COP2 – strategic vision of the Polish Industrial Lobby

Polish Industrial Lobby im. The Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski Foundation was established in 1993 in Warsaw as a grassroots initiative of managers, academics and trade unionists concerned about the progressive deindustrialization of the country. The goal was to create a forum for the formulation of opinions, postulates and expert opinions on matters strategic to Polish industry – especially the high technology, defense, aviation, energy and transportation industries.

Since its inception, PLP has operated independently of political parties, as a non-profit organization focusing on opinion, expert and social activities. In 1995, Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, a prominent economic politician and founder of the pre-war CID, became the Lobby’s patron.

MBF Group SA a COP2 award and active role in industrial transformation

We are proud to announce that MBF Group SA’s President of the Board of Directors, Mr. Janusz Czarnecki, has been awarded the prestigious “Bene Meritus pro Industria Poloniae” award, more widely known as “Meritorious for Polish Industry.” The award was granted by the Honorary Chapter of the Polish Industrial Lobby named after him. Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski – one of the most important independent expert organizations in Poland, working for more than 30 years for the country’s industrial and economic sovereignty.

The award recognizes the long-standing commitment of the President of MBF Group SA to the development of the high-technology industry, logistics and the defense sector – both as a manager and as an expert participating in shaping the strategic directions of the country’s development. Mr. Janusz Czarnecki also currently serves as Secretary of the Program Council of COP2 (Central Industrial District 2), which confirms his active participation in the planning process of Poland’s industrial transformation.

Structure, methods of operation and cooperation

PLP took the form of an agreement of independent organizations and individuals, including, among others. Directors of industrial plants, academics and experts in the defense sector. It cooperates with universities, labor unions, research institutes and the armed forces.

The organization coordinates its work through a Coordinating Committee and specialized councils (scientific, union and director). Over the years, it has published more than 530 opinions, reports and expertise, influencing the decisions of state authorities, parliament and opinion makers.

Contemporary activities and awards

The Polish Industrial Lobby remains an active partner in public debate, with its experts regularly appearing in the media and participating in sessions of parliamentary and senate committees. In 2013, the honorary award “Bene Meritus pro Industria Poloniae” was created and awarded to, among others. prominent engineers, managers and trade unions. In recent years, PLP has been particularly involved in promoting the Central Industrial District 2 (COP2) concept – as a new strategy for the development of Polish industry in the 21st century. We will devote the second part of the article to this topic.

A new concept – tradition and the future

The Central Industrial District 2 (COP2) project is a proposal for the strategic reindustrialization of Poland, inspired by the experience of the historic CID of the 1930s. In the 1970s. The concept was presented in 2024 by experts of the Polish Industrial Lobby named after him. Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, among others. Andrzej Karpinski, Bartlomiej Skrzypek and Pawel Soroka. Its first public debate took place on August 30, 2024. In Gdynia, during the celebration of 50. The anniversary of Eugene Kwiatkowski’s death.

COP2 as Central Europe’s largest industrial project

The developers intend COP2 to be the largest central industrial district in Central Europe, encompassing all of Poland as a network structure. The project addresses the challenges of the Industrial Revolution 4.0 and 5.0, digitization, automation, the development of artificial intelligence and the defense industry.

Unlike its historic predecessor, COP2 is to have a distributed and modern structure, based on a network of technological, industrial and R&D links. Its goal is to create new economic quality – both in the public and private sectors.

Concept of COP2 – Central Industrial District 2

COP2 is Poland’s strategic reindustrialization project, inspired by the 1930s COP concept. It was developed in the 1970s and adapted to the modern realities of Industry 4.0 and 5.0. It is apolitical and inclusive – bringing together experts, industrialists and academia. COP 2 assumes:

  • The development of industry in a network structure across the country,
  • Upgrading the industrial sector in line with Industry 4.0 and 5.0,
  • Supporting research, innovation and new technologies (AI, semiconductors, drones),
  • Integration of expert, economic and scientific communities,
  • Rooted in social and national values.

Mechanisms and sources of funding for the COP2 project

COP 2’s funding strategy includes a variety of national and international sources, public and private sectors, among others:

Fiscal and tax instruments:

  • A tax on large corporations and financial institutions,
  • Investment concessions and incentives (e.g., for Polonia, start-ups, new technologies),
  • Preferential taxation of research, leasing, depreciation.

Supporting SMEs:

  • Revolving funds, crowdfunding, loans guaranteed by BGK, PARP, NCBR,
  • Business angel support.

R&D Development:

  • Grants from national and EU programs (Horizon Europe, NCBR),
  • Grants from industrial funds, PPP partnerships.

International loans and bonds:

  • Thematic bonds (e.g., “industrial development bonds”),
  • EIB, IMF loans and FMF financing (e.g., for defense purchases).

Foreign investment and partnerships:

  • PPPs in infrastructure and arms production,
  • Attracting investors from the US, Israel, Korea, France.

Citizen initiatives and social crowdfunding:

  • Funds and public campaigns for defense and modernization.

Exports and Outreach:

  • Arms exports, defense grants (e.g., NATO, EDA),
  • Venture capital funds, private equity, PFR and BGK programs.

Social framing of COP2 and the role of the social economy

COP2 is intended to be a tool for sustainable development, in line with the idea of social integration, territorial development and democratization of the economy. The key social functions of the project are:

  • Bridging regional disparities (especially in eastern Poland),
  • Reducing unemployment, increasing vocational education and employment,
  • community development, infrastructure and urbanization,
  • Promotion of innovation, sector cooperation and regional identity.

The project takes into account the principles of sustainable development (economic, social, environmental) and is consistent with the Concept for National Development 2050. A key role is also assigned to the social economy and social enterprises, which:

  • pursue social goals (e.g., job activation, local services),
  • create innovation and local cooperation,
  • offer complementary services to industry and public institutions.

MBF Group SA’s role in COP2 projects

MBF Group SA is actively participating in the conceptual and implementation work of COP2, including. through the presence of its President on the project’s Program Council and through the development of product and logistics offerings tailored to the needs of the national security sector. The company views COP2 as a key strategic direction, in line with its new 2024-2026 strategy.

Summary

Central Industrial District 2 (COP2) is an ambitious concept for the strategic reindustrialization of Poland that combines the tradition of the Second Republic with modern technologies and the challenges of the 21st century. The project, initiated by the Polish Industrial Lobby named after him. Eugeniusz Kwiatkowski, gained the support of a wide range of experts, managers and public institutions. Its network structure, reliance on innovation, and integration of industrial and social functions make COP2 a unique tool for rebuilding the country’s economic potential and increasing its strategic resilience.

Through expert involvement and the development of modern products and logistics for the security sector, the Issuer is co-creating the foundations of Poland’s future industrial economy. COP2 is not just an idea – it is a real roadmap for a sovereign, innovative and sustainable industrial state.

 

Central Industrial District 2