1887

2023 OECD Economic Surveys: Poland 2023

image of OECD Economic Surveys: Poland 2023

Poland has successfully managed a large inflow of refugees from Ukraine. The impact of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine is overshadowing the outlook and economic growth is expected to slow to 0.9% this year before it recovers to 2.4% in 2024. Both monetary and fiscal policies should ensure that higher inflation does not become entrenched. Fiscal policy continues to support the economy in managing higher energy prices. Long term fiscal pressures need to be addressed, for instance by broadening the revenue base, improving spending efficiency and raising retirement age.

Digitalisation can help unleash the entrepreneurial potential of Polish businesses at home and in global markets but requires adequate skills. This requires the government to take a comprehensive approach across several policy areas, such as adult education, life-long learning and training for SMEs.

Poland has made progress in transitioning to net zero emissions by 2050, but the rate of decarbonisation needs to accelerate significantly. Setting out a clear long-term path for carbon prices would provide more clarity to households and businesses. A just energy transition requires supporting the most affected workers and regions.

SPECIAL FEATURE: DIGITALISING THE POLISH ECONOMY

English

Digitalising the Polish Economy

Increasing digitalisation can further boost Poland’s productivity but successful digitalisation requires governments to take a comprehensive policy approach. Adoption of digital technologies is relatively low among firms, particularly SMEs. Expanded consultancy and technical support would help, as would accelerating the deployment of 5G networks. Although ICT innovation has been growing, it is relatively low and should be supported further. Skills are essential to ensuring an inclusive digital transition. Digital skills are particularly low among older adults. There are shortages of ICT specialists. Managerial skills, key to implementing digitalisation in firms, could also be higher. Skills gaps should be addressed by encouraging more students, especially women, to study ICT. Schools need to be better equipped with technology and links between education institutions and industry should be stronger. Effective implementation of the new migration programmes could raise the supply of ICT specialists. Moreover, there is a need to expand training and to make further education more practical and flexible to encourage lifelong learning. The government has been rapidly digitalising, which can facilitate the digital transition in the wider economy. It should continue to do so, and to enhance cybersecurity.

English

Graphs

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a Success
Invalid data
An Error Occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error