From 23 to 25 June, ICE Kraków Congress Centre will once again serve as the focal point for Europe’s business services industry, hosting the ABSL Summit 2025 under the theme Embrace technology, empower people. For the third consecutive year, the summit returns to Krakow, welcoming approximately 1,500 global business leaders, policymakers and economists for two days of high-level discussion and strategic insight.
Among the distinguished speakers are Dr. Mario Draghi, former ECB President and author of the recent report on European competitiveness; Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digital Affairs; Andrzej Domański, Minister of Finance; Beata Javorcik, Chief Economist at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development; Michał Baranowski, Deputy Minister of Development and Technology; Mark Brzezinski, former U.S. Ambassador to Poland; or Richard R. Neely, retired US Air Force Major General. In addition, Jacek Siewiera, former head of the National Security Bureau, will join the conference from the Hague, from where he will deliver a live address to the audience on key topics discussed at the NATO summit.
Organised annually by the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL), the summit has become a central meeting point for industry leaders, academics and government stakeholders shaping the trajectory of one of Europe’s most dynamic sectors.
“The title of this year’s ABSL Summit encapsulates the core ethos of our industry. People are our most valuable asset, and when empowered by technology, they can unlock their full potential. Our sector’s future lies in the strength of the ‘3Ts’—Talent, Technology, and Transformation. Poland’s business services industry has become a global benchmark for success, driven by the continuous upskilling of our workforce, the adoption of cutting-edge technologies, and increasing specialisation. These pillars position us as a foundational element of Poland’s global competitiveness,” Janusz Dziurzyński, President of ABSL, said.
Krakow’s sustained leadership in the global business services ecosystem is no accident. With over 100,000 professionals employed in the sector, a highly educated workforce, and a collaborative relationship between city authorities and investors, the city remains a benchmark for others across Europe.
Aleksander Miszalski, Mayor of Kraków, Host City of the ABSL Summit 2025, said: “The presence of the ABSL Summit in Kraków is a strong affirmation of our city’s established position in the European business services landscape. This continued recognition reflects years of deliberate investment in talent, infrastructure, and partnership with the private sector. Kraków consistently ranks among the top cities for high-value investment thanks to our strategic vision and ability to translate it into tangible outcomes, such as specialised job creation and knowledge-based growth. Events like ABSL Summit 2025 serve as catalysts for dialogue and innovation, reinforcing Kraków’s role as a leader in shaping the future of the sector.”
Business services sector emerging as a strategic driver of European competitiveness
The 2025 edition of the ABSL Summit comes at a crucial moment for the sector, which is playing an increasingly strategic role in maintaining Europe’s global competitiveness. Despite geopolitical disruptions – from the COVID-19 pandemic to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – the industry has demonstrated notable resilience and is now positioned as a critical driver of economic transformation.
Over two days, attendees will engage in a comprehensive programme of keynote speeches, debates, and networking sessions. The highlight of the summit will be the keynote address by Dr Mario Draghi, who will outline strategic recommendations to secure Europe’s technological leadership and reinforce its economic competitiveness in an increasingly fragmented world.
