Research and Innovation background
- Strategy for Sustainable Transport Development until 2030 (STD2030):Poland’s primary national transport strategy focused on the development of a modern, sustainable and innovative transport system. It promotes research and implementation of low-emission mobility technologies, intelligent transport systems, digital traffic management and integrated passenger and freight transport solutions.
- National Urban Policy 2030 (NUP 2030):Policy focused on sustainable urban development, emphasising the need for comprehensive planning that includes mobility needs and climate change adaptation. It encourages cities to develop and implement SUMPs to optimise urban mobility and transport systems and supports public transport innovation, integrated multimodal transport systems and digital mobility services in cities.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Institutional framework of transport research
- Ministry of Infrastructure: Lead authority responsible for transport policy and innovation priorities including rail modernisation, intelligent transport systems and sustainable mobility programmes.
- Ministry of Climate and Environment: Responsible for decarbonisation of the transport sector, including support for alternative fuels and zero-emission mobility technologies.
- Road and Bridge Research Institute: Scientific research institute focussed on transport infrastructure, in particular roads and road bridge structures, railway engineering structures, and underground structures. The main areas of activity include the design, construction and maintenance of road structures, traffic engineering, telematics and databases, and the testing of materials.
- Railway Research Institute: National research institute specialising in railway technologies, signalling systems, rolling stock testing, safety systems and rail infrastructure innovation. The institute operates experimental rail testing facilities and conducts certification and R&I for railway systems.
- Motor Transport Institute: Applied research institute focused on road transport technologies, mobility policy research and transport emissions analysis.
- Lukasiewicz Research Institute: R&I network developing solutions to technological problems. Supports technology development in industry through test and certification services. The network is structured around 22 institutes throughout Poland, including ones focused on the automotive industry and aviation.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)
Funding Sources and Support Initiatives
- National Centre for Research and Development: Executive Agency that oversees a variety of funding programmes, including those specifically for transport research. It facilitates innovative projects through initiatives including Strategic Research and Development Programmes, which emphasise key topics such as sustainable transport technologies. The centre operates the Research and Development in Railway Infrastructure Programme with PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe, and the Road Innovation Development Programme jointly with the General Directorate for National Roads and Motorways.
- Polish Agency for Enterprise Development: Supports startups and SMEs in developing technological solutions, funded by both EU and national sources. The agency is involved in projects to develop sustainable urban mobility, road infrastructure and sustainable tourism in Eastern Poland.
- National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management: Supports transport research indirectly by financing large-scale deployment of zero-emission infrastructure. It focuses on developing high-power charging systems, grid upgrades and heavy-duty vehicle charging networks, which create real-world test environments for technologies such as electric freight transport, charging optimisation and energy system integration.
- Centre for EU Transport Projects: Supports organisations in preparing and implementing EU-funded investments in all modes of transport. The Centre implements projects financed under the EU CEF and CEF2 programmes and supports the National Reconstruction and Resilience Plan.
- National Science Centre: Government Agency that supports basic research in Poland. Funds projects in a wide range of disciplines, including optimisation of hydrogen combustion (with potential application in hydrogen-fuelled transport engines) and Lithium-Metal batteries for electric vehicles.
- Polish Development Fund: Supports Poland’s sustainable economic development, including digitalisation, infrastructure and sustainable energy.
(Last updated: 18/05/2026)