The economic transformation mining regions are facing means it is necessary to move away from heavy industry and towards competitiveness and regional specialisation. As one such region, Silesia is doing a great deal to change economic priorities, moving towards supporting new technologies, innovations and emerging industries.

Silesia is in second place in Poland in terms of gross domestic product, is an important exporter and a leader in terms of attractiveness of investment. However, its GDP growth is weaker than one might expect. 

The regional authorities are working to create the best possible investment climate and favourable conditions for the development of regional entrepreneurship, with a view to speeding up the region's economic development. To this end, the Global Silesia project will be launched at the initiative of the region and will be financed by EU funds. The vice-president of the region and member of the ECR Group in the European Committee of the Regions Wojciech Kałuża, who is responsible for economic development and implementing the regional programme for funding cohesion policy objectives, presented the project. At a dedicated conference, he highlighted the benefits expected from the economic promotion of the region as part of Global Silesia.  

The project involved over 230 entrepreneurs who will have the opportunity to participate in nearly 60 business events in Poland and around the world. This openness to the world and promotion of the region are very important for Silesia. A number of actions aimed mainly at the SME sector are a chance for Silesian companies to appear at foreign trade fairs and exhibitions and to participate in economic missions and international congresses. It also provides increased opportunities to organise information meetings for the SME sector and information campaigns aimed at raising awareness of market trends.

Vice-president Kałuża pointed out that many SMEs are emerging in the region which have innovative products and as regional authorities our job is to promote their achievements and enable them to compete in global markets.

In the Regional Operational Programme (ROP) of Silesia 2014-2020, over half a billion euro have been allocated to enhance scientific research, technological development, innovativeness and competitiveness. This support is a significant financial injection for the development of the economy. As vice-president Kałuża pointed out, commercialisation of research and implementation of innovative solutions are the key to success. The role of local government is to lay the foundations for comprehensive cooperation between the worlds of business and research by creating initiatives and platforms that facilitate two-way relationships.

EU funds in the region have also been aimed at building up regional smart specialisations. In particular, they cover investments in key research infrastructure in order to create and commercialise innovative solutions. ROP support is also intended to increase the use of information and communication technology in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, which enables projects to be implemented in the region that contribute to the development of e-business, both within companies and in making contact with other entities. EU funds are also used to increase workers' qualifications, improving the quality of education and giving young people a more equal playing field in terms of educational opportunities.