UEW at BALTEXPO 2025: Maritime Innovation and Dialogue

For over four decades, BALTEXPO has been one of Europe’s leading maritime industry gatherings, bringing together business leaders, policymakers and researchers. The 2025 edition, held on 7–9 October at AmberExpo Gdańsk, focused on collaboration between business, science and public administration, highlighting the future of automation, AI, digital supply chains and cybersecurity. 

The panel: “New Technologies in the Maritime Industry”  

The discussion explored competitiveness, process automation and the growing role of AI and cybersecurity. Experts from shipbuilding, digital logistics, defence and administration shared case studies and technological insights covering smart vessels, port automation and protection of critical infrastructure. 

Participants emphasised the importance of joint initiatives linking academia, business and public institutions to enhance Poland’s maritime competitiveness on the global stage. 

Prof. Barbara Mróz-Gorgoń among international experts 

The line-up featured leading industry voices:   

• Arild Skoge, Head of Marketing and Business Development, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway), spoke about integrating digital innovation with shipbuilding traditions. 
• Dr hab. Barbara Mróz-Gorgoń, Professor at the Wroclaw University of Economic and Business and President of Fundacja Marka Polska Think Tank, brought the perspective of branding and communication strategy to the maritime context. 
• Dr hab. inż. Łukasz Kulas, Coordinator of the Centre for Digital Technologies at Gdańsk University of Technology, discussed IoT and cyber-physical systems for smart ships. 
• Dr inż. Mateusz Weryk, R&D Director at the Ship Technology Centre, presented research on autonomous vessel design. 
• Radosław Gałka, CEO of Dig in Vision Sp. z o.o., demonstrated AI-based visualisation tools for logistics and maritime operations. 
• The panel was moderated by Paweł Łopatka, Managing Director of Experis Poland – ManpowerGroup, and supported by Pracodawcy RP, representing the business community’s engagement in maritime innovation. 

The WUEB perspective 

Prof. Mróz-Gorgoń’s participation underscored WUEB’s contribution to the international conversation on the digital transformation of the maritime economy. As an expert in branding, marketing, and strategic communication, she highlighted the need to connect research and business practice, especially in developing maritime brands that combine technological excellence with responsible communication. 

She noted that “bridging academia and industry is crucial – effective use of AI and digital supply chains requires both technological literacy and a deep understanding of branding processes.” 

Her presence reinforced UEW’s role in advancing expertise on brand reputation, strategy and responsible innovation. 

Maritime dialogue for the economy of the future 

For the University of Economics in Wrocław, participation in events like BALTEXPO aligns with its mission as a “university for practice” – translating research into real-world solutions. The 2025 fair confirmed that sustainable maritime growth depends on cooperation across academia, business and policy. 

Discussions on smart ships, port automation and cybersecurity reflect a forward-looking agenda in which Polish institutions can play a defining role. UEW’s voice, represented by Prof. Mróz-Gorgoń, contributes to shaping a more connected and innovation-driven maritime ecosystem. 

Author: Justyna Morawska-Płoskonka