Socio-Economic Innovation Cluster Zabłocie 20.22

In Krakow's Zabłocie, being part of the Podgórze district, the project Socio-Economic Innovation Cluster Zabłocie 20.22 is being implemented. The idea originated during public consultations on the update of the City Revitalization Program of Krakow in 2016 and is a response to the needs of residents and stakeholders.

The cluster is an idea of a common space that is to provide conditions for work, study or leisure for various environments: start-ups and micro-enterprises, creative groups, social organizations, residents and informal groups, anyone interested in developing their activities. Local government will also participate in the functioning of the Cluster

The main assumption of the project is to divide the Cluster building into "zones" within which various entities operate and cooperate, creating a melting pot of creative environments. Various initiatives and activities will be the fruit of it.

The Entrepreneurship Zone will include:

• business incubators;
• other, innovative forms of entrepreneurship.

The creative zone will be dedicated to:

• art and design;
• new media;
• artistic actions aimed at various circles;
• therapy through creation / art;

The social innovation zone will cover the activities of:

• non-profit, charitable, community, civic and independent non-governmental organizations (NGOs);
• social incubators;
• social labs.

Despite the difficult situation related to the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic, in the period from March 2 to September 11, 2020, it was possible to conduct public consultations on the development of the rules and formula for the functioning of the Zabłocie 20.22 (building A) Socio-Economic Innovation Cluster (building A). The consultations, in the form of a questionnaire and pre-questionnaire, were attended mainly by residents, representatives of non-governmental organizations, representatives of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises. Nearly half of the respondents declared that they would like to find a place for the development and operation of their non-governmental organization in the Cluster, and, as residents, to pursue neighbourhood and social activities. Almost twice as many responses indicated the Cluster as a place that will foster the development of interests, passions, exchange of experiences, creation new initiatives, and as a space for study and work.

What is more, the consultations included a focus study - an expert discussion, attended by representatives of the world of science, new technologies, entrepreneurship, craftsmen, the Krakow City Council and District XIII Council, non-governmental organizations (including those operating and acting for the Podgórze district), city activists. The recommendations developed during the discussion will be helpful in determining the framework for the functioning of the Cluster.

The last element of the consultation was an open-ended summary meeting: interested residents, representatives of non-governmental organizations and entrepreneurs took part in it.

Conclusions from public consultations regarding the principles of operation of the Socio-Economic Innovation Cluster Zabłocie 20.22 (building A) were included in the report summarizing the consultations, available at www.rewitalizacja.krakow.pl.

The next stage, in addition to the construction works, will be the selection of the operator of Building A. Therefore, the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Department will conduct a technical dialogue to be participated by candidates for the operator.

Zabłocie 20.22 Cluster in numbers:

Total project value: PLN 39.7 million

Co-financing of the ROP MR 2014-2020: PLN 14 million

Usable area: about 0.60 ha

Conclusion of the contract with the Contractor: February 11, 2020 (Mostostal Warszawa)

Planned completion date of the investment part: December 2021.