Polish entrepreneurship has enormous potential, but to fully exploit it, we must dare to dream globally and act globally. Silicon Valley is not a distant vision—it is a space where Polish scientists and entrepreneurs can truly make their mark. When I began getting involved in initiatives connecting Polish business and science with Silicon Valley a few years ago, I knew one thing: success is within reach, but it doesn’t come on its own. It requires courage, determination, and faith that what we do also makes sense beyond our country’s borders.
Today, as a member of the board of the Poland in Silicon Valley Center for Science, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (PolSV Center), I see what a great opportunity this is for Polish universities and entrepreneurs. Our center already cooperates with leading universities – from Adam Mickiewicz University, through AGH University of Science and Technology in Krakow, Krakow University of Technology, to Kozminski University. This network of connections opens the door to an innovation ecosystem with Silicon Valley at its heart.
Silicon Valley is not just a place, it is a mindset. It is a culture of cooperation, courage in taking risks and the ability to turn ideas into real projects. Poland has excellent intellectual capital, outstanding scientists and entrepreneurs, who are capable of acting with panache. However, we lack often the faith that we can that we can compete at the global level. As part of our project we regularly organize meetings, workshops and economic missions. We show Polish entrepreneurs how in practice the innovative ecosystem works, how to a9> look for investors, build partnerships and adapt technologies. Each such experience is an opportunity to break down barriers mental and see, that global successes are achievable also for Polish companies. I often hear from young entrepreneurs: “Can we really compete with the best in Silicon Valley?” My answer is always the same: yes, if you believe, that you can. You have to look broader, not be afraid of failure and treat it as a lesson. Every act of courage, every idea, which we implement in the Valley, builds competences and a network of contacts, which later pay off in the entire business.
We are not building bridges for ourselves—we are building them for future generations of Polish innovators. We want Polish science and business not only to catch up with the world, but to help shape it. Our goal is for Poland to become a global technology leader by introducing innovations at the intersection of science and business. For me, Silicon Valley is proof that success is not reserved for the select few. Anyone can succeed if they dare to join the global ecosystem, accept the rules of the game, and are not afraid to invest in knowledge, relationships, and ideas. I believe that we can be not only participants in global change, but also its leaders.
Because true success begins in the mind – before it becomes a reality.
Beata Drzazga
Entrepreneur and philanthropist. Founder of BetaMed S.A., Poland’s largest medical company in terms of long-term care in patients’ homes and other medical fields. Creator, owner, and president of many companies in Poland and abroad, expert in management, valued speaker at economic and medical conferences, author of business texts for entrepreneurs. For years, she has been inspiring and advising others on running a business, and is also involved in charitable activities. Co-author of scientific works in the field of health protection. He serves as Dean of Development at the University of Silesia. Wojciech Korfanty in Katowice. Owner of Drzazga Clinic, DONO DA SCHEGGIA fashion salon, and the Entrepreneurship Club. She has companies in Miami and Spain.
He also provides business consulting and mentoring services, particularly in the area of business strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises. He also provides business consulting and mentoring services, particularly in the area of business strategies for small and medium-sized enterprises.
Source: Business Magazine