Forum Ekonomiczne

„Rzeczpospolita” na Forum Ekonomicznym w Karpaczu 2024

Poland is a growth leader in the region

CEE countries no longer lag behind in terms of growth, but to maintain their progress, they need to overhaul their economic models.

Publikacja: 04.09.2024 04:25

Participants in the presentation of the report and the accompanying debate (left to right): Zygmunt

Participants in the presentation of the report and the accompanying debate (left to right): Zygmunt Berdychowski, Chairman of the Programme Council of the Economic Forum, Piotr Wachowiak, Rector and Professor at SGH, and Teresa Czerwińska, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank

Foto: ISW

Over the past 20 years, economic growth in the 11 countries of Central and Eastern Europe has more than doubled the rate experienced by the European Union as a whole. However, the “patchwork” capitalism characterising the region’s transition often leads to what can be described as an “institutional myopia”. In the long run, this could cause the countries in the region to forfeit their developmental edge. Strategies for counteracting this issue are outlined in the recommendations of the report presented at the 33rd Economic Forum in Karpacz.

Compendium of knowledge

The forum kicked off with the presentation of the report. This is the seventh edition of the report prepared by academics from the Warsaw School of Economics, with the publication co-hosted by the Economic Forum.

– It is a comprehensive report on the key economic and social issues in Poland and Central and Eastern Europe. It is reliable, data-based and provides a fair account of the situation. It provides a thorough overview of the latest trends, including a detailed situation analysis and actionable recommendations. The report shows trends spanning up to 20 years, starting from 2004, says Dr hab. Piotr Wachowiak, Rector and Professor at SGH, during the debate accompanying the report’s presentation.

Basis for informed debates

Prepared by 55 researchers, the study focuses on 12 key areas of economic and social life. It covers a broad range of topics, including the analysis of economic growth factors in the region, the identification of the rent gap (where incomes are insufficient to afford adequate housing at market rates yet too high to qualify for state-subsidised housing), social inequalities, the effects of tax reforms on local government revenues, and overcoming barriers for investment. The study also addresses the impact of demographic and socio-economic factors on health, the significance of renewable energy sources for national development, and the role of blockchain technology in the economy and administration.

– I am very happy we have been able to contribute to this report, says Zygmunt Berdychowski, Chairman of the Programme Council of the Economic Forum.

In his view, the report’s value lies in analysing past developments, demonstrating the pace of change, and, most importantly, providing a basis for reflecting on future actions.

– The conclusions and recommendations in the report will be valuable for anyone aiming to shape public life in Poland and initiate crucial reforms to adapt to a changing world, believes Zygmunt Berdychowski.

Questions about development models for the future

For the second consecutive year, analysts from the European Investment Bank (EIB), who are involved in the publication, have collaborated with Polish researchers in their analysis.

– This significant year marks the 20th anniversary of Poland and other regional countries joining the European Union, says Prof. Teresa Czerwińska, Vice-President of the EIB.

She also emphasised the report's thoroughness. – The report effectively compares various trends and tendencies over the years, highlighting the differences between different economic models. It is a valuable compendium of knowledge that can fuel discussions across many panels, she adds. In her view, the report not only highlights the changes in the region’s economy and social life but also raises important questions about innovation and overcoming barriers to business.

As announced during the report’s inaugural presentation, the issues highlighted will be the focus of numerous panel discussions at the Economic Forum on Wednesday and Thursday.

The report reveals that Poland experienced the fastest economic growth (3.8 percent) among the 11 countries surveyed from 2004 to 2023. Only Romania, Slovakia, and Lithuania achieved similar results in this respect. Across the EU, only Ireland and Malta recorded higher growth rates.

After 20 years of membership, the countries in the region have closed 29 percentage points of the development gap with the EU average. They have also surpassed two “old” EU countries, Greece and, in some cases, Portugal, in terms of GDP per capita (according to PES). Additionally, they have significantly reduced the development gap with the Mediterranean countries, closing nearly 41 percentage points of the 52-point gap that existed in 2004.

However, the authors note that “institutional myopia” is evident in the region’s limited capacity for innovation and its inability to change the sources of competitive advantage. Countries in the region should shift to a development model characteristic of a closed economy: one that is knowledge-based, environmentally sustainable, and agile in responding to external challenges.

Coverage partner: ISW

.

Over the past 20 years, economic growth in the 11 countries of Central and Eastern Europe has more than doubled the rate experienced by the European Union as a whole. However, the “patchwork” capitalism characterising the region’s transition often leads to what can be described as an “institutional myopia”. In the long run, this could cause the countries in the region to forfeit their developmental edge. Strategies for counteracting this issue are outlined in the recommendations of the report presented at the 33rd Economic Forum in Karpacz.

Pozostało 88% artykułu
Forum Ekonomiczne
Tomasz Bogus, PKO Leasing o największych wyzwaniach dla leasingu
Forum Ekonomiczne
Wpływ amerykańskich firm na rozwój polskiej gospodarki
Forum Ekonomiczne
Jan Garncarek: Design kolekcjonerski to odpowiedź na przesyt wzornictwem przemysłowym
Forum Ekonomiczne
Jacek Jassem: Terapia celowana to przełom w onkologii
Forum Ekonomiczne
W zdrowiu kluczowa jest profilaktyka
Materiał Promocyjny
Jak wygląda auto elektryczne