Polish President Andrzej Duda on Wednesday signed into law a bill designed to encourage innovation. During a ceremony at the presidential palace in Warsaw, Duda said the government bill provides support for entrepreneurs, but also for “young scientists who are working on modern and innovative technical solutions.”

“This is also about support for research units,” he added.

Science and Higher Education Minister Jarosław Gowin said the Polish economy was lagging behind in terms of innovation.

He said that the new law builds “a bridge over the valley of death” dividing science and the economy.

Gowin added: “The innovations which have been used in the [Polish] economy over the past 20 years were largely based on ready patents purchased from abroad. We want to change that. We want the Polish economy to be truly innovative.”