According to the latest data from the report Business Services Sector in Katowice, prepared by ABSL (Association of Business Service Leaders), in cooperation with Colliers, Mercer, Randstad, and Randstad Sourceright, Katowice and the GZM Metropolis rank among the five most important business services hubs in Poland. The centers are characterized by strong IT specialization and high complexity in knowledge-intensive processes.

The ABSL report Business Services Sector in Katowice presents a comprehensive picture of the business services sector in Katowice and GZM. According to ABSL data, in Q1 2025, there were 156 BPO, SSC/GBS, IT, and R&D [2] centers operating in Katowice and GZM, employing a total of 36,800 people. Katowice alone hosts 123 centers with over 31,000 employees. Between 2020 and 2025, employment in the sector in Katowice and GZM grew by nearly 34%, proving the industry’s established and stable position in the region.

Shift toward knowledge-based services
Katowice and GZM stand out on Poland’s business services map, with IT centers accounting for 42% of sector employment. SSC/GBS centers follow with 25.8%, and BPO centers with 21.4%. Moreover, the estimated ratio of knowledge-intensive to transactional processes in Katowice and GZM centers is higher (62.1%) than the national average (52.1%).

- In business service centers in Katowice and the GZM Metropolis, we observe a growing share of knowledge-intensive processes, aligning with the 3T - Technology, Talent, Transformation - strategy. This change results from consistent investments in skills development and tasks requiring specialized knowledge and longer training. Services are transforming toward higher-value functions while reducing simple transactional processes, said Łukasz Ratman, Silesia Chapter Leader, ABSL. 

From industry to modern services
IT-specialized business service centers employ 15,900 people. Next are centers supporting industry, employing 13,100 people. This demonstrates Katowice’s emergence as a major technology hub leveraging its industrial heritage.

- ABSL data and analysis clearly indicate high employment levels in IT centers and those supporting the industry. A clear specialization for Katowice and GZM is emerging, based on IT and industry, thanks to a consistently implemented regional transformation strategy. At the same time, European data show that the services sector plays a key, multidimensional role in linking with various industrial branches, acting both as support and as a transformation mechanism, emphasizes dr hab. Stanisław Umiński, Senior Analyst and ABSL Expert, and adds: Today, business services are the lifeblood of every industry, ensuring efficiency from production through logistics to R&D. 

The ABSL report confirms that the city is strengthening its role as a center for advanced business services, attracting investors and highly skilled professionals. 

- In recent years, Katowice has undergone significant changes – from a primarily industrial center to a modern technology hub, offering an attractive place to live and work. We know how important a long-term strategy is, which is why we take numerous actions to support innovation and sustainable development, says Bogumił Sobula, Deputy Mayor of Katowice.

Katowice and GZM’s attractiveness
From an investor’s perspective, the region is seen as an important economic, academic, and cultural hub. Overall satisfaction with Katowice and GZM as a business location is high, supported by 25 universities educating 94,500 students in the current academic year. Industry representatives also highlight excellent cooperation with local universities.

ABSL analysis shows the city stands out for its quality and safe infrastructure. Investors appreciate its strategic location at the crossroads of European road networks, office distribution relative to the city center, availability of modern office space, and the quality of the local environment.

- Katowice’s consistent presence in city rankings confirms our strong market position and credibility as a business partner. We are especially proud that this year, Katowice ranked first among the best cities to live in Poland in a Business Insider ranking. This is significant because we dominate key labor market indicators. We have one of the lowest unemployment rates, attractive salaries, and the most favorable housing-price-to-wage ratios. This shows the city effectively leverages its economic strengths while caring for both businesses and residents. Katowice is a place where people want to live and invest – adds dr Marcin Krupa, Mayor of Katowice.

The Katowice City Hall, through its Investor Service Department, offers comprehensive support to investors, including market analysis, image-building activities, and coordination of cooperation with local universities. The city actively collaborates with Silesian universities and industry organizations, such as ABSL, to attract investment and support investors.

The report Business Services Sector in Katowice contains key data confirming the strong position of Katowice and the Upper Silesian-Zagłębie Metropolis on Poland’s business services map. The report was prepared for Katowice City Hall by the Association of Business Service Leaders (ABSL), in cooperation with partners Colliers, Mercer, Randstad, and Randstad Enterprise.

Get the full report here.