Krakow’s Wesoła set to be hub for creativity and innovation

Krakow’s government has ambitious plans to revitalise an area around a former hospital into a creative district attracting residents, entrepreneurs, artists and investors.

Speaking with Real FDI at Expo Real in Munich in early October 2024, Katarzyna Wysocka, director of the Department for Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Municipality of Krakow, shared that the focus for the Wesoła district is on creating a welcoming space where residents, researchers and businesses can collaborate to foster creative and innovative projects. 

“This area will be transformed for residents, in cooperation with the community, so that they can feel safe and involved,” Wysocka said, adding that this approach would help shift public perception of the area.

The development also aims to combine green technology, including a solar-powered district and a marketplace. ”Markets are vital as spaces where residents and sellers interact, changing the community’s dynamics,” said Wysocka, who noted that the municipal company responsible for the Wesoła district project plans to prepare a master plan that will provide guidance on developing the district’s infrastructure.

“We already have experience in such a field,” Wysocka added, in reference to a previously revitalised district – Zabłocie – which is home to the Socio & Economic Innovation Cluster. “The cluster is a common space that provides conditions for work, study or leisure for various environments: start-ups and micro-enterprises, creative groups, social organisations, residents and informal groups, anyone interested in developing their activities,” she said. “The City of Krakow itself also participates in the functioning of the cluster.” 

In line with its economic development goals, Krakow is working to establish itself as a leader in business services, IT and life sciences, prioritising innovation and quality. The city collaborates closely with local associations, such as Chambers of Commerce, industry groups like ABSL and universities to attract foreign direct investment (FDI). “High-tech and life sciences are our top priorities, and we’re engaging companies and universities to highlight that Krakow is ready for such investment,” said Wysocka.

Krakow’s business services sector remains a major employment driver, with more than 100,000 people employed, but the city is pushing the sector toward higher-value services, including R&D and IT. Wysocka  highlighted this shift: “Our goal is to elevate the quality of services and create spaces for innovation, high-tech manufacturing, and production.”

The city sees both competition and collaboration within Poland’s thriving FDI landscape. While Polish cities often compete to attract investments, they also collectively strengthen Poland’s global business brand. “It’s more about cooperation than competition among Polish cities,” Wysocka said, emphasising that while Krakow competes with other European cities for FDI, the city remains ambitious and confident in attracting quality investments.