ZACHODNIOPOMORSKI UNIWERSYTET TECHNOLOGICZNY W SZCZECINIE

Their core work

West Pomeranian University of Technology in Szczecin (ZUT) is a Polish technical university combining materials science research with strong SME innovation support across the West Poland region. Their core research strengths lie in green polymer development for medical and packaging applications, sustainable aquaculture and food systems, and marine resource management. They also serve as a regional Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) hub, providing innovation management coaching and capacity building to local SMEs seeking EU funding through the SME Instrument.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In 2014-2018, ZUT's H2020 activity was dominated by EEN-related innovation management services for regional SMEs (KAM projects) alongside early participation in large marine and food consortia like CERES and SEAFOODTOMORROW. From 2019 onward, a clear shift emerged toward original research leadership — they began coordinating their own projects in advanced materials (GREEN-MAP) and carbon network synthesis (IFR-CNS), while maintaining food system work through GAIN and R4D. The university is transitioning from a primarily service and support role toward becoming an independent research driver in green materials and sustainable food systems.

ZUT is moving from regional innovation brokering toward original materials science research, particularly biodegradable polymers — expect growing capability in sustainable packaging and medical materials.

How they like to work

ZUT operates predominantly as a consortium partner (10 of 15 projects), but has demonstrated growing coordination ambition with 4 projects led, all focused on regional engagement or their own research strengths. With 338 unique partners across 34 countries, they are a well-connected hub rather than a repeat-partner organization. Their wide network and EEN role make them easy to integrate into new consortia, especially those needing a Polish partner with both research and innovation support capabilities.

ZUT has collaborated with 338 unique partners across 34 countries, giving them one of the broader networks for a mid-sized Polish technical university. Their connections span Western and Northern Europe through marine and food projects, with additional Central European links through EEN innovation activities.

What sets them apart

ZUT offers a rare dual capability: they combine hands-on materials science research (biodegradable polymers, flame retardants) with deep experience in SME innovation coaching through the Enterprise Europe Network. For consortium builders, this means ZUT can contribute both technical research work packages and dissemination/exploitation toward SMEs — covering two roles that typically require separate partners. Their location in Szczecin also provides access to the Baltic marine economy and Polish agri-food sector.

Highlights from their portfolio

• GREEN-MAP
  Their largest funded project (EUR 349,600) and a coordinator role, developing biodegradable polymers for hospital sustainability — signals their future research direction.
• GAIN
  Largest participation funding (EUR 203,500) in a high-impact project on green aquaculture intensification and circular economy in European fish farming.
• CERES
  Major climate-fisheries research project (EUR 159,996) addressing policy adaptation for European aquatic resources under climate change.