Central and Eastern Europe is emerging as a significant player in the global digital arena. The region is rapidly digitizing public services, investing in digital education and technology, and working to bridge the digital divide with more technologically advanced Western countries. Under the motto ‘Central and Eastern Europe: A New Leader in Digital Innovation’, this topic was discussed during one of the plenary sessions at the 33rd Economic Forum in Karpacz.
Discussion participants: Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitisation, Justin Gandy, Managing Director at MSD Poland, Aoife Houlihan, VP Government Engagement, Visa, and Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Digital Transformation of North Macedonia.
– It is crucial for the economy and businesses to remain competitive. This cannot be achieved without investing in modern technological solutions and developing competencies. Are they already innovative? – questioned the debate moderator, dr Piotr Wachowiak, Rector and Professor at the Warsaw School of Economics.
– Only public-private cooperation can drive a qualitative leap forward. This is not about the state simply bringing in large corporations and letting them profit. It is important to ensure that technological progress and digitisation reach micro and small businesses. In 2016, digitisation in Central and Eastern Europe accounted for 6% of GDP. In 2025, this figure will be 16% of the GDP of all Central and Eastern European countries, said Krzysztof Gawkowski.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitisation believes that digital services, such as mObywatel, provide Poles with a sense of security. However, digital services are just one component of a larger framework. Another critical element that is advancing beyond current reality is our cybersecurity.
