http://en.parp.gov.pl/

The Polish Agency for Enterprise Development  is a government agency subordinated to the Minister of Economy. PARP was established with the task to implement entrepreneurship support instruments, with particular consideration given to needs of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). PARP is one of the public institutions responsible for the implementation of measures co-financed by the EU Structural Funds in Poland.

Budget

€ 600 m (2008)

Activities

PARP is implementing economy development programmes, with a particular focus to support the following:

• SME development,
• export development,
• regional development,
• application of new technologies and innovations,
• job creation and human resources development.

Tools and means include:

• provision of grants to the following entities: enterprises (especially SMEs), business support institutions, training institutions and labour market institutions,
• rendering pro-innovative services (advisory, information, training, promotion, financial services)
• facilitation of access to knowledge, economic information, studies and analyses,
• promotion, communication and dissemination activities and events.

Examples of particular initiatives and projects undertaken by the PARP are given below.

■ “Polish Product of the Future”. This is a contest aimed at promotion and dissemination of technological invention achievements with identified market potential. The contest is carried out in four categories: “product of the future” and “technology of the future”, both under “pre-implementation” and “implementation” stages.

■ “Innovation Portal” (PI) is a website of comprehensive information on innovations and pro-innovative activities in Poland. Thematic areas covered by the PI include new technologies and products, technology transfer, programmes supporting innovation development, innovation in regions, support for innovative business, innovation funding institutions, training institutions, university entrepreneurship initiatives and projects, etc. Along with news and information, the PI Portal provides access to resources like databases, reports, studies and analyses.

■ “Club for Innovative Enterprises” is a discussion and information exchange platform for business entities and institutions established with an objective to improve conditions for founding and developing innovative enterprises. Club meetings, held periodically, make information exchange easier, allow for knowledge dissemination and facilitate cooperation between entrepreneurs and the RDI organizations.

■ Support for university entrepreneurship. Cooperation with various universities and students’ societies is intended to spur universities to simulate entrepreneurship among the students, university graduates and young scientists. National database of pro-entrepreneurial initiatives is available on the PI Portal.

■ “PARP Academy” is an education portal for SMEs with access to a free of charge internet training system.

■ National Service Network for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (KSU) is a network of over 180 non-profit organisations rendering information, advisory, training and financial services for SMEs as well as individuals starting up their business activities. As a part of the KSU, several sub-networks are active such as Consultation Centres, National Innovation Centres (KSI), credit guarantee funds and loan funds.

■ Network of Consultation Centres supervised by the PARP, operate as the first contact institution for SMEs offering free of charge information services in about 120 Consultation Centres in Poland. These services include administration and legal issues of carrying out business activity, company management, as well as assistance in applying for public aid.

■ Regional Financing Institutions form a network of regional partners for PARP and operate as delegated authority to implement some tasks on the regional level

■ Support for business environment (technology parks, incubators, clusters)

■ Contact point of Enterprise Europe Network

■ Participation in international projects such as twinning projects, the EU Framework Programmes, etc.

As an implementing institution for Structural Funds in the financial perspective 2004-2006, PARP implemented several measures under two Sectoral Operational Programmes.

In the 2007-2013 financial perspective, PARP competences and tasks have been extended encompassing implementation of measures under three Operational Programmes: Innovative Economy, Human Capital and Eastern Poland Development.

Staff

455 employees

Contact:

Irma Peciak

Director of Innovation and Technology Unit

Phone: +48 22 432 83 10

Fax: +48 22 432 84 64

e-mail: