There is no freedom without entrepreneurship

The eleven representatives of the world of science, business, government and media were taking part in the debate held on 30th November in Warsaw’s Polonia Hotel. The event was held under the banner of “No Freedom without Entrepreneurship” and organised by the Gazeta Prawna Daily. The discussion moderato was Piotr Kraśko – journalist, the debate brought together Olgierd Dziekoński – Secretary of State at the President’s Chancellery, Mariusz Haładyj – Undersecretary of State at the Ministry of Economy, Henryka Bochniarz - President of Confederation Lewiatan, Bożena Lublińska – Kasprzak – President of PARP, Zbigniew Jagiełło, President of PKO BP, Andrzej Malinowski, President of Employers RP, Maciej Crelowski, the Chairman of the Main BCC Council, Professor Małgorzata Zaleska a member of Polish National Bank Board, Tomasz Hanczarek, Work Service President of Board and Andrzej Mochoń PhD Targi Kielce President of Board.

The debate can be recapitulated with a conclusion, which is also an appeal – it states that business people should be provided support in their combat against over-regulated economy. These are the entrepreneurs who know best what are the greatest impediments to development of companies in our country.

Andrzej Mochoń: “Few other places are like trade fairs; exhibitions clearly show the state of Poland’s economy. This is the showcase for entrepreneurs’ products and innovations. And conclusions are not optimistic. At every show held in our centre, a special committee presents business-sector medals. Very often we find it difficult to nominate a company to be presented with the medal. Companies of western origins are in the vanguard in this respect. Certain mistakes were made back in the 90’s when the privatisation process was under way; the companies which were entering Poland’s market and thus bought a very attractive output market were allowed to scrap research and development centres in most of the privatised companies. And thus Polish higher education institutions had no tasks to do. and the result today is as follows – whenever we have higher education institutions’ stands, there are no products, solutions or expansion projects to display. In most cases they put on display their leaflets. And the question arises – what is the HEI’s objective to be in the trade sow. Substantial EU subsidies utilised for laboratories is of key importance. I am a bit sceptical whether it will serve Poland’s econoy.

The debate was complemented with the “My Way to Economic Freedom” competition results announcement as well as the awarding ceremony of the “Company Without Borders” accolades. The laureates were presented the distinctions from the Republic of Poland President Bronisław Komorowski.