Dr. Łukasz Gołota (Director of NAWA, Faculty of Political Science and International Studies, University of Warsaw) led a discussion panel during the 56th World Economic Forum in Davos, one of the most important global gatherings of political, economic, and scientific leaders. The Forum took place from January 19–23, 2026, in Davos, Switzerland, and brought together representatives of governments, international institutions, and academic and business communities from around the world.
The panel, titled “Science as an Infrastructure for Economic Growth – At the Heart of Revolutionary Transformations” (Amid a Revolutionary Transformation: Science as Growth Infrastructure), addressed the role of scientific research and innovation as key drivers of economic growth and national competitiveness in the face of dynamic technological and geopolitical changes.
The discussion featured distinguished experts representing various fields:
- Magdalena Kołodziejska, Deputy Director of the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR),
- Beata Jaczewska, Director of the Department of Economic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
- Dr. Wojciech Karczewski, Director of NAWA,
- Prof. Marek Kowalkiewicz, an expert in artificial intelligence from Queensland University of Technology (Australia),
- and Prof. Arkadiusz Kowalski from SGH.
During the panel, topics such as the commercialization of scientific research, building resilience in value chains, the role of research infrastructure supported by the European Union, and increasing researcher mobility and international cooperation as conditions for sustainable economic growth were discussed.
Dr. Gołota emphasized the need to change the perception of science – from a cost to a strategic asset that can determine long-term economic prosperity and technological advantage in the 21st century.