How can Poland build an innovative and competitive economy?
This question was at the heart of discussions during the 7th Academic-Economic Forum 2025, where I had the honour of joining a panel dedicated to the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in business, research and national development. Key topics included AI in business, Poland’s AI strategy, commercialising AI innovations, and the collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector.
Report from the 7th Academic-Economic Forum 2025
Organised by the Polish Higher Education-Business Forum, the event brought together representatives from universities, public administration, and enterprises implementing AI in the economy. The key message was clear: the Prime Minister’s “Breakthrough Year for AI” announcement must lead to actual, scalable actions—not just high-level strategic declarations.
Polish Economy Needs Technological Courage
The Forum highlighted that artificial intelligence should be treated in Poland not only as a future-oriented technology but also as a strategic tool for building a knowledge-based economy. What we lack is not talent but systemic incentives for implementing AI at scale across business and industry.
Poland’s strong GDP ranking and citizens’ digital skills are not yet reflected in its AI innovation leadership. This gap can be closed through faster AI commercialisation, supporting interdisciplinary research-business projects, and creating AI testing environments in real-world settings.
Many promising technologies in Poland still fall into the so-called “Valley of Death”—between prototype and scalable market solutions. That’s why we need an AI business strategy that supports short-term wins and long-term investment in AI capacity.
AI in Poland – a Trend or a Strategic Necessity?
Artificial intelligence is not a temporary trend—it’s a global transformation. Poland’s strong academic base is insufficient; we need more determination, courage, and scale to implement and commercialise AI solutions.
One of the examples I shared during the panel was the AI ESG Tool – a solution that shows how Poland can compete not through computational power but through creative, problem-solving AI applications tailored to real market needs. You can find out more about the AI ESG Tool platform from the links below the article.
AI Strategy: Two Complementary Tracks for Business and Government
From the perspective of Booster of Innovation™, an effective AI strategy in Poland should include two complementary pillars:
1️⃣ Monetising existing AI technologies – fast-tracking the scaling of AI solutions that already bring business value.
2️⃣ Building national AI capacity – investing in infrastructure, skills, deployment ecosystems and AI innovation commercialisation pathways. Administrative decisions and EU programmes must support this long-term effort to boost European competitiveness.
Science, Business and Government Collaboration – A Foundation for AI Innovation
One of the most discussed topics at the Forum was the need to strengthen the Triple Helix model: academia, Business, and Government. Initiatives like Piast AI Factory in Poznań show how to build practical ecosystems for AI testing and deployment.
Poland could learn from countries like the Netherlands, where interdisciplinary collaboration in AI innovation has become the norm.
Are Polish People Ready for AI-Based Innovation?
Absolutely. Poland ranks among the top EU countries regarding public acceptance of new technologies. However, businesses remain cautious—many prefer to observe rather than lead.
Still, there are growing examples of successful AI implementation in Polish companies, including microbusinesses. Rising investments in AI for defence, ESG, and cybersecurity could become a major force for the digital transformation of the economy.
Poland’s Innovation Gap
Poland ranks 21st globally in terms of GDP and 8th in Europe, yet we hold only 40th place in the Global Innovation Index and 24th in the European Innovation Scoreboard. This reveals a clear innovation gap between economic potential and technological maturity.
It’s time to stop replicating external models and start creating our own. Poland must lead in selected strategic areas—especially AI and cybersecurity.
Many thanks to the organisers and fellow panellists for a highly insightful and inspiring discussion:
- Krzysztof Pietraszkiewicz – for the kind invitation
- Aleksander Poniewierski, PhD – for excellent moderation
- Arkadiusz Wójs, Dr Eng. Artur Pollak, Krzysztof Buczek – for the courageous and substantive debate
I invite you to watch the recording from the conference: CHECK OUT.
Booster of Innovation™ supports organisations in building AI strategies, designing and implementing AI-driven innovations, and developing future-proof skills.
📩 Interested in exploring what AI can do for your company?
Let’s talk: hello@boosterofinnovation.com
The AI ESG Tool platform was implemented by the Credit Information Bureau (BIK) in cooperation with Deloitte:
- About the ESG platform: CHECK OUT.
- Cooperation with the largest banks in Poland: CHECK OUT.
- Digital transformation of finance: CHECK OUT.
- Interview with the Vice President of the Credit Information Bureau Management Board: CHECK OUT.
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