ECONOMY OF TOMORROW Socially Just, Sustainable and Dynamic Growth for a Good Society: A Case Study for Poland Piotr Stolarczyk and Aleksander Laszek November 2012 In 1989 Poland began transition from centrally planned economy to free market. Polish transition can be regarded as one of the most successful among former socialistic countries in Central and Eastern Europe. Over last two decade Polish economy experienced rapid GDP growth, which exceeded growth in wealthier Western Europe. Over last two decades Polish GDP growth outperformed nearly all EU countries and as a result GDP per capita doubled. Poland’s economic and social development over the past two decades was determined by two tremendously important events: change of political and economic system and shared by all subsequent governments strategic goal of European integration, which outlined the direction of reforms. The ongoing process of convergence between Poland and Western Europe is evident. However there are still many issues to be addressed to achieve sustainable growth in the future. Further structural reforms are needed in areas of i.e. public finance, labour market and pension system. Poland has been going through a massive infrastructural transformation which speeded-up after the EU accession. Although there are still huge investments needed in all sectors of infrastructure the gap is to be closed in coming years.