City of Kraków named Strategic Partner of the 10th ASPIRE Annual Conference, launching a new era of business–city collaboration
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kraków, 24 September
The City of Kraków will become a Strategic Partner of the 10th Annual ASPIRE Conference, underlining a new chapter in the relationship between local government and the city’s thriving business and technology community.
At the heart of this partnership is the signing of a landmark cooperation agreement between the City and ASPIRE, the association representing global business services (GBS) and technology companies in Kraków. The agreement creates a framework for business and the City to work together to strengthen local capability, develop skills and innovation, and support the Mayor in achieving Kraków’s long-term strategic goals.
A conference marking ten years of impact
The ASPIRE 2025 Conference marks the 10th edition of the association’s flagship event. This year’s programme reflects both the maturity of Kraków as a global hub and the ambition to shape its future.
Highlights include:
• Opening Session – “The Creative City” (7 October, Palace of Fine Arts)
An invitation-only evening with civic leaders and global executives, exploring the role of creativity in city development.
• Launch of the Kraków University–Business–City Forum (9 October, Zinar Castle)
The first initiative under the new cooperation agreement, creating a permanent platform for collaboration between universities, business and the municipality.
• The Dragon’s teeth – Festival of Ideas (8 October, Forty Kleparz)
A dynamic, multi-stage programme co-created by the business services community.
• Jubilee Concert (8 October, Forty Kleparz)
An open-to-the-public evening celebrating Kraków’s place as Europe’s most vibrant hub for global business services and technology.
Why this matters
“Strategic cooperation between business, universities and the City will shape Kraków’s next decade.” – ASPIRE
For more than two decades, Kraków has been a sweet spot for international companies adopting the global business services model. The city has consistently evolved – moving up the value chain, building advanced knowledge-based services, and proving itself on the world stage.
Today, global uncertainty – from geopolitics and trade tensions to the disruptive impact of AI – demands a stronger partnership between business, universities, and city government. This agreement ensures that Kraków’s next decade is built on strategic cooperation and shared vision.
Key quotes
Mayor of Kraków
“Kraków’s strength lies in its universities and talent – they are the foundation of our success as a city. By building stronger cooperation with ASPIRE and its member companies, we ensure that innovation, skills, and investment go hand in hand. This partnership means we grow together as a global city of innovation.”
– Prof. Dr. Hab. Stanisław Mazur, Deputy Mayor of Kraków
ASPIRE
“For more than two decades, Kraków has been a sweet spot for global business services, powered by graduates of our universities. Today, the challenges of AI, geopolitics, and protectionism demand that we act not just as companies, but as a community. By joining forces with the City and its stakeholders, we strengthen local capability and secure Kraków’s place at the forefront of global business services.”
– Przemysław Roth, Chair, ASPIRE
Event details
| Event: | 10th Annual ASPIRE Conference |
| Dates: | 7–9 October 2025, Kraków |
| Venues: | Palace of Fine Arts (Opening), Forty Kleparz (Festival & Concert) |
| Strategic Partner: | City of Kraków |
| Audience: | GBS & technology leaders, universities, civic institutions |
Why it matters (at a glance)
• City as Strategic Partner:
First time the City of Kraków formally joins the ASPIRE Conference in this role.
• Strengthening cooperation:
Agreement provides a structured way to align business, academia, and city development.
• 10th anniversary celebration:
A milestone year marked with a festival and public concert, highlighting the sector’s role in shaping Kraków.
Media contacts
ASPIRE
Andrew Hallam, General Secretary — andrew@aspire.org.pl | +48 513 077 541
City of Kraków
Joanna Krzemińska, Spokesperson to the Mayor — joanna.krzeminska@um.krakow.pl | +48 536 333 066
Photo and video opportunities available at the Opening Session, Jubilee Concert and University-City-Business Forum.
Notes to editors
About ASPIRE
ASPIRE represents Kraków’s global business services (GBS) and technology community, working with members and partners to develop talent, innovation, and the operating environment that enables companies to thrive.
www.aspire.org.pl
About the City of Kraków
Kraków is one of Europe’s leading university cities and innovation hubs, home to a vibrant ecosystem of higher education, technology, and knowledge-intensive services.
https://dlabiznesu.krakow.pl/
About the ASPIRE Conference
The ASPIRE Annual Conference brings together GBS and technology leaders to explore the future of talent, AI, and operating models — and to celebrate the sector’s impact in Kraków.
www.thedragonsteeth.aspire.org.pl
ENDS
