What does the Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley do?
The Bydgoszcz Industrial Cluster Tool Valley has been operating since 2006 and serves as a platform for cooperation between businesses, research organisations, universities and business support institutions involved in the toolmaking and processing industry and the recycling of polymer materials. Since 2016, it has held the status of a National Key Cluster, confirming its importance for the development of the national economy and the sector’s international competitiveness.
The Cluster brings together entrepreneurs, the academic community and public institutions, creating a space for cooperation, knowledge exchange and the implementation of joint projects. It supports the development of research and development (R&D) activities, the implementation of innovative technologies, the digital and energy transition of enterprises, and the development of employees’ skills. It is also actively involved in initiatives promoting technical education, knowledge transfer and the internationalisation of enterprises.
BKP members form a comprehensive ecosystem comprising tool manufacturers, polymer processors and recyclers, technology suppliers, research organisations and business partners. Through cooperation and the exchange of experience, the Cluster strengthens the industry’s innovation and competitiveness, responding to the challenges facing modern industry in Poland and Europe.
The BKP is the initiator of numerous national and international projects, conferences, training courses and webinars. It supports its members in developing their skills, implementing innovations, securing new opportunities for collaboration and enhancing their competitiveness on the domestic and international markets.
Strengthening industry relationships, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among Cluster members
Activities:
- Organising regular industry, networking, and integration events
- Increasing Cluster members' participation in industry and networking events
- Supporting direct contacts and cooperation between Cluster members
- Fostering trust and engagement among members
- Establishing and developing working groups
- Developing purchasing groups in key areas supporting the growth of the Cluster and the industry
Enhancing industry competencies and strengthening technical education and cooperation between business and education
Activities:
- Developing the range of training courses and webinars on industry trends, artificial intelligence, Industry 4.0, and modern technological and organisational solutions for industry
- Expanding the conference programme, including organising a recurring conference dedicated to plastics recycling as a flagship industry event
- Promoting technical education through cooperation with new schools, kindergartens, and career advisors, as well as expanding educational activities for primary school pupils in grades 1–3
- Cooperating with technical universities and research institutes in the areas of internships, joint projects, and knowledge transfer
- Using the outcomes of working groups as a source of practical knowledge and inspiration for future initiatives
- Developing the educational offer of the Sectoral Skills Centre in the field of plastics processing
Supporting Cluster members in adapting to technological, environmental, and market changes, as well as in developing research, development, and innovation activities
Activities:
- Supporting companies in implementing Industry 4.0 solutions, the circular economy, digital and energy transformation, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence
- Building a network of contacts with experts in new technologies and industrial transformation
- Strengthening resilience to geopolitical changes, unfavourable legislation, and rising operating costs
Increasing the internationalisation of Cluster members' activities and strengthening their presence in international markets
Activities:
- Organising trade missions
- Organising joint exhibition stands at international trade fairs
- Further developing the INNOFORM Trade Fair by building on its potential and responding to current industry trends
- Expanding cooperation with international clusters and industry organisations
- Participating in international projects and collaborative networks
- Securing funding to support the internationalisation of member companies
Increasing the visibility of the Cluster and its members nationally and internationally, while strengthening the representation of the industry's interests
Activities:
- Building a consistent and positive image of the Cluster
- Developing and implementing a communication strategy
- Carrying out promotional activities for the Cluster and its members
- Preparing promotional and presentation materials, including videos and a promotional catalogue
- Supporting Cluster members in acquiring new clients and business partners
- Participating as a partner or patron of industry events
- Promoting the sector as innovative and socially responsible
- Representing the interests of the tooling and plastics processing industry at regional, national, and international level
- Cooperating with local government authorities and business support institutions
Strengthening the Cluster’s operational, organisational, and financial capacity
Activities:
- Developing the Cluster’s service portfolio and increasing revenue from commercial activities
- Enhancing the competencies of the Cluster office staff, with particular emphasis on technical and industry-specific expertise
- Digitalising the Cluster office and improving organisational processes
- Maintaining the status of a National Key Cluster and renewing the ESCA Gold Label certification
