‘Social innovations in industrial design’ was the motto of the IX International Conference ‘Innovation and Creativity in Economy’ which took place on 31 March 2016. The Conference had been organized at the initiative of the Polish Patent Office. Its focus was on innovations in economy, technology and industry which can improve functioning of people with various disabilities. Conference opening address was presented by the President of the Patent Office, Dr. Alicja Adamczak.

How to be innovative and creative – for Prof Henryk Skarżyński these topics are well familiar. He has been systematically showing to the entire world that it is well worth being innovative, enterprising and creative for more than 25 years. He initiated many pioneering procedures and ground-breaking medical solutions, and  undertook many innovative activities contributing to the development of the society. The lecture presented by Prof Skarżyński was a confirmation of his achievements. The Conference was organized in the year of two important anniversaries – in 2016 we are celebrating the 25 years of the Polish program of deafness treatment initiated by Prof Henryk Skarżyński and 20 years since the establishment of the Institute of Physiology and Pathology of Hearing.

Prof Skarżyński in his lecture has also spoken about the newest achievements of the World Hearing Center. The Center is a beneficiary of one of the largest projects, aimed at development of a capsule for testing of all senses.

Innovativeness was the topic frequently brought up during the Conference. When asked by a journalist from the Polish Radio if Polish environment is friendly for innovators and inventors, Prof Skarżyński has recalled his own motivations for taking up new challenges.

Presentations were followed by a debate on topic ‘Social innovations – a chance for improving the quality of life’. Debaters discussed the prognoses and trends, new challenges facing the state and activities shaping the better future. There was also discussed a specific group of innovations that are physicians. Prof Henryk Skarżyński has recalled the early history of the Polish program of deafness treatment and the first, unique in the world, centre for treatment of hearing problems.

In the Conference participated Minister Jadwiga Emilewicz, Undersecretary of State in the Ministry of Development. She assured that her Ministry will support innovative enterprises. At the Conference she said that the Ministry of Development finishes the works on the project of the “Start in Poland” program of supporting Polish SMEs developing innovative technologies.

She explained that these companies have excellent ideas and Polish government does not want them to ‘run away’ to the Silicone valley, Israel or Scandinavian countries. For this aim a special fund has been created to support innovative entrepreneurs.