Innovation
Progress 2011 Innovation Gala The Innovation Gala organized by the “Polish Market” magazine and Vistula University took place in the Le Regina Hotel in Warsaw on 28 June 2011.
The purpose for organizing this ceremony was the announcement of the most innovative firms on the Polish market. The guests were greeted by Rita Schultz, the Editor-in-Chief of the “Polish Market” economic magazine. Then, Professor Krzysztof Rybiński, the Rector of the Vistula University and the co-organizer of the event, highlighted in his speech the strengths of the Polish economy, owing to which companies who think truly innovatively are present and successful on the market. However, Prof. Rybiński did not forget about the weaknesses of the innovative economy, which in turn cause the lack of economic development and create insurmountable barriers. Yes, we have brilliant youth, but the system of education itself is on a very poor level. We can also boast some examples of innovation,
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however, bureaucracy known to all and risk aversion discourage investors. Such examples could be multiplied. The night of 28 June showed that we must think positive and support companies, which are not afraid to take chances and create an innovative project. Prof. Michał Kleiber, President of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN), also present at the ceremony, said that he appreciated initiatives of this kind because they help in discovering innovative businesses. Such events are very important, as in Poland attention is often directed towards things of little importance from the point of view of Poland’s interest. Prof. Kleiber believes that everything should be done to encourage Polish entrepreneurs to show their achievements, to boast them.
In attendance was also Prof. Henryk Skarżyński, one of the most famous Polish researchers, who bets on innovation. His achievements are known and appreciated throughout the world. The 2011 Progress Awards were granted in 7 categories. In the first one, for projects created independently, the award went to Integer.pl. In the best innovative project in the utility and versatility category two companies were awarded: Hydromega and Unikkon Integral. In the ecology category the endeavours to protect the environment of three companies were distinguished: - Ecotech Polska Sp. z o.o., Ferro Sp. z o.o., and TFP Sp. z o.o. In the category project for small and mid-sized enterprises mis24.pl was awarded. For the best innovative project created with a research institution Grupa TP was acknowledged. In the best innovative project in the telecommunications category Exatel S.A. was awarded and in the best innovative project in the banking category the winner was Alior Bank. :: Photos: Łukasz Giersz