Professor Arkadiusz Kowalski: What Foreign Capital Does Poland Need?

Professor Arkadiusz Kowalski of the Warsaw School of Economics (SGH) has highlighted a critical juncture for Poland's economic development: the imperative to elevate the quality of foreign direct investment (FDI). While Poland has successfully attracted a substantial amount of foreign capital, the focus must now shift from quantity to quality. Professor Kowalski emphasizes that the true value lies in investments that target high-technology sectors, foster research and development, and align with the principles of "Industry 4.0."

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We are a country where a lot of foreign capital has already flowed in.

This strategic shift is crucial for Poland's future competitiveness. Professor Kowalski points out that "the key to the future is the development of high technology in production." This means attracting companies that not only set up manufacturing facilities but also integrate advanced technological processes and contribute to innovation within the country. The goal is to move up the value chain, transforming Poland into a hub for cutting-edge industries rather than solely a manufacturing base.

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Currently, the challenge is the quality of these investments, meaning that they concern high-tech industries, are linked to research and development, to Industry 4.0.

Encouragingly, Professor Kowalski notes that Poland is already seeing positive trends in the services sector, particularly in "knowledge-intensive services." These investments are vital as they bring with them not just capital but also crucial "technologies and know-how." This influx of expertise is essential for building a robust, innovation-driven economy. From Poland's perspective, as articulated by Professor Kowalski, the focus on attracting and nurturing high-quality FDI is paramount for sustained growth and technological advancement, differentiating the nation's economic strategy from mere capital accumulation.

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This is the key to the future - the development of high technology in production. And in services, it is called knowledge-intensive services.