About the Polish Cluster of Composite Technologies

A nationwide platform for cooperation around composite materials and technologies.

History and Mission

The Polish Cluster of Composite Technologies (PKTK) was established in October 2017 in Kraków. It is a nationwide platform for cooperation between companies, universities, research and development organisations, business support institutions, inventors and other entities active in composite materials and technologies.

PKTK integrates the entire value chain of the composites sector — from raw materials, design and research, through manufacturing technologies, automation and quality control, to industrial applications, repair, reuse and recycling of composites.

The cluster initiates cooperation between research and industry, builds consortia and supports R&D and innovation projects, technology transfer, commercialisation, skills development, internationalisation and the promotion of Polish technologies. It also develops services related to Industry 4.0, the circular economy, LCA, ESG, the Digital Product Passport (DPP), energy and material efficiency, supply chain security and hydrogen technologies.

In December 2021, PKTK was awarded National Key Cluster (NKC) status.

Strategic Objectives

PKTK’s primary objective is to enhance the competitiveness of Poland’s composite materials and technologies sector by fostering cooperation between industry, the research community, public administration and business support organisations.

The strategic objectives of PKTK include:

  • promoting Polish technologies, companies and institutions operating in the composites sector;
  • representing the needs and interests of the sector;
  • initiating R&D, demonstration and technology deployment projects;
  • building consortia and strengthening collaboration between research and industry;
  • supporting technology transfer, commercialisation and the implementation of innovations;
  • developing advanced composite materials and technologies;
  • advancing digitalisation, automation, robotics and artificial intelligence;
  • supporting composite recycling, biocomposites and the circular economy;
  • supporting the energy transition and improving energy and material efficiency;
  • preparing companies to meet requirements related to LCA, ESG and the Digital Product Passport (DPP);
  • strengthening the resilience and security of supply chains;
  • developing hydrogen, offshore, defence and dual-use technologies;
  • developing skills and the future workforce of the sector;
  • supporting internationalisation, export growth and participation in European projects.

These objectives are pursued in accordance with the PKTK Strategy and its updates, which remain in force until 2030.

Role of the Cluster

PKTK serves as:

  • a knowledge and experience exchange platform among members,
  • a representative of the industry to public institutions and international partners,
  • an initiator and coordinator of joint research and commercial projects.

The cluster co-creates a network of industry initiatives: Kompozyty.net, Lightweight.pl, Wodorowe.info, Virtual Laboratory and PKTK Foundation.