From simple transactional tasks to complex knowledge-based processes – the business services sector will tell the story of growth-oriented transformation
On June 3-5, in the ICE Kraków Congress Centre, the ABSL Summit will bring together more than 1,400 business leaders, government officials, experts and economists from around the world. Dozens of debates and meetings will include speakers such as Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand; Jacek Tomczak, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology; Jacek Siewiera, Secretary of State, Head of the National Security Bureau; Leszek Balcerowicz, Minister of Finance in the first non-communist government of Poland; Ana Birchall, former Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Justice and Minister of European Affairs of Romania; Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President, Products, Silicon Valley Lab Executive at IBM Software. The host of the ABSL Summit is The City of Kraków.
The ABSL Summit is one of the most important events of the business services sector in Europe. Each year it hosts around 1,400 business leaders from major companies, public sector representatives, and the media along with other experts, and analyze global trends and their impact on economic and social development. The slogan for this year’s event, organized by the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL), is “Transform to Thrive”.
Janusz Dziurzynski, President of ABSL: The 20th anniversary of Poland’s accession to the European Union makes this year’s ABSL Summit slogan, “Transform to Thrive”, especially meaningful. Over the past two decades, Poland has undergone a remarkable transformation, becoming one of the leading economies in Europe. Through a combination of a skilled labor market, a location in the center of the continent, and membership in the European Union, Poland has become one of the most attractive destinations for investors looking to expand their business in Europe. At the same time, the business services sector has also experienced a significant shift, evolving from simple transactional services to knowledge-based roles that represent significant value for companies. Krakow remains one of the top investment locations thanks to its highly educated talent pool, innovation-focused academic and business climate, and exceptional office and residential space.
Krakow hosts ABSL Summit for second year in a row
The capital of Malopolskie Voivodeship remains one of the best locations for the business services sector in Europe. As one of the prime examples of synergy between business and the city, Kraków continually offers educational opportunities, and provides a talent pool for global companies as well as a real estate market that successfully meets all investor needs.
Aleksander Miszalski, Mayor of Krakow, host city of ABSL Summit 2024: Our city creates a culture of entrepreneurship by providing companies with optimal conditions for development. Cooperation between the local government and the private sector should be based on clear and legible principles. Business must be supported by the city, because it creates jobs and generates income for residents and the local government. Large industry events that integrate entrepreneurs, such as ABSL Summit 2024, create space for mutual dialogue and an exchange of experiences. Thanks to our cooperation with Kraków’s universities, we help match the fields of study to the needs of business services companies, which in turn helps attract new investors and further develops the sector in Kraków.
Growth-oriented transformation
The ABSL Summit 2024 keynote address will be delivered by Jacinda Ardern, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, one of the youngest world leaders, climate activist and advocate for women’s empowerment, who brought “pragmatic idealism” to politics. Other prominent global leaders at ABSL Summit 2024 will include Jacek Tomczak, Deputy Minister of Economic Development and Technology; Jacek Siewiera, Secretary of State, Head of the National Security Bureau; Leszek Balcerowicz, former president of the National Bank of Poland, deputy prime minister and minister of finance in the first non-communist Polish government; Ana Birchall, former deputy prime minister, minister of justice and minister of European affairs of Romania; Dinesh Nirmal, Senior Vice President, Products, Silicon Valley Lab Executive at IBM Software; and an array of global executives, technology experts and opinion makers.
During the two days of ABSL Summit 2024, there will be a series of debates, discussions, lectures, including the opening debate Clash of the titans: “Loud and proud: Poland at the forefront of FDI” on the forecasts and challenges that Polish business needs to address in order to continue attracting foreign investment; and the Oxford debate “True leaders are born, not made” on the key elements of effective leadership.
ABOUT ABSL
ABSL (Association of Business Service Leaders) brings together 250 of the world’s largest companies, representing a sector which currently employs over 435,000 people in Poland. More than 1,800 service centres, dispersed in over 80 locations, create a thriving sector supporting economic development thanks to, among other things, innovative solutions implemented by international corporations. The aim is to build attractive and sustainable ecosystems that create new jobs through positive engagement and responsibly develop investment and business in local communities.
More details at abslsummit.com.
