Aeropolis, the name of the Podkarpacie Science and Technology Park in southeast Poland, is designed to evoke the aviation links of a center that encourages business to work hand in hand with research institutes.

The park, which encompasses the area in the vicinity of Jasionka airfield near Rzeszów, is to be 400 hectares in size. Infrastructure will be provided for over 70 hectares of land in Jasionka close to the airfield by the end of 2008. Aviation companies will predominantly be operating in the park, alongside IT and hi-tech firms. The park's strategy includes the construction of a large logistic warehouse to store goods produced by companies.

Adam Góral, chairman of the Rzeszów-based Asseco company, one of Poland's largest firms in the computer sector, is convinced the park will be a success. "IT will bring aviation in its wake," Góral said.

"Tax breaks will serve as incentives for investors," said Stanisława Bęben, head of the Rzeszów City Hall department charged with procuring funds.

"We know how to manage the park," said Marek Darecki, chairman of the WSK PZL aviation factory. "There is an increasing number of people in the Podkarpacie province capable of turning ideas into action. There will be a cluster of aviation companies in the park. There will also be IT and logistic services available on the premises. The park will serve as a nanny and matchmaker for companies; it will help investors conduct business, and give them a ready-made product. The investor will find a mature business setting. I am glad that the park is run by professionals. Everyone speaks the same language. The park opens many doors. We all share a common interest."

The park will be supervised by a newly appointed executive council headed by Bogdan Rzońca, deputy marshal of the Podkarpacie province. The deputy chairmen of the council are Darecki and Prof. Andrzej Sobkowiak, president of the Rzeszów University of Technology.

Advantages of the Podkarpacie Science and Technology Park include land for investment provided with a full range of utilities and a so-called Academic Preincubator.