During their summit in Vilnius, Lithuania last week, NATO leaders announced that one of the NATO Innovation Fund's three offices would be located in Warsaw.
While the headquarters of the fund are in Amsterdam, its regional divisions will be set up in London and in the Polish capital Warsaw.
Preparations to set up this unprecedented institution have been in progress for the past two years. Earlier this month, the fund was finally given the green light to go.
With EUR 1 billion at its disposal, the NATO Innovation Fund aims to aid the development and commercial use of new technology.
Priority will be given to defence-oriented initiatives, but breakthrough inventions with civilian application will also be supported.
During a NATO Public Forum held as part of the alliance's Vilnius summit, NATO Deputy Secretary-General Mircea Geoană shared his thoughts on the Innovation Fund and the growing importance of keeping up with the latest technological advancements.
By investing EUR 42 million in the fund, Poland took a leading role in the effort, according to officials.
NATO selecting Warsaw as one of three locations worldwide to set up an office of the fund is expected to provide numerous opportunities for innovation-oriented Polish companies and start-ups.
Michał Żukowski, a Polish R&D financing expert, says this promises to be "a possible major development," providing interesting prospects for local companies involved in cutting-edge technology.
Meanwhile, Polish Deputy Defence Minister Marcin Ociepa points out the growing importance of technological advancement, which he says is often a decisive factor on the modern battlefield.
Marcin Ociepa. Photo: Polish Radio
This has been demonstrated by the experience of Ukraine's defence against Russia's invasion, according to experts.
By taking part in initiatives such as the NATO Innovation Fund, the Polish defence ministry says it wants to provide support for local innovators and give Polish scientists an opportunity to turn their ideas into reality.
Radio Poland's Marcin Matuszewski has more.
Click on the audio player above to listen.
