Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) report – takeaways for entrepreneurs and Poland’s economy
Poland’s economy stands out in Central Europe in terms of growth and resilience to market turbulence. As the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development’s ( OECD) latest report on Poland’s 23rd economic review indicates, GDP per capita has doubled over the past two decades and Poland has grown faster than the OECD average and neighbouring countries in the region. This is the result of a favourable business environment, growing innovation and a well-educated workforce, all of which attract investors. However, to maintain this positive trend, Poland needs to focus on a few key areas: macroeconomic stability, health system reform, increasing productivity and accelerating the green transition. The OECD indicates that reforms in these areas can translate into further economic growth, increased competitiveness and improved quality of life for the population.
In this article:
What is the OECD report?
The OECD Economic Survey: Poland 2025 is a comprehensive analysis of the state of the Polish economy, published every two years by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The document presents key macroeconomic indicators, analyses structural challenges and provides economic policy recommendations. The report covers a wide range of issues – from the sustainability of public finances, through the labour market, to energy transition and digitalisation. The full version of the report in English is available here.
Macroeconomic forecasts – stabilisation and new opportunities for companies in Poland
According to OECD forecasts, after a period of high inflation and instability, the Polish economy will return to growth in 2025-2026. It is expected that:
- GDP will grow by 3.4% in 2025 and by 3% in 2026, one of the best performances in Central Europe.
- Core inflation will fall to 5% in 2025 and 3.9% in 2026, which should allow for a gradual reduction in interest rates.
- Consumption and investment will be supported by improving foreign demand, declining inflation and easing financial conditions.
For businesses, this means greater predictability and stability, which will facilitate investment and expansion planning. However, the OECD notes that action is needed to maintain fiscal balance, especially after the increase in defence, health and social policy spending. Poland should focus on reducing the budget deficit, which can be achieved by optimising the tax system and spending public funds more efficiently.
Productivity and innovation – the key to Poland’s long-term growth
One of the main challenges for Poland is to maintain its high productivity growth rate, which has started to slow down in recent years. The OECD indicates that the key factors in this regard will be:
- Reforming the governance of state-owned enterprises – strengthening supervision, improving efficiency and reducing regulatory barriers can increase the competitiveness of the economy.
- Upskilling human capital – Poland should invest in education and training tailored to the requirements of a modern economy, including the development of digital and technological competencies.
- Stimulating innovation – support for startups and the R&D sector can increase the country’s innovation potential and attract new investment.
The OECD also recommends reducing administrative and regulatory barriers that can inhibit business activity, especially in the services and new technology sectors.
Poland’s health care system – investment in efficiency and human resources
Despite increasing investment in health care, Poland is still struggling with low life expectancy and staff shortages in health care. The OECD report indicates that the efficiency of the system can be improved through:
- Consolidation of hospital networks and better coordination of health care.
- Developing preventive healthcare to reduce hospital admissions and prolong the working lives of Poles.
- Increasing the number of places for medical students and improving working conditions in the health sector to stop the exodus of specialists.
For entrepreneurs and employers, this means possible changes in the health insurance system and a greater emphasis on health-promoting measures in companies. A healthy and active population also means greater efficiency at work and a reduced burden of sickness absence.
Green transition – pressure to move away from coal faster
The energy sector in Poland is still coal-based, which poses a major challenge in the context of climate policy. The OECD recommends strongly accelerating the energy transition by:
- Faster deployment of renewable energy sources and development of low-carbon technologies.
- Phasing out coal while supporting mining-dependent regions.
- Increasing investment in energy efficiency in buildings and transport, including reforming vehicle taxation.
Conclusion – what next?
The OECD report shows that Poland has a solid foundation for further growth, but faces key challenges. Entrepreneurs should prepare for:
- Economic stabilisation and a gradual decline in inflation, which will facilitate investment planning.
- The need to invest in innovation and human resource development to remain competitive.
- Changes in the health care system that may affect working conditions and employment costs.
- Green transformation, which will force new business models and investments in sustainability.
From the perspective of companies, it will be crucial to adapt to regulatory changes, use available funds for transformation and invest in modern technologies and human capital. Poland has the potential to remain a growth leader in the region – now is the time to take concrete action.
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