As part of such activities, the following programs were created:
Entrepreneurial Women of Krakow
The “Entrepreneurial Women of Krakow” program is a city initiative aimed at strengthening the position of women in the labour market and building competencies among Krakow women in starting and running their businesses.
Zabłocie 20.22 Socio-Economic Innovation Cluster
The idea of creating a cluster in Zabłocie came from the residents of Krakow themselves. It was born during public consultations of the Municipal Revitalization Program of Krakow in 2016. Zabłocie was not chosen by accident – this former post-industrial district on the right bank of the Vistula River has been undergoing a rapid metamorphosis for several years, becoming a good place to live and locate a business. At the same time, there is a noticeable lack of appropriate socio-economic infrastructure. The cluster’s space is divided into conventional zones: entrepreneurship, social innovation, urban zone, and a creative zone for activities in the field of art and design. The entire project was based on the concept of the so-called shared space, i.e. a space that is shared, multifunctional and changes depending on the needs of its users. On January 16 this year The Mayor of Krakow signed an ordinance on the principles of providing services in Building A of the Social and Economic Innovation Cluster Zabłocie 20.22. The spaces available in Building A include two Zones:
1. Entrepreneurship/Creative Zone – for business entities, providers of business-related services, open-space users,
2. Social Innovation Zone – for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) of the non-profit, charitable, social and civic type, including the activities of social incubators, social laboratories (“social labs”), other forms of social innovation, including informal groups, as part of activities in which equality between women and men will be promoted, projects in line with the Smart People idea will be incubated (education for everyone, active non-governmental organizations, civic participation, wide access to social services).
The Multicultural Center in Krakow
The Multicultural Center in Krakow is an innovative project co-financed by the City of Krakow, operating under the Open Krakow program from 2021. The main operator of the Center is the Internationaler Bund Polska Foundation, which has been operating in Krakow and Silesia since 2004. Its mission is to provide help and support to marginalized communities addressing issues of exclusion due to age, disability, origin, or place of residence.
The collaboration between the Krakow Municipality and NGOs represents a powerful model of partnership that drives social innovation and community development. Through various initiatives, Krakow is not only fostering economic growth but also promoting inclusivity and civic engagement. These efforts demonstrate that when local government and non-governmental organizations come together, they can create meaningful change that benefits all residents. As Krakow continues to evolve, the sustained cooperation between these entities will be crucial in building a resilient, and inclusive city for the future.