On 4–5 December, the 11th Congress of Polish Economists was held, bringing together academics, business practitioners, government representatives and students, creating a unique space for dialogue on the challenges facing Poland and the world. Renowned world-class economists Dani Rodrik (Harvard University) and Beata Javorcik (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development - EBRD / University of Oxford) were special guests at the congress. Their plenary presentations opened the proceedings and set the tone for the debate on the role of economists in shaping economic policy in unstable times.
The Department of European Studies at the Poznań University of Economics and Business made its mark at the congress.
Dr Magdalena Śliwińska, Professor at the Poznań University of Economics and Business, presented a paper entitled ‘Dimensions of Diversified Market Transformation’ during the session ‘Sustainable Development and the Economy of Moderation’.
During the congress, a paper entitled ‘SME in the EU Digital Single Market. The case of Poland and Croatia’ was also presented, co-authored by Dr Ida Musiałkowska, Professor at the Poznań University of Economics and Business. The presentation took place as part of the session ‘Economic integration and international trade’.
During the session ‘International competitiveness and adaptation of enterprises in conditions of uncertainty’, a paper co-authored with Zuzanna Maleszewska, MA, entitled ‘Building the credibility of a subsidiary in a more developed market – the role of knowledge transfer and network strategy adaptation’ was also presented.
The presentations perfectly reflected the main theme of the Congress, i.e. how to design development strategies based on knowledge, data and cooperation skills in times of uncertainty. The debates touched upon issues related to geopolitics, public finance stability, digitalisation, energy transition and the role of economists in shaping public policies.
The Congress ended with the adoption of the Poznań Declaration, emphasising the need to rebuild trust in institutions and make greater use of scientific research in decision-making processes.
These were two intense, inspiring days – with a large dose of knowledge, research and discussion, which will certainly pay off in the coming months.