Structural Changes in the Industry of Poland Aagainst the Background of Eastern European Union States

Wiesława Gierańczyk,Tomasz Rachwał

doi:10.2478/v10117-012-0021-9

Wiesława Gierańczyk, Tomasz Rachwał

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.2478/v10117-012-0021-9

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Abstract

Structural Changes in the Industry of Poland Aagainst the Background of Eastern European Union States Industrial restructuring processes associated with the transformation of the system taking place in Poland and other countries of Central and Eastern Europe bring about structural changes in manufacturing intended to develop intellectually-intensive industries based on the implementation of the latest research and development (R&D) results. The purpose of this article is therefore to present changes in the role of industry in the economy of Poland based on its share in employment and gross value added in comparison with other eastern EU countries, as well as structural changes in the industrial sectors (NACE divisions). The comparison will assess the competitive position of Polish industry on international markets, particularly against the other states transforming their economies. The analysis will seek to establish to what extent the structural changes in Polish industry indicate positive effects of the country's economic transformation.

Highlights

The restructuring process of the industry of Poland and other Central and East European countries connected with their transition from a centrally planned to a market economy should be moving towards the development of intellectually-intensive industries, i.e. those based on knowledge
The skill to use knowledge and information is the basis for building innovativeness, which means the ability of entities and economies to create and implement innovations, undertake activities stimulating innovativeness, and engage the necessary resources (Gierańczyk 2009a)
This paper aims to present structural changes in Poland’s industry as a sign of restructuring of its entire economy against the backcloth of other EU states, especially those from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)

Summary

Introduction

The restructuring process of the industry of Poland and other Central and East European countries connected with their transition from a centrally planned to a market economy should be moving towards the development of intellectually-intensive industries, i.e. those based on knowledge. The share of hightech industry in employment and value added, as indicated by many authors (Chojnicki & Czyż 2006, Czyż 2010, Gurbała 2010, Stachowiak 2009, Stryjakiewicz 2002, Świdurska 2010), is one of the factors boosting the competitiveness of regions and the socio-economic development of countries. From this perspective it seems important to examine how the processes of industrial restructuring in Poland and other European countries undergoing economic transformation have helped them to improve their competitiveness on international markets. The paper, presents only the most important results of the above studies

The changing role of industry in the economy

The sectoral structure of industry

Development of the high-tech sector

Findings

Conclusions