Science and Business
Poznań residents have always had respect for knowledge and science. Poznań’s first institution of higher education, the Lubrański Academy, was founded in 1518. Its scientific traditions were cultivated by the Jesuit College. Today, they are continued by 26 universities and colleges. The most important of them are Adam Mickiewicz University, the Poznań University of Economics, Poznań University of Technology, University of Medical Sciences, Agricultural University, and University of Physical Education. The city prides itself on its numerous research institutes conducting work in the fields of molecular physics, applied chemistry, biochemistry, automation, telecommunication and many more. There is also a very interesting joint venture of scientists from the Poznań University of Technology and Poznań Supercomputing and Networking Centre. The Wielkopolska Province local government has deemed it a key project in Wielkopolska. It envisages, for example, the creation of a world class Research and Development Centre equipped with a laboratory cluster in all major fields of research into IT technologies.
Poznań residents have derived much of their wealth from crafts and trade. For centuries, Poznań was famed for its fairs. The largest of them was St. John’s Fair on 24 June, principally a gathering of grain and wool traders. Today’s St. John’s Fair attracts master artistic craftsmen from across Poland: handcrafters, painters, sculptors and lovers and collectors of antiques. From 1921 Poznan has been home to the Poznan International Fair that remains the biggest exhibition centre in Poland as well as the venue for conferences, and concerts.
Poznań’s good climate for business has attracted great numbers of foreign investors, including such global behemoths as Volkswagen, GlaxoSmithKline, Bridgestone, Wrigley, SABMiller, Dalkia Group, Beiersdorf, Exide, Kimball Electronics, Carlsberg, MAN and many more.
Wielkopolska is the area famed for its strong economy – it has one of the lowest unemployment rates in Poland. The city of Poznań is a major financial centre with most important Polish and many European banks and insurers located here.
What is more, Poznań is a shopper’s paradise. Its shopping strips and malls offer world brands as well as domestic wares. The shopping scene includes small art galleries, jewellery stores, antique shops and vintage item fairs held each weekend in the post-industrial space of a former slaughterhouse complex.
The Old Brewery, a center of commerce, art and business, recognized by the International Foundation ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) as “the most beautiful shopping center in the world” attracts either Poznanians or our guests. The idea of this beautiful building is however not only limited to the shopping itself – it plays also an important role in the city cultural map with its numerous performances and exhibitions.
