Beata Drzazga – Wiceprezes Poland in Silicon Valley Center

The word ” innovation” accompanies every development strategy. The pro- problem is that in many places – also in Poland – innovation is still understood as something that starts with tech-nology. Meanwhile, in reality, technology is a tool, not an end.

This seemingly simple shift in focus is fundamental. In Poland, especially in the scientific community, the “technology push” model is still humbled. We have a great research team, we create an advanced solution, and then we frantically look for an application for it. Such an innovation often remains locked up in the lab. Its fate depends on grants, not on real demand.

Market innovation works differently, first you know the need, then you choose the tool, then you build a strategy to build a competitive advantage, because it is known that once you are successful, imitators will appear. This way of thinking is what we try to promote at the Poland in Silicon Valley Center. Our goal is not only to transfer contacts or knowledge about fundraising – although this is important. The most important is to show, that Silicon Valley is not just a place, but a way of doing things. It is an environment that has learned that progress is not about complicating reality, but about simplifying it in a smart, intuitive and scalable way.

From the conversations I have with Polish entrepreneurs visiting the US, what surprises me is not so much the level of technology, but the style of work – radically agile, based on trust and self-reliance of teams. In California, a leader does not build authority through power, but through the ability to inspire and listen. Processes are not the goal, but a tool to support action. Employees are not afraid to submit ideas because they know their voice matters. The organizational culture is based on experimentation, rapid validation of business models and continuous learning – including from mistakes.

The idea is not to copy the American model. Poland has its strengths: great determination, a high level of technical education, an increasingly strong startup environment. But we need a paradigm shift – moving away from viewing innovation implementation as a one-time project. It should be treated as an ongoing organizational competency. Not only in startups, but also in corporations, family businesses, the public sector and education.

In this context, it is worth realizing, that today even the smallest company can operate globally. Thanks to digital sales channels, e-commerce platforms, international payment systems and remote work, a one-person company or a small team from Poland can offer its services in dozens of countries. This is not only a revolution in access to markets, but also an opportunity for diversification – revenue, risk, talent resources. However, to take full advantage of it, good technology is not enough. You need strategic thinking about how to build a unique value proposition, how to remain flexible in a changing environment, how to create a culture that attracts capable, independent and creative people. These are the elements that determine long-term advantage.

I would also like to emphasize the role of women in creating such organizations. There is a growing awareness in Silicon Valley that diversity in teams is not a matter of political correctness, but of effectiveness. Empathy, the ability to build relationships, management based on trust and communication – these are competencies that are becoming paramount in modern leadership. As an entrepreneur and co-founder of many companies myself, I experience this every day. I am glad that Poland in Silicon Valley Center also supports women who have the courage to act in innovative ways, regardless of industry or country.

In conclusion, innovation is not a magic word. It is a way of thinking, which starts with a person – his need, problem or dream. They are not born in a laboratory or a conference room. They are born when we dare to think differently, with a readiness to act.

Source: rpbiznes.pl