Speech at the XXXIV Economic Forum

Published:
Five people — participants of a discussion panel — are seated on stage. They are all elegantly dressed and smiling for the photo. Behind them stands a multimedia screen displaying their photos with captions, as well as the title of the panel: ‘Innovations in Material Technologies – Foundations of the Industry of the Future’.
Professor Marcin Sobczak, Vice-Rector for Research and Technology Transfer, participated in the panel discussion on innovations in materials technologies and their role in shaping the industry of the future, at the invitation of the Forum organizers.

The Economic Forum in Karpacz is the largest event of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, addressing economic, social, political, scientific, and cultural issues. Experts from various fields are invited to participate in panels to debate the most pressing contemporary challenges. This year’s event was held under the theme “Time of Transformation – What Will the Future of Europe Look Like?”.

Discussion on Biomaterials

During the panel titled “Innovations in Materials Technologies – Foundations of the Industry of the Future,” in which Vice-Rector Sobczak participated, the following topics were discussed:

  1. Directions in the development of modern biomaterials engineering.
  2. Regulatory and clinical barriers encountered when implementing innovative biomaterials in medical practice.
  3. The importance of interdisciplinary research teams in developing new medical technologies.
  4. Preparing students and young researchers at medical universities to work with modern biomaterials and medical technologies.

Experts concluded that despite numerous barriers—financial, legal, and infrastructural—the further development of the national industry related to biomaterials engineering and medical devices is feasible. The increasing number of highly competent scientists and practitioners enables the undertaking of increasingly ambitious projects.

“The human potential of leading scientific centers engaged in biomaterials engineering, including those in Kraków, Warsaw, and Gdańsk, is attractive to entrepreneurs in the life science sector,” said Professor Marcin Sobczak. “Communication between the scientific community and business has significantly improved, and collaboration at the concept, design, and implementation stages of new projects is becoming more effective. Despite the high risks associated with investments in this area, entrepreneurs are interested in investing in innovative solutions in biomaterials engineering.”

The XXXIV Economic Forum in Karpacz took place from 2 to 4 September 2025, with over 6,000 guests from 53 countries in attendance.