Poznań 2024: Challenges, successes and future plans

Jacek Jaśkowiak, an economist and social activist, has been mayor of Poznań since 2014. During his term of office, the city has gained, among other things, modern transport solutions and a significant improvement in the quality of life of its residents. We spoke with the mayor, who spoke about the city's successes, including ‘The City of the Year’ and ‘Best City to Live in Poland’ awards, as well as key investments like the revitalisation of the Old Market Square, the development of green energy, and support for the IT sector.

How would you summarize 2024 for Poznań?

A year full of challenges and successes is behind us. Despite the global economic difficulties, our city has maintained its position as a leader in business and innovation in Poland. The city of Poznań consistently supports investment, ensuring the highest standards of performance. 

Poznań won several awards recently, could you tell us about the journey to such success?

All the awards that Poznań has won are the result of many years of systematic and consistent work. Our priority is to continually improve the quality of life of residents and to create an environment conducive to development of business. We invest both in infrastructure and urban space, as well as in comprehensive support for investors. Distinctions such as the "City of the Year" award from Europa Property or the title of "The Best City to Live in Poland", awarded by Business Insider Polska, confirm that Poznań is a friendly place to both live and invest in.

What are the projects or investments that you are the most proud of?

There are many projects and investments of which we are particularly proud. One of the key undertakings was the comprehensive revitalisation of the Old Market Square, which not only restored the place to its former glory, but also improved its functionality and accessibility. The influx of companies such as Volkswagen, SKF and Lisner is also pleasing. These companies not only create new jobs, but also strengthen Poznań's position as a business-friendly city. Every year we host Impact CEE in Poznań – one of the most important meetings for business, science and political leaders in Europe. The conference fits perfectly with our strategy to promote innovation and support key sectors of the economy. 

The energy sector is especially interesting for Finnish companies, what is the latest news from that sector?

Poznań is a pioneer in innovative energy solutions in Poland. The city offers subsidies for the replacement of heat sources and supports residents in switching to greener and more energy-efficient solutions. The heat recovered from the Volkswagen Poznań foundry makes it possible to heat thousands of homes in the city. Similar measures will be applied to Beyond.pl's data centres. A photovoltaic farm has been set up at Poznań Ławica Airport, significantly reducing electricity consumption. We have been intensively developing environmentally friendly urban transport for years, and the introduction of hydrogen buses is another step towards even more sustainable transport, helping to further reduce emissions and noise in the city.

What are the strengths of Poznań for new investors? Do you promote some sectors in particular, like BPO/IT or R&D?

Poznań offers investors a wide range of opportunities thanks to its diversified economy. We are committed to the development of modern technologies, including numerous data centres. Companies such as Nordcloud are an example of how investment in IT and cloud computing is helping to strengthen the city as a centre for technology and innovation. The city is home to advanced process centres such as BPO and R&D, offering high-quality services and research and development in a wide range of industries. At the same time, we continue to focus on the creative sector, which has great potential for development in Poznań.

What is your target for 2025 and onwards and what Poznań will look like in 2030?

Our goal for 2025 and the years to come is to continue to develop Poznań as a modern, sustainable city. A key step in this direction is the ongoing update of the City of Poznań Development Strategy 2020+. We will continue to focus on improving the quality of life, sustainability and increasing the population. In 2030, Poznań will be an even more modern, green and open city. We will strive to meet the highest European standards.

As we know, you are a big fan of cross-country skiing – when will you visit Lapland to practise the sport there? The season there lasts longer than in Poznan, from October to mid-May.

I intend to train intensively this season to compete in the Bieg Piastów Race. Next year I plan to compete in the Vasa Race and Finlandia Hihto. I have completed 50 WorldLopped ski marathons in my life, but Hihto is by far my favourite. I have run it many times and I am always happy to return there. For me it is the most enjoyable marathon, not because of the level of difficulty of the route, but because of the most welcoming atmosphere and the wonderful fans.