The Łukasiewicz Research Network is undergoing a fundamental shift, focusing on strengthening Poland’s defense capabilities, technological independence, and economic competitiveness.
Defense Industry: A Significant Increase
The Łukasiewicz Research Network has dramatically increased its involvement in defense projects. Subsidies for military technologies have risen from approximately 40 million złoty annually two years ago to over 300 million złoty today.
This change extends beyond funding, representing a shift in project thinking, with 67% of activities now directly or indirectly related to security, enabling faster implementation in both military and civilian sectors.
Building a Technological Foundation
The network is focused on creating a real technological base for the state, moving beyond purely academic research. This involves fostering collaboration with large industries and developing dual-use technologies applicable to both civilian and military sectors.
Intellectual property generated within the institutes will remain in Poland, strengthening its position in global value chains and contributing to local content development.
Space Technologies, Energy, and AI
The Łukasiewicz Network is also developing an ambitious space research program, scheduled for completion by 2035 with an estimated investment of 2.4 billion złoty. The program focuses on satellite platforms, launch technologies, and payloads.
The SPARK project aims to achieve “flight heritage” for Polish technologies, a prerequisite for competing in the international market, while also ensuring Poland’s independent access to satellite data for security and governance.
In the energy sector, the network is collaborating with Orlen Synthos Green Energy to develop a full-scale SMR reactor simulator for training personnel for Poland’s nuclear energy program, alongside advancements in energy storage technologies like lithium and sodium-ion batteries.
Artificial intelligence and cybersecurity are considered strategic priorities, with a dedicated institute established to support both the public administration and small and medium-sized enterprises, complementing existing institutions like NASK.
International Collaboration and Financial Results
The network has seen a significant increase in international activity, with foreign project participation and funding now accounting for nearly one-third of total project resources. It is also a leading Polish entity in securing funds from the Horizon Europe program.
Commercialization revenues increased by 85% year-on-year in 2025, with a growing number of institutes successfully implementing solutions and generating revenue. The focus has shifted from the quantity of patents to their quality and potential for implementation.
Partnerships and Specific Projects
The network is building a broad ecosystem of partnerships, including the Polish Armaments Group, WB Electronics, and Lubawa S.A. in the defense sector, as well as Siemens in logistics and automation, and Grupa Azoty and Qemetica in chemistry.
Current projects include developing technologies for producing key ammunition components, unmanned systems (drones and anti-drone solutions), modern transport solutions for heavy military equipment, composite ballistic inserts, specialized bunker construction, and advancements in rocket and fuel technologies.
