Change must wait

The percentage of companies which implemented innovative products or innovative production processes dropped to 36.7 percent in the 2005-2007 period, as compared to 42.5 percent between 2004-2006, according to Central Statistical Office (GUS) data.

On the other hand, the overall amount of spending on innovation steadily increased over the 2005-2007 period. In 2005, this figure stood at zł.14.6 billion and in 2006 it amounted to zł.16.5 billion. The zł.20.2 billion spent on innovation in 2007 marked a 21.7 percent y/y increase and the average investment in innovation per company increased from zł.4.8 to zł.7.1 million over that period.

The highest percentage of innovative investment in the 2005-2007 period was seen in the tobacco manufacturing industry. It was followed by coke (coal) and petroleum refinery production (76 percent) and chemicals production (65.2 percent).

During the 2005-2007 period, fewer companies chose to boost innovation through cooperation with another firm or institute. The percentage of such companies fell from 23 percent (2004-2006) to 21 percent (2005-2007). A third of the companies in that 21 percent, however, stated that the most valuable partners in improving innovativeness were suppliers of equipment, material, components and programming.

According to Mieczysław Bąk, deputy secretary general of the Polish Chamber of Commerce, there has been little improvement in investments in innovation.

"The real breakthrough will be visible in two years' time," he said.

Implementation of the Innovative Economy Operational Programme 2007-2013, as well as better accessibility of state loans for technology investment, will help stimulate investments in the near future, Bąk said. He noted, however, that the global slowdown could impede the process of investment.