Poznan is among the most developed Polish cities in terms of innovation potential, with a high scientific and institutional capacity focused on innovation and activities for the knowledge-based economy. Innovation plays an increasingly important role in Poznan’s economy, incl. a strong environment for startups and the games industry, cooperation platforms and networks supporting the development of clustering and high-tech.

Poznan-based companies, universities, and research and development centres participate in numerous regional cluster initiatives. New platforms and cooperation networks are being created to support the development of clusters and modern technologies.

The scientific and academic community actively participates in Poznan’s economic development. There are interdisciplinary and inter-university scientific and research centres, among others: the High Technology Incubators Complex, the Greater Poland Centre for Advanced Technologies, the NanoBioMedical Centre, the Centre for Mechatronics, Biomechanics and Nanoengineering, the Biocentre, The National Centre of Innovation in Logistics and e-Economy, the Medical Biology Centre, the Polish Optical Internet Research Center, the PCSS-Huawei Innovation Centre, as well as the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Centre – one of Poland’s largest high computing power centres. Cooperation between economy and science is also developing thanks to the activities of Poznan’s technology parks – the Poznan Science and Technology Park, Poznan Technology and Industry Park, Nobel Tower Centre for Advanced Technologies. A significant example of cooperation between private business and science is Concordia Design – the first Polish business design and creativity centre that works with the local government in building a modern society actively involved in the city’s development.

According to the European Culture and Creative Cities Monitor, Poznan is characterized by a high level of development in the area of culture and creative industries, particularly in the growth of new jobs. There is dynamic growth in the ICT and gaming industry. Young creative companies can benefit from the support of dedicated Incubators and co-working spaces, as well the municipal program for local start-ups. According to the "StartupBlink Ecosystem Report 2020", Poznan is in the TOP200 of cities in the world with the greatest start-up potential. The local startups operate mainly in the sector of new technologies with the use of artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and big data.

Another important direction of innovation development is social innovation with a growing number of environmental institutions dealing with social innovation projects. The City of Poznan supports social innovations of local society by Local Initiative Centers, the Poznan Citizen Budget or grants for NGOs projects dedicated to residents.

The City of Poznan has developed an exciting and ambitious roadmap for its transformation into a dynamic, future-focused, smart city that can meet the challenges of the coming times. To better do it, the City is taking part in the Intelligent Cities Challenge. This is a European Commission initiative that encourages cities to embrace technology and drive innovation to create intelligent, sustainable, and socially responsible solutions to modern urban challenges.