OPENING SESSION
The economy from scratch. Recommendations for those in power
- Polish economy 2024+. Key challenges for the new government and administration.
- Investments and their financing. How to unlock the funds from the National Recovery Plan (KPO)? Investment potential under the new EU financial framework. How to drive private investment?
- Foreign policy and the economy. The impact of geopolitical turmoil on the economy. Co-operation with Ukraine in the context of its EU aspirations. Poland in the EU: Will there be a new opening?
- The state in the economy. Changes to the ownership policy in state-owned companies. Free competition and a level playing field. The state as a regulator, arbitrator and infrastructure administrator.
- Climate and politics. Global climate objectives and action after COP28: How to accelerate on the road to a sustainable and zero-carbon economy?
- Energy and transition. Transformations of the energy sector – security, energy costs, and investments. How should Poland’s energy mix change?
- Public finances. Macroeconomic parameters determining the outlook for the economy and the state of public finances. Monetary policy, the state budget, and market confidence.
- The rule of law and business. Conditions for safe economic activity – free from system oppression. Rational and business-friendly legislation and fiscal policy.
DEBATES. TALKS. PRESENTATIONS
Energy, transition and security
A new definition of energy security and independence. What do business and investors expect in order to become more involved in the transition of the energy sector? The expected and recommended changes to EPP 2040. Green and distributed power generation: How much, when, and under what conditions? The transmission system and the National Power System faced with changes to the energy mix and generation structure. How to ensure stability and flexibility: coal, gas, renewables, or nuclear power? A yes, a no, or yet another option: What about the segregation of coal assets of energy companies?
The sustainable economy
Will there be an acceleration after COP 28? How will the findings of the global climate summit affect the European and global economy? EU legislative requirements related to taxonomy and reporting versus the national reality and costs – the smaller entities’ capability to adapt. ESG criteria in corporate strategies, financing and economic and trade co-operation. The risk of exclusion of Polish exporters from European supply chains. How can and should the state support companies in their transitional activities? The role of large entities and financial sector companies in decarbonising the Polish economy. Technologies for the transition – an opportunity for business leaders, investors, innovators and researchers.
The digital economy and digital companies
Key technology trends of 2024. Which technologies to invest in? Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML); the Internet of things (IoT); cloud solutions; and robotic process automation (RPA). System integration and management support. Examples of efficient implementation in industry, services and the financial sector. Motivations and concerns: How to encourage companies to invest in digitalisation? The demand for technology versus the green transition and energy efficiency. The infrastructure for a digital acceleration. How does the Polish e-state work and what does business think about it?
Investment financing
Changes to the funding models – the current and target role of state agencies and the private sector. The National Recovery Plan (KPO) and other EU sources of investment financing. Availability, conditions and criteria. European priorities versus Poland’s potential and investment needs – infrastructure, the sustainable economy, resilience, knowledge, digitalisation, and innovation.
Infrastructure and construction
Key investment projects in the national transport infrastructure – continuation, acceleration, and transfers of funds. Is there a need for a change to financial and organisational models? Co-operation between state contracting authorities and construction companies – good practices and necessary improvements. The indexation of contracts. Modern infrastructure vis-à-vis mobility trends, the development of sustainable transport and the geopolitical situation in our part of Europe. Investments held back by the cost of money as well as the prices of materials and labour costs. Can the release of EU funds give a boost to development?
The law, business and the economy
Stringency of the justice system in the economic sphere – subjective perceptions, hard data, visible trends, and dramatic examples. The modern economic circulation versus the competence of prosecutors and judges. The excessive duration of judicial procedures that disrupts economic activity. What should a healthy relationship between the state and business look like? Stabilisation of the legal environment of the economy: What does it take to achieve this? A legislative process taking into account the effects of legal acts on the economy.
Diversity, workforce and the labour market
Managing internally diverse teams: How to harness the potential of multiculturalism and prevent conflicts? The benefits of diversity in a company – efficiency and creativity; relationships and competence; and the employer’s image. Migrants in the labour market – trends, qualifications, adaptation, laws and procedures.
Poland, Ukraine and Europe
On what principles should the relations between Ukraine, Poland and Europe be based? The infrastructure and logistics providing support and facilitating economic co-operation. The role of Polish investors and contractors in the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.