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AI in Poland: A Breakdown of the Talent Pool

August 2, 2023

As with any tech wave, the surge in AI-based startups is palpable. However, this fervour isn’t all sunshine and rainbows; there’s a plausible hint of a chilling AI winter on the horizon.

The AI winter, a term coined in tech circles, alludes to periods of diminished interest and funding in AI research. Stemming from past instances when AI couldn’t deliver on the hyped-up promise, causing a nosedive in its appeal and investment. With the current boom in generative AI and the explosion of startups, could we be on the precipice of a third AI winter?

This possible downturn was astutely outlined in a compelling piece, “Risk of a New AI Winter”. Intrigued by this perspective, we undertook an exploration of the AI talent market in Poland. Our research, built on LinkedIn and Ntiative Business Insights data, unveiled fascinating insights.

A Glimpse of the AI Talent Pool in Poland

The LinkedIn data suggests there are around 10,900 professionals showcasing AI as a skill. Surprisingly, a significant chunk, 15%, occupy CxO or Board level positions. Additionally, the market demonstrates rapid evolution – an impressive 58% of AI professionals adopted this tech within the last 12 months!

Out of these AI-savvy professionals:

  • About 2,500 are in software development or related role
  • There are 266 open positions
  • The gender distribution shows a 77:23 male-to-female ratio

Interested in a deep dive into the AI landscape in Poland? Hop on over to our about us page.

Job Titles and Educational Institutions: A Breakdown

Delving into the professional titles held by these AI experts, we find the following:

  1. Software Engineer – 855
  2. Data Scientist – 359
  3. Owner – 338
  4. Co-Founder – 3322
  5. CEO – 306

Shaping these professionals are some of the leading educational institutions in Poland, namely:

  • Warsaw University of Technology
  • University of Warsaw
  • Wroclaw University of Science and Technology
  • AGH University of Krakow
  • SGH Warsaw School of Economics

Geographic Distribution and Major Employers

The AI talent pool predominantly resides in the following regions:

  • Warsaw (4329) with a growth rate of +54%
  • Kraków (1361) with a growth rate of +54%
  • Wroclaw (1118) with a growth rate of +52%

Gdansk, Poznan, and Katowice could also be promising locations if you’re an employer on a quest for AI talent.

Top employers for AI talent in Poland include:

  1. Intel
  2. Accenture
  3. Warsaw University of Technology
  4. Nokia
  5. Capgemini

An Overview of Growth and Decline

Snowflake and IDEAS NCBR are on the rise, both showing a multiplying growth in their talent pool over the past year. On the flip side, SoftServe and Billennium saw the largest decrease, shrinking their workforce by 45% and 29%, respectively.

Key Skill Sets

AI professionals in Poland largely possess the following skill sets:

  • Python (51%)
  • Machine Learning (49%)
  • SQL (38%)
  • Software Development (31%)
  • Data Analysis (29%)

Interestingly, the fastest-growing skills in the talent pool are primarily marketing-related:

  • Social Media Marketing (+280%)
  • Digital Marketing (+206%)
  • Search Engine Optimization (+199%)
  • Technical Support (+162%)
  • E-Commerce (+128%)

For insights into the salary range for a Python developer in Poland, do check our dedicated post on Python Developer Salary.

In Conclusion

The Polish AI market is a thriving ecosystem, teeming with a diverse talent pool and an array of rapidly evolving skills. It’s a veritable goldmine for tech companies and startups alike. However, amid this effervescent growth, it’s prudent to remain wary of a potential AI winter.

To sidestep the pitfalls of an AI winter, businesses must keep their AI applications firmly rooted in reality, evading the allure of “hype” technologies. This strategy ensures steady growth and averts the boom-bust cycle typical of overhyped sectors.

For more insights on the Polish tech scene, the state of foreign investments in Poland, or reasons to set up a tech team in the country, feel free to delve into our articles here and here. Should you have any queries, don’t hesitate to contact us.

The future of AI shines bright, but it requires cautious and considered steps. Let’s tread wisely!

Read also our other posts in the Talent Insights series:

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