an AI hub and cooperation with the city and other universities. The forum is therefore meant to be not just a debate about money, but also an attempt to answer the question of how to build safe growth for the city and the region.
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