The project sought to make Poland's Pomerania region a more attractive place for investment so as to create jobs and stimulate growth, helping to increase tax revenues. It analysed Pomerania's attractiveness as an investment destination, based on which a list of six priority industries for investment was drawn up and the need for a centralised investor support system was identified. This led to establishment of the Invest in Pomerania organisation.
- 09 September 2016
We have found in our region willingness and courage to change. Thanks to the cooperation and the effort made by all the members of the Invest in Pomerania initiative, we can celebrate a great success and think about future plans. We have understood that only together can we be really competitive.
Analysis of Pomerania's ability to attract investment focused on available resources, pros and cons of the region and capital flows. An audit of investor support systems was completed through a survey of municipalities and discussion with investors' representatives. The audit highlighted outsourcing, IT, energy, the automotive sector, chemicals and logistics as priority industries.
A central unit providing a full range of services for potential investors was set up using an existing investor assistance centre. All main investment support bodies now cooperate under the ‘Invest in Pomerania’ brand.
Insufficient levels of investment were attributed to Pomerania's low profile as an investment location. Reasons for this included a lack of priorities and long-term plans for investment promotion and the absence of a single source of economic information. The scope of support was not clearly defined, and there was no coordination between the 40 entities providing services to investors and little support for existing investors, the audit found.
A one-stop shop
Invest in Pomerania now offers a one-stop shop for investors, providing economic information on Pomerania, as well as details of legal requirements for conducting business in Poland. It advises investors on locations using a database, helps with business networking and organises visits and meetings for investors with entrepreneurs and local government representatives. It also provides support for more complex investments. Its standards of service have been recognised by the Polish Information and Foreign Investment Agency as the best in Poland.
The database is hosted at the Invest in Pomerania web portal where adverts are placed to help Pomeranian companies make contact with local and foreign firms. Invest in Pomerania also helps local entrepreneurs get in touch with foreign and Polish institutions. The promotion of economic events, which brings together Pomeranian businesses and other stakeholders, and participation in missions involving Pomeranian entrepreneurs are other ways in which Invest in Pomerania encourages investment.
Successful projects and new jobs
The number of inquiries about investment in Pomerania rose from 35 in 2008 to 121 in 2015. These included a significant number of interested companies from the Nordic countries, the US, Germany, the United Kingdom, China and the Benelux countries, as well as Poland. Between 2008 and 2015, Invest in Pomerania participated in 620 projects, providing services on over 1 400 occasions. This helped in the successful completion of 57 projects, which investors declared would lead to the creation of 8 930 jobs. Four jobs have also been created at the Invest in Pomerania service centre.
Invest in Pomerania has organised training for local government representatives working in investment support, while backing for educational activities has helped local people gain skills that meet the needs of the job market. The organisation also fosters collaboration between universities, business and public administration.
Total investment and EU funding
Total investment for the project “Information and promotion system of the Pomeranian region 2007-2013” is EUR 2 855 211, with the EU’s European Regional Development Fund contributing EUR 2 141 408 through the “Pomerania” Operational Programme for the 2007-2013 programming period.