Invest in Wroclaw Business Breakfast: Defence Sector and Dual-Use Technologies

On Wednesday, 20 May, the sixth edition of the Invest in Wroclaw business breakfast took place at Lounge by Vastint in the Business Garden complex on Legnicka Street in Wroclaw. The main focus of the event was the defence sector and dual-use technologies, which are becoming increasingly important for modern business.

Highly Relevant Topics

According to Magdalena Okulowska, President of the Wroclaw Agglomeration Development Agency, the aim of the meeting was to show entrepreneurs how to build business value around new technologies and prepare their companies for the emerging security-driven economy.

“It is fantastic to see attendance at our business breakfasts continuing to grow. This time, the strong interest is certainly linked to the topic itself — one that only a few years ago might have seemed niche, but today represents a key direction for economic development: the defence sector and dual-use technologies. These areas are no longer limited to the military or governments; they are becoming a real part of business strategies, investment development, and innovation.” Magdalena Okulowska

“Today’s topic is extremely timely. It demonstrates how technology is evolving and why this area is becoming increasingly important for our ecosystem. Companies striving to adapt to market developments and keep pace with change are already considering what business goals they should set for themselves. Our speakers shared practical insights on how to achieve them.” Aneta Herbuś, Head of Investor Services Department at ARAW

A Morning Full of Knowledge, Inspiration, and Networking

Topics discussed during the Invest in Wroclaw business breakfast included:

• development directions for dual-use technologies in Poland,
• first steps in entering the defence sector,
• building an economy for security — creating space for defence and dual-use industries,
• cities prepared for the new security economy.

Major Challenges and Big Ambitions

One of the panellists was Dr Dionizy Smoleń, Partner at PwC, who spoke about the development directions of the defence and security sector, including the role of dual-use technologies.

“Meetings like this are highly valuable because they offer substantial expert insight. They help companies better understand the opportunities emerging around defence-related projects. At the same time, networking and building relationships between partners are equally important. When facing such enormous challenges and ambitious plans for the development of the defence and security sector, it is essential to create strong and dynamic cooperation networks around these initiatives.” Dr Dionizy Smoleń

Another panellist was Agnieszka Orłowska, President of ESG Institute.

“I spoke about how important business continuity plans are for companies and how crucial it is to prepare for various black-swan scenarios — from floods, which unfortunately are part of Wroclaw’s reality, through cyberattacks, to armed conflicts. I also discussed how businesses can prepare for such risks in order to minimise their financial impact and continue operating with confidence when difficult situations become reality.” Agnieszka Orłowska

Meaningful Conversations and Exchange of Contacts

Participants also had time for valuable conversations and networking opportunities.

“I have worked in the HR industry for many years. Events like this are a great opportunity for networking, maintaining relationships, and exchanging different perspectives. They also provide an excellent overview of what is currently happening in the market. Such initiatives are extremely valuable for local communities.” Joanna Dudar, Futuro

The event partner was PwC. Permanent partners of the project Invest in Wroclaw are: CBRE, JP Weber, Michael Page, Olesiński & Wspólnicy, and Atlas Ward.