Today, in the rapidly transforming world, knowledge represents an added value. At universities and other academic institutions, through the combined efforts and imaginations of researchers and students often working in tandem with the private sector, new ideas are formulated and technologies created that impact the quality of life of people far beyond their local communities.

Institutions of higher learning figure prominently in Wrocław, and they represent the continuation of an illustrious academic heritage. No fewer than eleven Nobel Prize winners have strong ties to the city, while a world-renowned component of the Polish School of Mathematics flourished in Wrocław in the post-war years. With today’s student population reaching 140,000 (out of a total city population of 640,000), Wrocław offers a vibrant, stimulating setting where the youthful energy not only imbues city life, but drives the tradition for innovation and experimentation into the 21st Century.

The Academic Hub is a new initiative of the Municipality of Wrocław that aims to foster expanded cooperation between the city and its academic institutions, and forge the way for greater interaction with business and research centres operating at the cutting edge of technology in the region. In launching the Academic Hub, the city has expressed, in very practical terms, its commitment to the advancement of Wrocław as a knowledge metropolis. Snapshot: Fredro

1. Fredro, Aleksander. Polish count and playwright of the 19th century, known for his comedic works rife with biting, but apt social commentaries. 2. Fredro. The abbreviated name used to refer to the statue of Aleksander Fredro on the Wrocław Market Square.

First erected in 1896 in Lvov, the Aleksander Fredro statue was moved to Wrocław in 1956 and placed on the spot where the Kaiser Wilhelm III monument once stood in German Breslau. Emblematic of the city’s strong ties to the intellectual and cultural traditions of Polish Lvov, the prominent placement of Fredro in the city centre inspirited citizens seeking to create a new Polish identity for themselves in post-war Wrocław. Fredro today serves as a popular meeting point on the bustling Market Square. He also greets visitors Birth of Democracy to the Historic Town Hall and the Wrocław Academic Hub!

The end of communism marked not only the birth of democracy for Poland’s citizens, but also the emergence of local governments in cities and towns across the country. The passage of the first law on territorial self-government of 8 March 1990 gave rise to genuine opportunities to formulate policies in a city and for a city and its inhabitants. The introduction of local democracy paved the way for policy creation that would not only impact the social and cultural fabric of cities, but also their economic landscape as well.

In the 1990’s, community leaders from political, academic and business realms in Wrocław began formulating a long term development program for Wrocław. Known as Wrocław 2000 Plus, the document set out a strategy of how Wrocław could grow and prosper as a metropolis in a “New” Europe. This strategic outlook was largely the achievement of a group of academic leaders, whose genius cast the future of a city in a fully-fledged vision paper. Unique History

One theme that re-emerged during discussions on the The citizen’s of today’s Wrocław share common history with document was the idea that Wrocław should be an open city: the inhabitants of Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany open to new ideas, to “newcomers”; and open to its own and Poland. In the past, the city was a part the Polish Kingdom, past and the people and nations who built the city Czech Kingdom, the Habsburg Empire, the Prussian Kingdom throughout the ages. Decades living behind the iron curtain and Germany. In the melting pot of Central and Eastern deprived people of exchange with the “outside world” and Europe, Wrocław was the “homeland” to Germans, Czech, contact with unfiltered versions of the city’s own history. Jews and Poles, among others.

2 Centennial Hall and Exhibition Grounds (1913)

war. g the urin Three-quarters of a century back, Wrocław was known as the d d age am German city of Breslau – a vibrant European centre for culture, , d ge id Br science and industry. Researchers at academic institutions in the d al nw city were at the cutting edge of science and technology. Eleven ru G f o g Nobel Prize winners have strong ties to the city (see page 11). in n e p o e The atmosphere of experimentation and innovation extended R to architecture and city planning. Modernism took roots in the city very early. The movement not only shaped the ongoing international discourse on urban development and the built environment, but the intellectual ferment gave the world outstanding examples of pioneering works, such as Centennial Hall (see ”Snapshot: World Heritage” on page 4) or even the so-called WUWA neighbourhood, one of eight model housing districts built in interwar Europe to explore ways new building materials and technologies could be applied to address chronic housing shortages of the period.

In the last months of World War II an estimated 75% of Wrocław was destroyed. But the rebuilding of the city was left to the Poles. As a result of post-war settlements, in 1945 Wrocław became a part of Poland. The shifting national borders led to the unprecedented population transfer of millions. The once Central European multicultural metropolis, in the post-war years, was transformed into a melting pot of another kind. The new inhabitants of Wrocław were displaced Poles resettled from diverse parts of former Poland, from territories in today’s Ukraine, Belarus and Lithuania. It was these Polish “pioneers” who – in their effort and readiness to start anew – built the foundations for today’s Wrocław.

Beyond the reconstruction of the city in the first years after the war, other major challenges faced included the creation of The rebuilding of Wroclaw lasted for years. a Polish cultural presence in Wrocław and harnessing the city’s and region’s industrial potential.

The Recovered Territories Exhibition and the accompanying World Congress of Intellectuals for Peace organized in the city in 1948 served as key milestones in the post-war recovery process, despite heavily propagandistic overtones. Intended to demonstrate Polish achievements in jump-starting industry and successfully integrating the new lands into Poland in the three years after the end of the war, the exhibition in particular unleashed a great deal of creative energy and civic involvement, while at the same time garnering national and international attention for the city and the country. The exhibition pulled in upwards of 1.5 million visitors over the three month period and served to introduce the local population to the geographical and industrial make up of these new lands.

3 New Strategy To realize its “Meeting Place Strategy”, Wrocław was the first city in Poland to launch a meeting and convention bureau. Wrocław today is building on a long tradition as a venue for Founded in 2002, Convention Bureau – Wrocław promotes exhibitions and historically significant events. These large business tourism in the city and the surrounding province of gatherings have sparked international interest in the city; they Lower Silesia, serves as a strategic partner in the planning and also spurred vast urban renewal projects that changed the city’s execution of large-scale events, and runs an ambassador skyline and enriched its cultural and congress infrastructure. program where business and academic elite use their international networks to promote Wrocław as a prime venue The visit of Pope John Paul II in 1997 marked a turning point for conferences and events. Convention Bureau – Wrocław also in the history of contemporary Wrocław, in particular in terms of coordinates the work of Volunteers for Wrocław, a steady pool its future development. The Pope travelled to Wrocław to of 500 young people ready to donate their time for the city. participate in the International Eucharistic Congress, an event that brought together some 22,500 delegates from 82 Wrocław has also trail blazed in terms of attracting high profile countries. events to Poland and New Europe. The EU’s Committee of the Regions organized its first-ever summit outside of Western For a second-tier town that had barely shaken off the effects Europe in Wrocław. Similarly, Futurallia Association ventured of World War II, communism and long years of isolation and for the first time outside the French-speaking world when economic stagnation, to prepare to receive thousands of guests it chose Wrocław for its 2006 event that attracted 1,500 required total mobilization on the part of the local authorities and participants from 36 countries (see page 5). Looking into the inhabitants. In the countdown to the visit, Wrocław’s historic future, Wrocław will be the first stop for the prominent exhibition Market Square, one of the largest in Poland, was completely of the Museum of Europe that celebrates the 50th anniversary restored. Venues were prepared; hotels and housing for the of the Treaties of Rome. “It’s Our History!” is slated to open thousands of visitors were renovated or built. A network of in Wrocław in the spring of 2009. Additionally, Wrocław is one of volunteers was put in place to ensure that the desire to extend the host cities for the 2012 European Football Championships. hospitality translated into genuine comfort and safety for visitors.

The event meant a giant leap in terms of the city’s progress. It also gave strategic impetus to the kernel of an idea discussed Snapshot: World Heritage a few years earlier. Wrocław the “open city” should become “Wrocław – the meeting place”. Centennial Hall is a vital component to Wrocław’s congress infrastructure. With a capacity of 7,000 under one roof, this multi-functional facility is suited to satisfy the needs of organizers of large, high-profile events. At the time of its erection, Centennial Hall required superlatives to describe. Not only was it the largest reinforced concrete structure in the world, it also featured the biggest dome to have been construc- ted since the Pantheon in Rome 18 centuries earlier. In 2006 the Hall was added to UNESCO’s prestigious list of World Heritage Sites as one of the most important achievements in 20th Century architecture. The official inscription ceremonies took place in June 2007 in Wrocław with the participation of UNESCO Director- General Koïchiro Matsuura.

F ut ur al lia 2 00 6

Recovered Territories Exhibition (1948)

4 Pre-1989 Banner Events Post-1989 Banner Events

Centennial Exhibition (1913) Papal Visit (1997)

This inaugural event featured an historical exhibition, a garden The historic centre of Wrocław was completely renovated in and landscaping exhibition, cultural and recreational events the countdown to the visit by Pope John Paul II, who came to the in the main hall and around the newly built Centennial Hall city to participate in the International Eucharistic Congress, and exhibition grounds. an event that attracted 22,500 international participants from 82 countries.

Home and Workplace Exhibition (1929) Weimar Triangle Summit (2003)

Known as WUWA, this gathering highlighted avant-garde In May 2003, Wrocław hosted the presidents of Poland, solutions in construction and interior design. The exhibit Germany and France for the Weimar Triangle Summit. The event accompanied the opening of one of eight model modernist took place one month before the referendum on Poland’s housing neighbourhoods in Europe next to Centennial Hall. entry into the European Union. The model homes (still existent) contributed to the discourse on how European cities could use new building materials to deal with chronic post-WWI housing shortages.

Recovered Territories European Summit of Regions Exhibition (1948) and Cities (2005)

The Recovered Territories Exhibition was a milestone in the One year after 10 new Member States joined the European young history of Polish Wrocław. This post-war celebration Union, the Committee of Regions hosted the European Summit attracted 1.5 million visitors over a period of 100 days. The event of Regions and Cities in Wrocław, Poland. This was the first time showcased the achievements of Polish settlers of the so-called the committee held a summit in New Europe. recovered territories of western Poland.

World Congress of Intellectuals International Business Development for Peace (1948) Forum Futurallia (2006)

Timed to coincide with the Recovered Territories Exhibition, Futurallia is a prominent international business networking event the Congress brought together some 400 delegates from at the heart of which are a series of strictly-timed, face-to-face 46 countries including Pablo Picasso, Bertholt Brecht, Irene meetings between high-level executives. The largest Futurallia Joliot-Curie, Anna Seghers, Jorge Amado and Mikhail Sholokhov. in history in terms of participants, the 2006 Wrocław edition was also the first to take place outside a French-speaking country.

European Summit of Regions and Cities (2005)

5 KNOWLEDGE-BASED GROWTH KNOWLEDGE-BASED GROWTH

Drivers of Innovation and Change

In the drive to modernize the economy following the fall of communism, Wrocław excels in part due to the industrial culture and manufacturing specializations deeply rooted in the city. Infrastructure and traditional skills found in the community became the drivers of modern industrial clusters. Take IT as an example. Success in this sector in the 1990’s and beyond can be attributed in part to the existence of Wrocław-based leaders in the development and production of the first computers for the Communist Bloc countries starting in the late 1950’s. Similarly, know- ledge intensive clusters in the areas of finance and business processing outsourcing (BPO) were the outcome of the international market successes of a group of creative, Wrocław- Snapshot: Odra based entrepreneurs.

The name of the river that runs through the heart of Wrocław, the Odra, also once symbolized the Cold War dividing line between Western Europe and the Communist East. But for computer-buffs and Wroclavians alike, Odra represents the dawn of computer technology in Poland. As the brand name given to one of the first computers developed and produced at the Elwro factory in Wrocław beginning in the 1950’s, the Odra later achieved fame when exported to Comecon countries in the pre-PC era. While Elwro ceased to exist in the 1990’s, an Odra still ran at the Hutmen non-ferrous metals factory in Wrocław until 2003. Another Odra still serves the Polish National IT Technologies Railways at Wrocław’s Brochów train station.

Today, prominent information technology companies from Wrocław and the region have transformed southwest Poland into an IT hub. Advanced software design companies benefit from talent developed at local universities and technical institutes with expertise in the area of new technologies. World Hi-Tech Electronics leaders such as Nokia Siemens Networks, Opera Software, Capgemini, Volvo and KPIT Cummins have launched In 2005 LG Philips LCD and their suppliers launched an €850 cutting-edge software design centres in Wrocław, later joined million investment in a major cutting-edge production complex by Google, which established its innovation marketing centre just south of Wrocław. In sum, nine LG factories are grouped here. Home-grown Polish software leaders include Winuel, Teta in the LG Technology Park in the Kobierzyce Commune. or Yuma. LG Philips LCD’s choice has served as a magnet for other cutting edge investments, from such international companies including Financial Services Toshiba. Wrocław is Poland’s second financial services centre. Five Life Sciences nationwide banks have established their headquarters here: BZ WBK, BWE Bank, Lukas Bank, Eurobank, Santander The emergence of several important biotechnology companies is Consumers Bank. The following financial services companies closely connected with the rapidly developing R&D infrastructure also have their headquarters in Wrocław: AIG Credit, in the food, medical, pharmaceutical and IT areas. The growth in Credit Agricole, Getin Holding, Kaczmarski Inkasso, the medical field has been fuelled by the quality training facilities Kruk Inkaso. Together, 16 Wrocław-based companies available. The Wrocław Medical University, the University of command 25% of the Polish leasing market, while local Wrocław, the University of Environmental and Life Sciences, and companies hold a 60% share in the Polish debt-collecting the Technical University are the main sources of recruits, while market. In recent years, Credit Suisse, Volvo, Hewlett-Packard technology parks have proven solid partners for companies. and UPS have set up their European accounting/administration Major investors include: MacoPharma, 3M, US Pharmacia, centres in the city. Hasco-Lek and Herbapol.

6 KNOWLEDGE-BASED GROWTH KNOWLEDGE-BASED GROWTH

Automotive Industry Household Appliances

Lower Silesia is a locus of investment for the world’s automotive Lower Silesia is fast becoming a major European household leaders. Wrocław is the European bus manufacturing centre goods production centre due to a cluster of world leaders now for Volvo. Volvo’s global production centre for backhoe operating in the region. Two large white goods manufacturers loaders is also based here. Toyota investments in Lower Silesia are located in Wrocław: Whirlpool produces washing machines have made the region a major world hub for the production and refrigerators; and Fagor Mastercook operates a cookers of automotive components. Volkswagen too has been factory. Sweden’s Electrolux manufactures cookers, dishwashers manufacturing engines for several years in Polkowice, a city and washing machines in Żary, Oława and Świdnica. LG located 80 km from Wrocław. Industry partners such as Electronics has started its production of washing machines and AAM, Autoliv, Bosch and Denso, ETO Magnetic, two-door refrigerators. The knowledge cluster has inspired Faurecia, GKN, Metzeler, NSK, Takata-Petri, and Wabco Whirlpool, Fagor Mastercook and Diehl Controls to establish have followed in the footsteps of these prestigious automotive R&D complexes for white goods in the region. concerns.

Wrocław Labour Market: A Case Study

While today, Wrocław enjoys a diversified economy, in 2002, the city – like the rest of the country – faced deep structural unemployment. In response, Wrocław became a nationwide leader in taking a pro-active approach to slashing unemployment through a multi-stakeholder strategy that not only created jobs, but propelled the city onto a knowledge-driven growth trajectory.

Phase I: 2002-2006

Deep structural unemployment heading past 14% was deemed the priority policy issue for local government in 2002. With 420,000 Wroclavians of working age, only 200,000 jobs were available. Many of the unemployed were over the age of 45, and with limited marketable skills. Additionally, 18,000 new university graduates were entering the market annually, and that number was expected to increase. In part due to the curfews of Marshal Law period, in 1982-1986 Poland experienced the largest baby-boom in post-war Europe. At the start of the new century these baby boomers were entering the job market.

At the same time with Poland’s entry into the European Union imminent, a major opportunity presented itself in terms of foreign investors seeking lower labour costs and a foothold in the EU. The key to enticing investors to Wrocław rested in hammering out comprehensive, competitive deals (investment sites, tax-breaks, recruitment aid) with component guarantees and offers from the central, regional and local governments.

Any successful strategy required the identification of key stake- holders and modelling a plan for effective cooperation between them. The stakeholders – a diverse group unaccustomed to working in tandem to tackle intransigent policy issues – were suddenly taking on new roles and responsibilities as members of a city-led Labour Market Task Force.

7 KNOWLEDGE-BASED GROWTH KNOWLEDGE-BASED GROWTH

Labour Market Task Force

Stakeholder New Tasks in Strategy Implementation

Launched Foreign Investment Service Unit (FISU). FISU mounted broad alliances to hammer City out competitive offers and cut through bureaucracies to fast-track new investments in city and region.

Local Labour Office Provided meaningful market information through frontline data collection. Recruitment assistance.

City’s Education Created new technical schools and job training schemes to supply market with specifically-skilled Department workers.

Enlarged enrollment in key faculties, based on analysis of market data and forecasts from Universities city and companies.

Civil Society/NGO’s Investigated, reported information and responded to needs at neighborhood level.

Results

By 2004, a steady stream of investors were flowing into Wrocław and the agglomeration. In terms of the labour market, in 2005-2006 alone 125,000 new jobs were created. By 2006, at least one new large investment (hiring at least 100 people) was being announced on a monthly basis.

Selected Large Investments in the Wrocław Agglomeration

Investor/Investment mln € Country of Origin Sector Location

Allied Irish Bank PLC 750 Ireland Banking Wrocław Credit Agricole 740 France Banking, Finance Wrocław Electricite de France Internationale (EDF) 600 France Heating Wrocław LG Phillips LCD 430 Korea Consumer Electronics Kobierzyce Toyota 250 Japan Automotive Jelcz-Laskowice Prologis 125 USA Logistics Kobierzyce LG Electronics 105 Korea Consumer Electronics, White Goods Kobierzyce Whirlpool 100 USA White Goods Wrocław PCC AG 100 Germany Chemical Brzeg Dolny Fagor Mastercook 90 Spain White Goods Wrocław Volvo 90 Sweden Automotive Wrocław 3M 85 USA Medical, Chemical Wrocław

Source: Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency, 2008 Phase II: 2006 –

While by 2006 the twin goals of unemployment reduction and on salaries. Competition was growing as well. Inside Poland, job creation had been attained, the task force registered other cities were catching up with Wrocław, while new EU significant changes happening on the labour market, including members Bulgaria and Romania, were also successfully attracting a shift of from production to services and an upward pressure new foreign investors with lower salaries.

8 KNOWLEDGE-BASED GROWTH KNOWLEDGE-BASED GROWTH

Understanding that the FDI boom could not last forever, city strategists focused on creating knowledge intensive jobs as a way to remain competitive despite the inevitable upward movement in salaries. To do so the city has focused on the following areas:

• Integrating the higher learning centres and strengthening ties between business and academia • Fostering R&D activities of business to promote long-term engagement of businesses • Enlarging the pool of science and technology students • Promoting regional development through the creation of the Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency (based on the city’s FISU) • Establishing the Wrocław Research Centre, Ltd.

The policy shift not only increased the number of knowledge- intensive businesses operating in the agglomeration, it also earned Wrocław the label as the second most attractive city for cutting-edge investments by the Institute of Market Economics.

Knowledge-based Foreign Investments

Service Centres Summary of Labour Market Strategy Company Country Description 2002-2008 Bosch/Denso Germany R&D In implementing a broad strategy to improve the situation on CapGemini France IT the labour market, the city: Central Europe BPO USA Call Centre Cinterion Wirless Modules Germany IT, R&D • played on its inherent strengths; Credit Suisse Switzerland Finance • selected well-targeted short and long term goals; CSS India IT, R&D • created an effective multi-stakeholder task force; • understood and addressed investors’ needs and expectations. Diehl Controls Germany R&D Fagor Mastercook Spain R&D GE Money Bank USA Call Centre Google USA Innovation Centre Labour Market Recap: 2002-2008 Hewlett Packard USA Business Services, IT Irevna India KPO Centre 2002 2008 KPIT Cummins India Accounting Centre Nokia-Siemens Networks Finland IT, R&D • 650,000 inhabitants • 640,000 inhabitants Opera Software ASA Norway IT QAD USA R&D • 130,000 university students • 140,000 university students Remy International USA R&D • 18,000 University graduates • 20,000 university graduates Siemens Germany R&D, IT • 420,000 inhabitants of • 430,000 inhabitants of TietoEnator Norway IT, R&D working age working age UPS USA Accounting • 200,000 existing jobs • 450,000 existing jobs Volvo Sweden Business Services, IT Wabco USA R&D • Unemployment 14% • Unemployment 3.4% Whirpool USA R&D Wipro India HR Service Centre

Source: Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency, 2009 9 CITY OF SCIENCE

21st Century Centre of Learning and the biographical and autobiographical accounts of these distinguished researchers and writers is to reveal a city brimming What strikes most first time visitors is the large number of young with knowledge and creative impetus. Not only were the people in Wrocław, something that lends the city a distinctly universities securing and nourishing top level researchers, but optimistic and forward looking feel. Wrocław is a major academic the spirit of learning and excellence pervaded all levels of life centre where more than 140,000 students are enrolled in and society. 23 higher education institutions. The students engage in the life of the city, are hard-working and ambitious. They have also proven to be open to change and innovation. Snaphot: Brahms

But the academic traditions of Wroclaw reach back more than When in 1879 composer Johannes Brahms received an honorary doctorate 300 years and reflect the city’s rich, multicultural heritage. What from the University of Breslau, he soon learned that a simple “thank you note” in is now the University of Wrocław was established by Leopold I, return would not suffice. By the following year, Brahms had penned the Acade- mic Festival Overture as a more suitable token of his gratitude in accordance with Holy Roman Emperor in 1702. Today this City of Science is the expectations of the University’s Director of Music. To communicate his building on a vibrant legacy associated with the once-German appreciation in person, Brahms travelled to the city for the piece’s premiere in city of Breslau, the significant Polish centres of learning in January 1881. In tune with his jovial nature, Brahms created renditions of Lvov and Vilnius (now in the Ukraine and Lithuania), and the four student drinking songs. Today, students and professors inaugurate each achievements of scholars working in the post-war Wrocław. academic year in the Market Square intoning Brahm’s version of one of those songs, “Gaudeamus Igitur”. Breslau

The strong role research and science played in the German city of Breslau can be measured in part by the extraordinary number of Nobel Prize winners that emerged from its learning centres in the 19th and 20th centuries. Eleven Nobel Prize laureates – the majority of Jewish descent – have strong ties to the city and the region. To read the presentation speeches, Nobel lectures,

10 CITY OF SCIENCE

Nobel Prize Winners with Links to the City

Prize Category/ Scientist/Year Connection to City Nobel Prize Distinction

Chemistry

Born near city, educated in Breslau, and Development of high-pressure methods for the Friedrich Bergius (1931) attended University of Breslau. manufacture of oils and liquid fuels from solid coal

Taught at the University of Breslau Discovery of non-cellular fermentation Eduard Buchner (1907) (1909-1911).

Born and educated in the city before moving on to Fritz Haber (1918) the University of Heidelberg and the University of Fixation of nitrogen from air Berlin. Economics

Game theory (Multistage Game Models Born in Breslau; early education in the city. Reinhard Selten (1994) and Delay Supergames)

Literature

Educated in Breslau, attended Art Academy in Primarily for dramatic works Gerhart Hauptmann (1912) the city.

Theodor Mommsen (1902) Taught at the University of Breslau. For historical works

Medicine

Born near Breslau, educated in city, and attended For pioneering work in immunology Paul Ehrlich (1908) University of Breslau.

Physics Born and educated in Breslau, studied at University Max Born (1954) of Breslau before moving on to University of Heidelberg For work on Theory of Quantum Mechanics and the University of Zurich.

In 1894 was appointed Professor Extraordinary Philipp Lenard (1905) at the University of Breslau. For work on cathode rays (e-beams)

Appointed ordinary professor at the University For discovery of Schrödinger’s Theory used in Erwin Schrödinger (1933) of Breslau. quantum mechanics

For the development of the molecular ray Educated in Breslau and received Ph.D. from Otto Stern (1943) method and the discovery of the magnetic University of Breslau. moment of the proton

Sources: Wrocław Encyclopedia, 2006; nobelprize.org

Wrocław But for a city looking to restart its academic world, it did not have to deal solely with physical destruction, but destruction in human For Poles resettled to Wrocław in the aftermath of the war, they terms. As Nazism brought to an end the intellectual genius of arrived to a foreign city in almost total ruins. In terms of German Breslau, World War II also claimed as victims many of infrastructure related to institutions of higher learning, of the the scholars who drove Poland’s pre-war centres of learning. 104 buildings that made up the pre-war university and polytech- Many of the country’s intellectual elite had not survived the war. nic campuses, 70 were completely destroyed. Libraries were demolished; their valuable collections in danger of dispersion As an outcome of the shifting national borders, in the early and obliteration. For would-be educators and students, faculties post-war years, Polish higher education institutions in cities like and institutions were bereft of laboratory equipment, textbooks Lvov and Vilnius were being dismantled. So as displaced and other basic didactic materials. intellectuals set out to resume their scholarship in Wrocław,

11 CITY OF SCIENCE

a particularly important dimension and outcome of their work became the salvaging of the distinct intellectual achievements Snaphot: The Scottish Café and traditions of the quintessentially European centres of learning they were forced to leave behind. Many of the mathematical theorems developed in pre-war Lvov did not happen in the hallowed halls of the Jan Kazimierz University, but in local coffee houses. The Scottish Café was one of the main meeting points for the Lvov branch International Renown of the Polish Mathematical society. In what became almost daily rituals, the talented group Inauguration of the first academic year in post-war Wrocław of mathematicians assembled to tackle open took place on 15 November 1945, a date still celebrated problems of common interest. The mathe- matical quandaries were duly documented (and elaborated on during annually as Wrocław Academic Day. Each year the festivities subsequent sessions) in “The Scottish Book”, a notebook retrievable from begin with the placing of wreaths at the monument to the more a trusted coffeehouse waiter. While the war brought to an end the scientific than 40 Polish professors massacred in Nazi-occupied Lvov sessions at the café (indeed the majority of the participants were killed during the in July 1941. The day also serves as a time to reflect on the war; the others were forced to leave the city after 1945), the Lvov edition of output of the academic community in the post-war era. In “The Scottish Book” survived the war and was translated into English by one of its members, Los Alamos scientist Stanisław Ulam. In post-war Wrocław, addition to producing a whole host of engineers, economists, Steinhaus launched “The New Scottish Book” to continue the tradition of open- composers, doctors and pedagogues, among other, its scholars ness, exchange and intense scholarly communion. In the destroyed city bereft and academic institutions also brought the city significant of coffee houses, the aficionados of math and serious scholarly banter had international renown. to settle for regular meetings in the university library.

Wrocław School of Mathematics

The Wrocław School of Mathematics was born out of the pooled geniuses of scholars from the influential pre-war schools of mathematics not only in Lvov, but also Warsaw and Cracow. The iconic force of the Wrocław school was undoubte- Ludwik Hirszfeld dly Hugo Steinhaus, the first dean of the Wrocław Department of Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry at the combined Already a renowned scholar by the time he settled in Wrocław University and Polytechnic. Other eminent founders of the after the war, it was Ludwik Hirszfeld who delivered the opening school included Bronisław Knaster, Edward Marczewski and lecture during the inaugural session launching the first post-war Władysław Ślebodziński. All these scholars had a deep interest academic year in the city. Internationally, Hirszfeld is recognized in practical applications of the scientific endeavours. Steinhaus for his pioneering research in immunology, microbiology and and colleagues were also consummate educators, and in serology that spanned the first half of the 20th century. Hirszfeld modern jargon created a true knowledge community at the made a major contribution to knowledge about the ABO blood University and the Polytechnic. They ran a rigorous calendar group system, and in the last years of his life was involved in of seminars open to all willing participants and were ardent developing therapies for the serological conflict between mother promoters of the importance of a common ethos and democra- and child, a phenomenon Hirszfeld predicted before the formal tic atmosphere in scholarly activities. Steinhaus still reaches mass discovery of the Rhesus factor. Founder of the research institute international audiences with his book Mathematical Snapshots. in Wrocław that now bears his name, through his post-war articles in publications like the Journal of Immunology and the

feld Review of Immunology, Hirszfeld forged the way for emerging rsz Hi ik w Polish researchers to publish their findings in international ud L scholarly literature.

Ossolineum

Housed in an imposing Baroque edifice once known as the St. Matthias Cloister, the National Ossolineum Institute has been transformed into one of the largest and most important research libraries in Poland. Founded in Lvov in 1817 by Józef Maksymilian Ossoliński, the library was moved to Wrocław in 1946. As a reservoir for Polish and Slavic humanities collections, the institute attracts researchers from around the world. Today, the Ossolineum’s impressive archives include an original copy of Adam Mickiewicz’s epic Pan Tadeusz, engravings by Artur Grottger and Rembrandt, a hoard of Roman denarii discovered in Wrocław in 1960 and an extremely rare secret seal of King Jan Olbracht of Poland and Hungary.

12 CITY OF SCIENCE

Poland: A Young Nation

The high proportion of students in Wrocław mirrors national trends. Poland is a young nation with 50% of the population falling under the age of 34, while one-third of Poles are under the age of 25. The advent of the free-market and Poland’s entry into the European Union both expanded the country’s knowledge growth and potential: • At two-million strong, Poland’s student population is the Contemporary Academic Wroclaw largest in Central and Eastern Europe, up from 400,000 in 1990; The determined, gritty commencement of the first academic • A 2007 OECD report found that Poland enjoys the highest year in Wrocław set the groundwork for its subsequent dynamic dynamic of growth among students and Ph.D. students in the growth and development. Today Wrocław is an academic science and technology sectors; powerhouse and widely considered to be one of the leading • Poland’s research output (measured by citation rates) matches academic centres in Poland. While the backbone of academic that of countries with GDP level that Poland is expected to Wrocław remains public universities with a long tradition of attain in 10 years time; education and research, following 1989 private higher • Scientific research is driven by close international cooperation. education institutions with high academic standards as well as Young researchers keenly seek experience abroad; flexible, market-oriented curricula have attracted a growing • Poland is dedicating a substantial portion of EU structural funds number of students and scholars alike. to implement the European Union’s Lisbon Strategy, a step which will increase significantly the financial resources available for science and the knowledge triangle. Largest Academic Institutions

University of Wrocław 42,500 University of Technology 29,000 University of Economics 17,000 University of Environmental and Life Sciences 10,000 Medical University 3,500

Students in Central Europe in 2007

Poland 1,941,400 Hungary 424,200 The Czech Republic 321,200 Slovakia 171,300

Source: Wrocław Agglomeration Development Agency (2008)

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Local Response to European Policy Snaphot: Science Festival The European Union is currently implementing a pro-innovation strategy aimed at modernizing the continent. Wrocław was quick Once a weekend family event for to respond to the European policy challenge put out in 2005. Wrocław, the award-winning Lower That same year the city launched, in close cooperation with the Silesian Science Festival has exploded into a major celebration of science, curiosity academic community, its own broad initiative to boost not only and learning that encompasses the entire Wrocław’s, but the entire region’s long-term competitiveness by region. The first edition in 1998 offered stimulating development through research and innovation. 285 events and pulled in 12,000 visitors. Known as EIT Plus, the strategy paves the way for a series of Ten years later, the festival calendar synergistic investments and reforms that will transform Wrocław included a month-long marathon of 800 events organized in five cities across and the surrounding province of Lower Silesia into a leading Lower Silesia and attracted 80,000 knowledge-driven economic centre in this part of Europe. visitors. A lecture by Robert F. Curl, a 1996 Nobel Prize laureate in chemistry, EIT Plus concentrates on the development of the following key opened the 10th anniversary edition areas: of LSSF.

Education The foundation of the knowledge-driven economy is human capital. Wrocław plans a series of investments that will improve the quality and availability of pro-innovation curricula at both the high school and university levels. Financing EIT Plus

New Campus A diverse stakeholder group made up of scientists, business The blueprints for the new campus feature an advanced leaders and government representatives from the local, regional research and innovation centre that will serve both the and national levels formulated the EIT Plus strategy. Four academic and business communities. projects valued at €220 million make up the core of the EIT Plus portfolio: Advanced Applied Research EIT Plus will promote extensive co-operation between universities and the private sector by expanding the complex Core Investments of specialised technology parks in the region. EU Funds Total Value Knowledge Society Project Guaranteed (mln €) To foster a pro-innovation culture in the Wrocław region, (mln €) EIT Plus also contains an extensive outreach agenda that will Wrocław Research promote lifelong learning by broadening public access to the 140 119 Centre EIT Plus unique resources available at universities and research centres in the region. Nanotechnologies and 30.1 25.59 advanced materials

Biotechnology / advanced 27.6 23,46 medical technologies

Technical library for 25.25 21.25 innovative economy

EIT+ Wrocław Research Centre

The EIT+ Research Centre (EIT+ WRC) will be the key driver of the EIT+ strategy in Lower Silesia. The shareholders are: the University of Wrocław, the Wrocław University of Technology, the Wrocław Medical University, the Wrocław University of Environmental and Life Sciences, Wrocław University of Economics, City of Wrocław and the Regional Parliament of the Lower Silesia Province.

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Pracze Campus

A flagship initiative of EIT+ WRC is the creation of the research campus in the Pracze district of Wrocław, the locus of the Lower Silesia innovation community. The Municipality has contributed land and buildings for the investment, already underway, while the academic community is developing innovation projects to deliver knowledge jobs and growth. Strategically located within easy driving distance from the international airport and near the planned route of the motorway bypass, Pracze will offer state-of- the-art facilities in an inspiring historic setting to the benefit of all knowledge triangle stakeholders.

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Laboratories Two laboratories will be established at Pracze: Wrocław Academic Hub

NanoMat An initiative of the Municipality of Wrocław – and the first such Lower Silesia’s intellectual and industrial potential in the area venture in Poland – the Wrocław Academic Hub works on the of nanotechnology and advanced materials research and premise that a culture of innovation and experiment can best be production are significant. NanoMat will provide a setting where achieved by tapping into the intellectual potential of its academic scientists and businesses can come together to find real-life, world. As such, WAH’s role is to foster greater integration market-driven, demand-led solutions through cutting-edge of and cooperation between all tiers of the academic community, research on advanced materials. and to serve as a bridge between those institutions and local government. At the same time it strives to identify and facilitate BioMed substantial, common-interest partnerships among a variety of The combined efforts and resources of the University of stakeholders from the academic, business and governmental Wrocław, the University of Technology, the Wrocław Medical communities. University as well as the Polish Academy of Science’s Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy make Wrocław one Poland’s higher education system is currently undergoing deep of the stronger biomedical centres in Poland. BioMed will spur shifts as the result of two decades of economic and political research in biotechnology and advanced medical technologies, transformations. At the same time, EU and Polish pro-innovation st an area predicted to drive growth in the 21 century. policies offer opportunities of unprecedented change at the local level. Through an atmosphere of openness and exchange, WAH ultimately endeavours to ensure that in this time of change, intellectual input will continue to drive the long-term development of the city and the region.

In terms of current undertakings, WAH is expanding the city’s Visiting Professors’ Programme. By bringing in recognized national and international authorities to the city, WAH hopes to build know-how and encourage meaningful debate at the local level. Through its Young Wrocław Academic’s Programme, WAH will seek out and cultivate genuine talents in the city and the region. By rewarding and stimulating home-grown excellence, Wrocław and Lower Silesia will be generating spokespersons and ambassadors for innovation and change in the future.

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Cosmopolitan Wrocław Key European Cities

Wrocław is a bustling, cosmopolitan metropolis. Situated on 12 verdant islands connected by 112 bridges, the city is steeped in . history and full charm. Wrocław is also a vibrant entertainment and cultural centre; it’s a city of opera, classical music and the avant-garde. The surrounding province of Lower Silesia is a land of castles and palaces, abbeys and monasteries, UNESCO World Heritage sites, inspiring nature and eleven spa towns tucked in the picturesque valleys of the nearby Sudety Mountains.

Accommodation

The hotel scene for tourists and business travellers has changed immensely in Wrocław over the last decade. Today’s visitor to the city enjoys a wealth of options: from new international hotel chains, to revamped, locally owned inns.

Approximately 35 hotels have been categorized according to a star-based system. More than 2,000 rooms are of high standard and are found in hotels near the city’s historic centre.

Snaphot: Copernicus Connected to the World Nicholas Copernicus (1473 – 1543) was not from Wrocław, but did hold a position in the With its superb location in the heart of Europe, Wrocław is easily church hierarchy in the city. Between 1503 accessed by road, rail, air and even water (via the Odra River). and 1538, the Polish astronomer, who in his monumental work On the Revolutions of The city is within a convenient four-hour driving distance from the Celestial Spheres proved scientifically that Berlin, Prague and Warsaw. Five European capitals are within the planets revolve around the sun, held the 400 kilometres from the metropolis. position of canon in Wrocław’s Holy Cross Church. To celebrate this connection with the man who launched the Scientific Revolu- The Wrocław International Airport has grown significantly over tion, in 2005 the Wrocław International the last decade and continues to expand its services for business Airport chose Copernicus to be its namesake. travellers and tourists. By 2012, the airport will handle almost six million passengers annually.

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Książ Castle

Publisher: Wrocław Academic Hub, Municipality of Wrocław Concept and text: Juliet D. Golden Contributor: Maciej Litwin, a director at the Wrocław Academic Hub Design, DTP, print: digitalbath Photos: G. Gołębiowski (inside cover, 9), digitalbath (4, 8, 16), W. Jurewicz (15), M. Kulczyński (7, 13, 15), S. Klimek (2, 15), A. Marecik (6, 7), M. Mieloch (10), ARAW collections (9), Centennial Hall collections (4, 5), Lower Silesia Science Festival, www.festiwal.wroc.pl (10, 13, 14, 15) University of Environmental and Life Sciences (13) Archival photos: Ossolineum (2), Museum of Architecture (3,4), Wrocław University Library (3, 12)

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