How can Poland transform its economic success into lasting international influence? This was one of the key questions discussed during the Polish Economic Congress, where business leaders, policymakers, and development institutions examined how to strengthen the country's global reputation and competitiveness. According to representatives of the Polish Development Fund (PFR), building a strong national brand requires more than marketing—it depends on creating successful companies capable of competing on international markets.

One of the main themes of the discussion was the need for closer cooperation between the public sector and entrepreneurs. PFR representatives stressed that long-term economic growth depends on maintaining an ongoing dialogue with businesses and implementing regulatory reforms that make it easier to operate and invest in Poland. While deregulation is often discussed as a strategic objective, participants emphasized that tangible improvements require consistent execution and time before businesses can fully benefit from the changes.

Another major challenge highlighted during the debate was access to growth capital for innovative companies. Many promising Polish startups continue to seek funding abroad due to limited domestic financing opportunities. To address this issue, PFR, together with BGK and PZU, launched the Innovate Poland initiative. The program starts with PLN 4 billion in public funding and aims to attract an additional PLN 4 billion from private investors, creating a total investment pool of PLN 8 billion for high-growth businesses.

The initiative is designed to help entrepreneurs access capital within Poland rather than relying exclusively on foreign investors. Funding will be distributed through investment funds that combine public and private resources, supporting companies with strong innovation potential and helping them scale their operations domestically and internationally. According to PFR, strengthening the local investment ecosystem is essential for ensuring that the most promising Polish technologies and startups remain in the country while continuing to grow globally.

Participants also emphasized that strong companies are the foundation of a strong national brand. In today's global economy, a country's reputation is increasingly shaped by its businesses, technologies, and innovations rather than by traditional promotional campaigns. Companies that successfully expand abroad become ambassadors of their home country, strengthening its visibility, credibility, and economic influence around the world.

The discussion concluded that Poland's next stage of development will depend not only on favorable macroeconomic indicators but also on its ability to create globally competitive champions in technology, industry, and innovation. By improving access to capital, supporting entrepreneurship, and creating a business-friendly environment, Poland can strengthen both its economy and its international standing. In this vision, successful Polish companies are not only engines of growth but also one of the country's most valuable sources of soft power.

pfr.pl