I am a cluster manager with 10+ years experience interested in international cooperation in sustainable construction innovations, renewables and smart cities.
SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE CLUSTER is the largest Polish cluster promoting and implementing sustainable and energy-efficient construction technologies. It has been recognized as the Key National Cluster by the Ministry of Development since 2016 (certified 3 times in 2016, 2019and 2022). Cluster consists of over 140 entities, including the largest universities in Cracow i.e. AGH University of Science and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, Jagiellonian University and many R&D institutes. Cluster members include also Malopolska towns and municipalities interested in sustainable development and climate changes prevention. The supreme goal of cluster cooperation is to promote the highest energy efficiency in construction, achieved thanks to innovative construction and technological solutions developed by entrepreneurs cooperating in our Cluster. Cluster sustainable buildings are designed with a high respect for domestic raw materials and enable to implement the European Union Directives with the utmost care for a clean environment and the idea of sustainable development. As part of a Cluster joint project, in 2015 we built a complex of demonstration zero-energy buildings near Cracow (PL). Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster comprehensively provides solutions for passive and energy-saving construction, starting from the proper design, through the selection of constructional materials, thermal insulation, window and façade systems, modern installations, renewable energy sources and building automation, based on Cluster members' products. Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster offers trainings, consulting and R&D services in the field of energy efficiency, innovative construction and building management systems. In 2023 SIC was responsible for updating Regional Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation “Sustainable Energy” – the scope of task included preparing business technology roadmaps, mapping regional innovation ecosystem and organizing Smart Labs for regional stakeholders (quadruple helix) Cluster also owns its own training centre near Cracow (eco-energy training centre in Suchoraba) devoted to renewable energy sources, focused on practical skills for technicians, installers etc. Cluster coordinator and legal representative is the Instytut Doradztwa (Institute of Consulting), accredited Innovation Center at Polish Ministry of Development, as well as a nationwide training and consulting center specializing in VET education of adults and young learner in sustainable technologies and renewables in construction sector. Our numerous training projects were highly assessed and granted EU funds for their innovativeness and great impact on potential and competitiveness of Polish SMEs. Instytut is an accredited training centre and has the status of non-public educational institution. At presence, Institute is engaged in educational projects aimed at developing new educational tools based on new technologies i.e. 3D models, VR (virtual reality), XR (extended reality) and AR (augmented reality) for high school students, young learners and professionals in heat pump installations.
Irena Łobocka – Cluster Manager | Expert in International Collaboration & Innovation
A dynamic and results-driven cluster manager with extensive experience in fostering international cooperation, strategic project implementation, and sustainable innovation. A graduate of the prestigious Jagiellonian University in Krakow, holding degrees in English Studies, Management, and Business, as well as an additional qualification in Interdisciplinary American Studies. A certified and registered PRINCE2 Project Manager and an "Innovation Expert" graduate, specializing in the development and internationalization of business ecosystems.
Currently leading international cluster projects under Horizon Europe, COSME, and Erasmus+ (e.g. CultureLights, EPIX - Eco-system Partnership for Interclusters and Smart Cities Exchange), I play a key role in shaping cluster collaboration strategies. As a cluster representative in the Malopolska Innovation Council, I actively contribute to regional and European policy discussions. I have served as a speaker at major international conferences, including the ClustersMeetRegions series, sharing insights on cluster development and innovation strategies.
My expertise extends to coordinating strategic cluster projects with a total budget exceeding €4.7 million, supporting internationalization and investment in innovation. I have successfully facilitated international matchmaking events, trade fairs, and networking initiatives, fostering strategic partnerships and opening new markets for cluster members. My leadership in cluster development contributed to the certification of the Sustainable Infrastructure Cluster as a National Key Cluster in 2016, 2019, and 2022.
Passionate about sustainable and smart infrastructure, I also work as a trainer and coach in sustainable construction. My vision is to strengthen transnational collaboration, enabling clusters to drive innovation and sustainable development on a global scale.