In a video interview recorded at Future of Real Estate 2026 in Warsaw, Jerzy Brodzikowski, General Manager of CIC Warsaw, discusses how Warsaw's innovation ecosystem has evolved over the past decade and the role real estate plays in supporting collaboration. He explains why flexibility has become the defining feature of modern workplaces and what continues to attract international technology companies to the Polish capital.
How is Warsaw’s innovation ecosystem evolving, and what role does real estate play in it?
Warsaw's innovation ecosystem has developed rapidly over the past 10 years, and real estate plays a crucial role by providing the physical space where start-ups, venture capital firms, academia, accelerators, incubators and other participants in the ecosystem can meet and collaborate.
Isolation is not a friend of innovation. Innovation happens in places where people come together, exchange ideas and build new things.
What are international companies currently looking for when choosing office space in Warsaw?
Overall, I think flexibility has become the most important factor when choosing the right workplace. Location is still crucial and the city centre remains the preferred choice, but flexibility is what allows businesses to adapt to changing conditions.
The post-pandemic shift has also changed how employers think about offices. Companies need spaces that can scale up or down, while also supporting remote, hybrid and flexible ways of working through thoughtful workplace design.
What makes Warsaw attractive today for technology and innovation-driven businesses?
Warsaw remains an attractive destination for innovation and international businesses because it offers excellent value for money while providing high-quality talent. Our ICT specialists and software developers are among the best in the world.
At the same time, there is a strong ambition to further strengthen Warsaw's position within the international business and innovation ecosystem. That combination continues to attract companies to the city.
How do you see workplace expectations changing in the next few years?
Change may be an overused word, but it is the only constant. We live in an increasingly dynamic world where business evolves not only year by year, but often month by month.
Flexibility will therefore remain essential. As AI and other technologies continue to develop, organisations and employees alike will need greater agility and a willingness to embrace change as a natural part of business.
