Research and Innovation background
Transport research in Poland is defined by the National Programme for Scientific and Research & Development (R&D) activities and various national transport policy documents. The overarching goals of research policy focus on implementing reforms in the science sector, which include:
- Building on Knowledge Reform
- Reform of the Higher Education System
- Launch of the new National Research Programme
- Elaboration of the long-term innovation strategy
Policy priorities in thematic research were established in the Programme for Scientific Research and Development, for a five-to-ten-year period. They comprise:
- Society in conditions of secure, dynamic and sustainable socio-economic development
- Health
- Energy and infrastructure
- New technologies for the economy
- Environment and agriculture
In each area, the National Programme formulates Strategic Research and Development Programmes to be implemented with a perspective of three to five years.
Key transport-specific strategic documents include:
- Action Plan for Responsible Development of Poland: Outlines goals for sustainable mobility and development through 2030.
- National Energy and Climate Plan: Focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and enhancing energy efficiency in transport.
- Recommendations of Maritime Policy up to 2020: Aims to enhance the efficiency and safety of maritime transport.
- Airspace Strategy for Poland: Sets out plans for enhancing air transport services and infrastructure.
- Strategy for Sustainable Transport Development until 2030 (STD2030): Adopted in 2019, this strategy emphasizes sustainable transport solutions, including urban planning that incorporates Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs). It aims to improve the effectiveness of urban passenger and freight transport and reduce environmental impacts.
- National Urban Policy 2030 (NUP 2030): This policy, adopted in 2022, focuses on sustainable urban development and emphasizes the need for comprehensive planning that includes mobility needs and climate change adaptation. It encourages cities to develop and implement SUMPs to optimize urban mobility and transport systems.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Institutional framework of transport research
The innovation ecosystem in Poland consists of various organisations and stakeholders, including:
- Governmental bodies which set policy directions
- Intermediary bodies of the public sector which act as intermediaries between governments and research organisations
- Research-performing organisations (universities and higher education institutions), research institutes of the Polish Academy of Sciences and branch R&D units which concentrate more on applied research
- Private organisations
The Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW) is the policy maker for research and innovation in Poland. In defining transport-related research priorities, the Ministry is supported by the Ministry of Climate and Environment, Ministry of Infrastructure, Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, and the Ministry of Environment. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education regularly conducts evaluations and certification of all national scientific and R&D units.
The two executive agencies have also been established:
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
Transport research is funded on a horizontal project-based approach. Research is funded under public funding in the National Programme for research and development and by private sources. All transport research projects financed by the National Programme are registered in a project database, which is maintained by the Information Processing Centre.
Current programmes related to transport include:
- European Funds for Infrastructure, Climate, Environment 2021-2027: The largest national infrastructural programme supported by the ERDF and the Cohesion Fund in the EU. It focuses on the challenges of the European Green Deal by co-financing investments that contribute to transition of Poland to a green economy. This transition encompasses sectors like energy, transport, environment, health, and culture sectors.
- The European Funds for Eastern Poland 2021-2027: The main objective of the programme are consolidation of conditions conducive to economic competitiveness and a higher quality of life in Eastern Poland regions; strengthening economic and social potential of the Eastern Poland regions; and continuation of trans-regional investments in the key areas which are complementary to the support available from other national and regional programmes.
- National Centre for Research and Development (NCBiR): This agency oversees a variety of funding programmes, including those specifically for transport research. It facilitates innovative projects through several initiatives, such as Strategic Research and Development Programmes, which emphasize key areas like sustainable transport technologies.
Historic national funding programmes related to transport include:
- Polish Applied Research Programme (2014-2021): Aimed to enhance the performance of Polish applied research in Poland through improved research cooperation between Poland and Norway.
- Operational Programme of Infrastructure and Environment (2014-2020): Supported research in low carbon economy, environmental protection, adaptation to climate change, transport and energy security.
- National Road Safety Programme (2013-2020) : Aimed to significantly reduce road fatalities and injuries.
- GEKON Generator of Ecological Concepts: Supported projects from the private sector aimed at conducting scientific research and development works, and then at implementing the resulting pro-ecological technologies. This includes novel technologies for production of fuels, energy and materials from waste and recycled waste.
(Last updated: 04/11/2024)