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Centrum R&D – co to i dlaczego warto je otworzyć w Polsce

R&D Center – What Is It and Why Is It Worth Opening in Poland?

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Poland has many advantages, ranging from a stable economy to a high quality of life. In this post, however, we focus on what is most important for technology leaders: a dynamic IT ecosystem with powerful hubs in Warsaw, Kraków, and Wrocław. Find out why the Polish technology industry is doing great and how to strategically locate your R&D center here in 2026. 

Therefore, in this blogpost, we will focus on Poland’s strengths regarding why it is worth conducting research and development activities in our country. Learn what R&D centers are, how they operate, and the reasons why launching them in Poland is a truly good idea. We have supplemented the article with our experience in building teams as an IT recruitment & outsourcing agency (including Gen AI projects) and data from the 5th edition of the IT job market report, which we published in 2026.

Warsaw - IT industry, R&D centers

R&D center – what is it?

An R&D Center (research and development, or in Polish: centrum badawczo-rozwojowe – CBR) is, as the name suggests, an organization aimed at conducting research and development in selected areas of science, including technology. The role of such units is ongoing support for national innovation systems. On one hand, they may concern work on already existing projects, including their improvement and development. On the other hand, they may cover completely new fields – thus creating certain innovations from scratch. In 2026, the role of R&D centers has evolved. Currently, they are no longer just “code labs”, but strategic innovation hubs that in Poland increasingly focus on fields such as Generative AI, Cybersecurity, and GreenTech.

Next Technology Professionals - Firm that helps with recruiting employees for R&D centers in Poland

R&D center – where is it needed?

The activity of R&D centers is used in many sectors that demand more and more modern, advanced and efficient technology. For this reason, the largest group of R&D recipients includes, for example, production companies.

In this matter, R&D centers may be responsible for accelerating processes, their automation, limiting the consumption of raw materials, and even activities for environmental protection.

Research and development center and reasons to launch it in Poland

The status of a Research and Development Center (CBR) is a prestigious distinction awarded by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology. Although the certification process is demanding, obtaining this status opens the door to the widest range of tax privileges and grants, making Poland one of the most competitive innovation markets in Europe. The reasons why it is worth launching an R&D center in Poland are presented below:

Financial support and preferential conditions for settlements

Poland is a very hospitable country – also if we take into account the scope of the support offered. Research and development centers can count on numerous tax exemptions (including, for example, real estate, agricultural and even forestry exemptions), as well as a number of subsidies and the possibility of participating in other aid programs.

Companies with the Research and Development Center status can deduct 200% of almost all qualified costs (previously 150%). This translates into significant savings in tax liabilities. Scientific units can also gain access to additional financial support that enables research and development work.

Cost competitivenesss

Poland still offers world-class engineers at operating costs 40-60% lower compared to the USA or Western Europe. You can find the average salaries of IT specialists in our 2026 report.

Unlimited access to talents from Poland

Technological development requires money, but most of all people who have vision, skills and a constant thirst for knowledge. That is why another reason why launching an R&D center in Poland is a good idea is a staff. Our country is an excellent source of qualified and committed Polish specialists. It is worth remembering that locating an R&D center here is one of the easiest ways to acquire talents appreciated all over the world.

Expanding horizons for better, more fruitful and profitable cooperation

Having such a status also opens the door to cooperation with numerous companies for research and development centers. Such units enjoy the respect and interest of, among others, such industries as: medicine and pharmacy, engineering, energy, as well as the broadly understood area of ​​production.

What R&D centers already operate in Poland?

R&D centers in Poland - map

Poland has become a key point on the map of global innovations. Both the number of companies conducting advanced engineering work here and the entities that have obtained the official status of a Research and Development Center (CBR) are growing dynamically. Two groups of investors should be distinguished: global technology giants developing their hubs in Poland and companies with the CBR status granted by the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology.

Global R&D and Technology Centers

Most international leaders conduct huge research operations in Poland, focused on IT, AI, pharmacy, and modern production. The most important players include:

  • IT and AI Sector: e.g., Google (Warsaw, Wroclaw), Intel, Samsung, Motorola Solutions.
  • Engineering and Manufacturing Sector: e.g., ABB, Siemens, 3M, Whirlpool.
  • Hi-Tech and Telecommunications Sector: e.g., Visa (new technology hub in Warsaw).

Entities with official CBR status

CBR status is a prestigious legal title held by companies that meet the specific requirements of the Act on Supporting Innovative Activities. The main CBR list (for 2026) contains over 50 companies with R&D centers across Poland. On the official 2026 list, you can find over 50 entities, including:

  • AstraZeneca Pharma Poland
  • CD Projekt S.A.
  • Asseco Business Solutions
  • GSK Commercial
  • KGHM Cuprum

Information on the conditions and the full list can be found here.

Which specialists from the IT industry most often get employed in R&D centers?

Among those working in such units, there is no shortage of programmers. Depending on the industry, type of research, and the technology used, individual R&D centers cooperate with specialists in Java, Python, C++, PHP, and many others. In 2026, we see a huge increase in demand for ML (Machine Learning) engineers, AI Architects, and cloud experts.

Report IT job market in Poland 2026

Download our IT job market in Poland report to learn more

What does the IT specialist market look like? The decision on the location of an R&D center cannot be based on guesswork. It should be based on hard market data. We present the 5th edition of our well-known HR&IT report, which has become a point of reference for technology sector investors in Poland.

Why is this report crucial for R&D leaders?

  • It was created based on a survey filled out by 1650 active IT specialists in Poland.
  • It is not just statistics; it is the real voice of the market, allowing you to understand how to effectively attract top talent in 2026. The prestige of the publication is emphasized by the patronage of the Polish Investment and Trade Agency (PAIH).

In the 2026 report, you will find:

  • Real salaries in 15 key positions – including detailed data for Solution Architect and Software Architect roles, crucial for R&D structures.
  • Currency preferences – find out how strong the trend of expecting remuneration in EUR/USD is.
  • Evolution of recruitment – we analyze why processes have noticeably slowed down and how to adapt your hiring strategy.
  • Standards for benefits and verification.

Experts from Next Technology Professionals share their knowledge in the report: Dominik Jurek, Piotr Jurek, Milena Miesiak, and Marta Dyga, providing unique commentary on current trends.

Is Poland a good destination in the context of R&D centers?

Poland attracts foreign investors who set up their R&D centers here. The country is chosen for its skilled workforce, competitive labor costs and good business conditions.

Polish R&D centers often focus on specialized areas such as robotics, biotechnology, electronics, as well as artificial intelligence and many other areas. If you are looking for an IT specialist in Poland for R&D centers, it is worth using the support of an IT recruitment agency. We conduct processes in IT recruitment in Warsaw, Krakow and throughout Poland. We have published a report on the IT market in 2026 and we are happy to help you find the best talents for work.

Our experience in recruitment supporting R&D (case study)

Confirmation of our competencies in the area of recruitment are the following case studies. We support global players in building technology centers:

Thanks to these implementations, as an IT recruitment & outsourcing agency, we help clients effectively create and develop innovation centers and R&D teams in Poland, ensuring that the best specialists reach them.

Do you want to know more about IT recruitment in Poland?

On a daily basis, we support companies from the IT sector (and not only!). If you need help in recruiting skilled software devlopers and engineers or you want other specialized services (e.g. regarding opening an R&D center in Poland) – contact us and find out how we can help you.

Our services include:

IT Industry Recruitment:

Other areas:

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