Professor Marcin Piątkowski began his speech by welcoming the assembled guests and noting that he had traveled to the VI Our Future Forum directly from India, where he is currently advising the government on economic matters. He emphasized that for the previous seven years, he held a similar position in China. He expressed hope that his expertise would help the Indian government maintain a GDP growth rate of at least 7% per year. He also highlighted his prior experience with Polish and international financial institutions, such as PKO BP Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
Turning to the main topic of his address, Professor Piątkowski presented his book, The Golden Age: Poland’s Rise to Europe’s Growth Leader and Its Future Prospects, which has become an international bestseller. He pointed out that over the last 35 years, Poland has been the fastest-growing economy in the world, marking one of the greatest success stories in the country’s history. He noted that the current economic situation allows for optimistic projections of Poland catching up with Western countries over the next decade, though growth might slow down afterward.
The professor stressed that the coming years will be pivotal for Poland, determining whether the country joins the economic “Champions League” or ends up in a position similar to countries like Spain or Italy. He observed that since the times of Mieszko I and Bolesław Chrobry, Poland’s economy has never been as close to the development level of Western nations as it is now. Quoting Napoleon Bonaparte, who said that “history is a set of lies agreed upon,” Professor Piątkowski illustrated how nations, including Poland, often idealize their past. He therefore appealed for an end to calling the 16th century Poland’s “Golden Age,” arguing instead that the country is experiencing its real golden age now, thanks to the dynamic economic growth of the past 35 years.
He reminded the audience that in 1989, few believed in Poland’s potential for success. Foreign economists predicted better prospects for countries like Czechoslovakia, Hungary, or even Romania. However, Poland’s GDP per capita has grown 3.5 times since 1989, achieving the best results not only among former Eastern Bloc countries but across Europe as a whole. Professor Piątkowski stressed that if the current growth trajectory continues, Poland could soon surpass Spain and, within ten years, overtake Italy and the United Kingdom.
However, to achieve these ambitious goals, Poland must address several key challenges, such as demographic shifts, the technological revolution, and structural transformations in the global economy. In response to these challenges, Professor Piątkowski proposed a “30-20-10 Vision” for young people. Jokingly, he said that rather than seeing a doctor, those with a vision should mobilize society to collectively achieve it.
He then outlined five main directions for necessary reforms, which he described as the “Five I’s”: innovation, investment, inclusivity, institutions, and immigration. He emphasized that implementing these reforms is crucial to securing Poland’s place among the world’s leading economies.
Professor Piątkowski concluded his address with an appeal to young people, encouraging them not to fear dreaming and, most importantly, to strive to realize those dreams.
