Friendshoring – A New Era of Security and Innovation in IT
In 2026, the concept of traditional outsourcing has almost become a thing of the past, giving way to the friendshoring strategy. It involves moving key business and technological processes to countries that not only offer high-class specialists but, above all, share the same political and economic values. For Poland, being a pillar of NATO's eastern flank and a key EU member, this has become a catalyst for an unprecedented influx of investment in the Research & Development (R&D) sector.
Poland as a Global R&D Hub: No More "Code Labs"
Just a few years ago, Polish branches of foreign corporations often played an executive role. Today, in 2026, the situation has changed dramatically. Market data shows that there are already over 500 advanced R&D centers operating in Poland, and global giants such as Google, Visa, or Siemens have moved their most strategic operations here. What does this mean for an engineer? Above all, a transition from simply delivering features to creating innovation from scratch – from AI architecture and advanced cybersecurity systems to GreenTech technologies.
Most In-Demand Skills and Record Earnings
The year 2026 has brought interesting shifts in the list of the highest-paid specializations. According to the latest salary reports cited by ITcompare experts, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) systems have become the salary leader, overtaking traditional IT architecture. Specialists in this area can expect rates reaching 28.5–33.5 thousand PLN net on B2B contracts. Following close behind are Cybersecurity and DevOps experts. It is worth noting that the market has become extremely selective – as many as 60% of job offers are directed at seniors, highlighting the demand for deep substantive knowledge in research centers.
Why This is the Best Time for Career Development?
Relocating R&D centers to Poland as part of friendshoring offers three key benefits for local engineers:
- Impact on the product: Working in an R&D center means real participation in designing global solutions, not just maintaining them.
- Stability in uncertain times: Friendshoring is based on long-term strategic partnerships, which translates into greater job security than in the case of traditional outsourcing.
- Access to tomorrow's technology: Poland has become a testing ground for Generative AI and cloud solutions, allowing engineers to work on a tech stack that is still in the testing phase in other regions.
How to Prepare for Changes in 2026?
To fully exploit the potential of friendshoring, engineers should focus on developing skills in AI/ML and Cloud Architecture. Soft skills are becoming equally important – working in strategic research centers requires close cooperation with headquarters in the USA or Western Europe, which sets a high bar for communication and product management. At ITcompare, we observe that the hybrid model has become the standard, replacing full remote work, which favors building innovative teams in local offices in Warsaw, Krakow, or Wroclaw. If you are looking for your chance in a new R&D center, our job aggregator is the best place to keep your finger on the pulse of the most attractive projects of 2026.