On January 27, the Conference and Business Center of the Silesian Stadium in Chorzów turned into an epicenter of discussion about the future of the economy. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice organized the event, which attracted business leaders, representatives of local government and the world of science. The Economic Opening of the Year was not only a summary of 2024, but also specific plans and forecasts for the coming months. The main theme was the region’s energy transition, a key element in the future of the economy.
Innovation and collaboration are the foundation of success
– In Silesia we have managed to build a strong triangle of cooperation: local government, business and science. This is a unique model that allows us to act effectively and with an eye to the future – began Marlena Miąsko, Vice President of the RIG in Katowice leading the meeting.
Representatives of the capital of the Silesian region were also present at the Economic Opening of the Year 2025.
– We are entering a new era. Energy transformation and technological development are challenges we face, but also great opportunities for the dynamic development of the region – pointed out Dr. Marcin Krupa – Mayor of Katowice.
Energy transformation: the road to sustainable development
The theme of the Economic Opening of the Year was energy transformation and the main highlight of the program was the debate “Energy for the Future – Business and Urban Development.” Experts, representatives of the event’s co-host, leaders in the energy sector, discussed opportunities to modernize thermal and energy infrastructure to benefit both businesses and residents. The panel included Konrad Borowski – President of the Management Board of Dalkia Polska Energia S.A., Jacek Chodkowski – President of the Management Board of Dalkia Polska Sp. z o.o., CEO of the Dalkia Group in Poland, Marek Zdanowicz – President of Dalkia Polska Solutions Sp. z o.o., and was moderated by Patryk Białas – Director of the Innovation and Competence Center at the Euro-Center Science and Technology Park in Katowice.
The development dynamics and forecasts for Upper Silesia fill us with optimism.
– Every year we see more and more interest in Silesia. In 2024, companies declared investments at the level of PLN 2.7 billion, and forecasts for 2025 are even more optimistic – presented Dr. Rafał Żelazny, President of the Katowice Special Economic Zone.
– We have a concrete dream team in Silesia, which focuses on action. We don’t organize conferences for the sake of speaking, we sign contracts and implement projects – added Bartlomiej Babuśka, President of the Upper Silesian Fund.
Welcoming new Member Companies
A special moment of the event was the ceremonial welcoming of new member companies of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Katowice. Certificates and gifts were presented by Marlena Miąsko – Vice President of the RIG, Igor Śmietański – Vice Chairman of the Board of the GZM Metropolis, and Ewa Lipka – Vice President of the KSSE.
Networking and new perspectives
The event ended with a networking session over refreshments, which was an excellent opportunity to exchange ideas and establish business relationships. Discussions about joint investments and development plans continued long after the official closing of the event.
The Economic Opening of the Year 2025 showed that Silesia is a region open to change, determined to develop dynamically and effectively.
