1. Can you describe your role in fostering an inclusive and creative tech ecosystem in Bielsko-Biała, and how does this contribute to a more diverse local digital economy?
ARRSA acts as a facilitator of local cooperation, ensuring that the tech ecosystem in Bielsko-Biała becomes more inclusive and creative. Their core role is twofold: connecting local stakeholders (municipality, academia, business support actors, NGOs, and private sector) and localizing international knowledge to fit regional needs. Through this approach, they’ve built momentum around the HerStory in IT initiative—a bottom-up effort that supports women in the IT sector.
While IT is one of the city’s fastest-growing sectors, ARRSA identified a gap in female representation. Leveraging the momentum of the TechDiversity network, they created a local stakeholder group and co-designed an action plan focused on four areas: Inspiration, Specialization, Leadership, and Community Building. These pillars shaped a series of events under HerStory in IT, from soft skills development to AI-themed discussions, all co-created with public and private partners.
HerStory is now the largest women-in-tech initiative in Bielsko-Biała, enjoying the support of both the municipality and IT companies, and laying the foundation for sustainable growth in diversity and inclusion.
2. What challenges have you faced in integrating underrepresented groups into your programs, and how have you addressed these challenges to promote diversity and inclusion?
The main challenge was reaching and engaging the right people—particularly women already in IT but previously uninvolved in such initiatives. While participation as event attendees was achievable via word-of-mouth and targeted communication, it was harder to find women willing to publicly share their stories and experiences.
On the development side, another challenge was stakeholder fatigue: all partners are involved on a voluntary basis and have limited time. Maintaining momentum required strong coordination and a shared sense of ownership, which ARRSA has successfully cultivated through continuous collaboration and flexible engagement methods.
3. How does FabLab empower young people to develop skills in technology, creativity, and innovation?
FabLab in Bielsko-Biała offers a unique creative space where young people can bring ideas to life. It’s equipped to support both technical innovation (e.g., prototyping for startups) and artistic creation (e.g., furniture, clocks, or jewelry). The only limit is imagination.
The FabLab offers tools, mentorship, and collaborative learning opportunities. Most activities combine technical skills with soft skills—like teamwork, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship—creating a holistic environment for youth empowerment.
4. How does FabLab connect young innovators with local industries and communities, ensuring their skills contribute to Bielsko-Biała’s overall development?
A major contribution is the Hackathons organized annually during the BBDays4.IT festival. These 24-hour marathons present real-world challenges—either from municipal authorities or local businesses—that young participants solve using tech and creativity.
Beyond Hackathons, open days, workshops, and FabLab’s role in various EU-funded projects offer countless opportunities to connect youth with local industries. These activities not only enhance visibility but also foster direct collaboration between innovation supply (young minds) and demand (local companies and communities).
5. What advice would you give to other cities looking to establish a similar initiative, and how can such spaces drive innovation and inclusivity at the local level?
Patrycja’s advice is clear:
Be authentic. Co-design with your stakeholders. Go bottom-up. Build on what already exists. And embrace international cooperation.
Rather than duplicating efforts, cities should aim to "connect the dots" between existing actors and resources, creating added value through collaboration and shared goals. Innovation and inclusivity are not separate tracks—they thrive when built together.