Science, business and the common goal of developing the region in response to contemporary market needs: On 22 January 2025, a ceremonial signing of an agreement between the University of Gdańsk and Agencja Rozwoju Pomorza S.A. took place. The main principles of cooperation include activities promoting the Pomeranian Voivodeship as a dynamic academic centre, supporting innovation and the development of the local labour market.

The agreement was signed by the Rector of the University of Gdańsk, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski, and representing the Pomerania Development Agency, President of the Management Board Sławomir Kosakowski and Vice-President of the Management Board Piotr Ciechowicz.

The meeting was also attended by dr Magdalena Markiewicz, Vice-Dean for Development and Cooperation with the Social and Economic Environment of the UG Faculty of Economics, and Aleksandra Stenke , mgr Aleksandra Stenke, Head of the UG Career Office, who coordinated the agreement, and, on the part of the IDA, Wojciech Tyborowski, Director of Invest in Pomerania, and Karolina Nawrocka-Mucha, Specialist for cooperation with universities at Invest in Pomerania.

The object of the signed agreement is to strengthen substantive cooperation between the University of Gdańsk and the Pomerania Development Agency. Within the framework of the agreement, numerous initiatives are planned to support the development of students' competencies and their preparation for professional challenges. The agreement is an important step towards synergy between education and the region's economy.

‘Educating human resources for the economy is an important challenge in both the short and long term. Activities in this area are based, among other things, on new educational formats, including the introduction of micro-credentials, certification and commissioned courses,’ said the Rector of UG, prof. dr hab. Piotr Stepnowski. He also pointed out that the model of cooperation between science and business is changing, and that building an ecosystem and a new pattern of activity is an important factor in strengthening the potential of the voivodeship.

The President of the IDA, Slawomir Kosakowski, noted that cooperation between business and the university is natural, especially in terms of carrying out research and analysis: ‘The university is an important institutional substantive partner in many projects that strengthen the region's potential. In turn, the Agency is an important partner for attracting foreign investors, supporting domestic entrepreneurs and development activities in the business environment in the Pomeranian Voivodeship.’

‘Many initiatives initiated by universities require cooperation with entrepreneurs,’ says dr Magdalena Markiewicz. ‘The Pomerania Development Agency is an organisation that cooperates with many enterprises in the region and combines the interests of people who strive for the same thing: the development of the region. Our cooperation with the IDA has been going on for many years and has brought tangible benefits in supporting cooperation between business and universities. Examples include initiatives to strengthen entrepreneurship, such as the Pomeranian Export Broker or the pro-investment activities of Invest in Pomerania.’

The University of Gdańsk, as the leading academic centre in the region, has for years been implementing numerous projects in cooperation with external entities, supporting innovation and sustainable development. The PDA successfully implements initiatives promoting the Pomeranian Voivodeship as an attractive place to live and work, as well as to invest - encouraged, among other things, by the appropriate pool of well-educated staff. The UG Career Office - in cooperation with the faculties of our university - regularly organises workshops, training courses and job fairs, which enable students to meet potential employers.

The signed agreement opens up new opportunities for cooperation and provides a solid foundation for future initiatives, such as organising internship programmes, conducting joint research and development projects or increasing the number of events integrating students, scientists and entrepreneurs. Combining academic knowledge with business practice not only provides an opportunity for career development for students but also for increasing innovation and competitiveness of the Pomeranian economy. The joint activities of both parties aim to highlight the potential of the region and enable it to further develop as one of the key academic and business centres in Poland.