The “SPACE 4 TALENTS” project is a unique initiative on a European scale, as it combines the development of modern competencies, space for innovation and cross-sector cooperation. Its mission is to attract and retain talent in Stalowa Wola (Podkarpackie, NEREUS Member Region) and create a new specialization related to the space and defense industry. The city, with its historical and strategic importance for Polish industry, has set its sights on developing a defense industry that naturally merges with the space sector. This synergy opens up unique opportunities for the development of modern technologies and careers in key fields. The project provides an opportunity to alleviate the above problems by creating excellent conditions for the development of young talented people on the basis of the space industry. For this reason, the City of Stalowa Wola takes responsibility for the proposed solution, and the Stalowa Wola Regional Development Agency Ltd. will coordinate the activities of other partners in the project. By the end of the project, StARR intends to offer attractive conditions for the development of the space industry, which will emphasize the city’s brand as an attractive place for living and personal/professional development based on new technologies, for young people who will be able to realize their passions and talents right in Stalowa Wola.
“The SPACE 4 TALENTS project is an experimental approach to solving challenges related to the future of cities, funded by the European Urban Initiative (EUI). The city of Stalowa Wola was selected as one of 112 cities that applied for these funds. Alongside cities such as Athens, Copenhagen, Amsterdam and Milan, it will implement a project of European scale. The “SPACE 4 TALENTS” project is an opportunity not only for Stalowa Wola, but also for the whole of Poland and Europe to attract the brightest talents to work on modern technologies.
The project includes the creation of key elements such as SPACELAB, a collaboration and innovation space created to develop breakthrough solutions in the space industry. SPACE ACADEMY an educational platform that will aim to prepare future leaders in the space sector to work in a modern environment. PENTAHELISA will provide comprehensive support for innovative projects at various stages of their development. The entire project is based on the city’s self-financing and ownership model, which ensures sustainable development and autonomous financing, guaranteeing long-term sustainability.
The space industry has great potential for creating and absorbing innovative, including environmentally friendly solutions. The project will enable the training of new employees capable of using available technologies and creating new solutions using them. The space industry encompasses the provision of all services using space data and techniques, including various types of services for agriculture, navigation, property management and fleet management, IT solutions, robotics, optics, satellite services, photovoltaics and solar panels.
Developing partnerships is key to success. A diverse ecosystem ensures that a project benefits from a wide range of perspectives, resources and expertise, which is essential to the successful implementation of an innovative solution and the achievement of the project’s socio-economic development goals. By combining the partners’ unique strengths, competencies and experiences, we create a synergistic environment for the successful implementation of this unique project. Joint efforts will not only ensure the relevance of the project, but also maximize its impact on the intended beneficiaries.
The project also plans to create strong, sustainable partnerships between city authorities, TSU, academia and civil society. Such partnerships are essential for innovative solutions and long-term development. Collaboration with municipalities, higher education institutions, the private sector, investors, research institutes and NGOs will build an ecosystem of domestic and foreign partnerships to realize the ambitious goals of the project.
The City of Stalowa Wola, Stalowa Wola Regional Development Agency Ltd. and the Project Partners: Innovative Poland Foundation, Ignacy Łukasiewicz Rzeszów University of Technology, Kozminski University, Rabels Valley, INNSPACE Association encourage representatives of the space industry, young people, academics, entrepreneurs, teachers and NGOs to actively participate in this groundbreaking project.
The SARR, working for regional development, focuses on innovative solutions and international cooperation, engaging in various initiatives to further the development of Stalowa Wola and its residents. The Agency’s activities focus on creating a favorable business environment, supporting local entrepreneurs, organizing industry events and actively attracting investors.
The total budget of the project is 6,227,384.00 euros, of which the subsidy is 80% of the value, or 4,981,907.20 euros.
The “SPACE 4 TALENTS” project is co-financed by the European Union, with funds from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), under the European Urban Initiative (EUI).
