Innovative Gdynia

In the XX century Gdynia port and shipyards dominated the city's economy being the major employer. Contemporary trends in world economy allow the city to reveal also its potential to transform and develop. The Gdynia Development Strategy reflects the city's determination to meet the challenges of the knowledge-based economy. To realise these ambitious goals various projects are carried out and others are planned for implementation in the city.

In 2001 the Pomeranian Science & Technology Park (PSTP) was set up in order to help innovative SMEs in developing their advanced technology projects by offering favourable conditions and infrastructure on preferential terms. At present 12 companies, mainly IT ones are operating in the framework of the PSTP. The conveniently located Park is going to expand spatially and scientifically by opening its new laboratories this summer and providing more space for new innovation-oriented enterprises.

In 2002 Gdynia became the member of the TELLUS - Transport and Environment Alliance for Urban Sustainability project consortium under the CIVnAS I Initiative, 5^th Framework Programme. The project aims at introduction of bold, sustainable and integrated transport solutions in the cities involved (Rotterdam Berlin, Bucharest, Goeteborg). The successful participation in the TELLUS project enabled the city not only to implement important measures to stimulate the use of public transport but also to create own project (New Concepts for Clean, Decongested City Transportation - CONFORTCITY) under CIVITAS II Initiative, 6^th FP.

In 2004 Gdynia became the member of the USE-ME.GOV - Usability Driven Open Platform for Mobile Government research project under VI FP, Information Society Technologies priority. As a result of the two-year project realisation selected public services will become available via modern mobile techniques. Information society solutions are planned to be introduced into the city life also by creation of the planned backbone optic fibre network and infokiosks installation project which is planned to be submitted in the first year of the Structural Funds existence in Poland (2004). The project will directly contribute to the development of public and private E-services and to the usage of Internet potential among the inhabitants.