In June 2025, the European Commission published the Poland 2025 Digital Decade Country Report, assessing the progress of Member States in delivering on the objectives of the Digital Decade program. The findings show that Poland still lags behind the EU average in most areas fundamental to building a knowledge-based economy. Fixed broadband infrastructure is well-developed and scores above the EU average, but beyond that, significant delays are evident - particularly in digital skills, the adoption of advanced technologies by SMEs, and the rollout of 5G networks.

The report highlights that the most significant barrier remains the low level of digital skills among citizens, especially in rural areas and within older demographics. Only 44.3% of Poles possess at least basic digital competences, far below the EU target of 80%. The shortage of ICT specialists further slows down the adoption of new technologies in both business and public administration. Skills in the most critical areas for the future economy - data analytics, cloud computing, and artificial intelligence - remain underdeveloped. While Polish companies are gradually increasing their digital intensity, the level of advanced technology adoption is still significantly below the European average. Delays in allocating frequencies for 5G further weaken competitiveness, as innovative, real-time business models and services cannot flourish without modern networks.

Poland’s digital landscape is not entirely bleak; in fact, signs of progress are becoming evident. The country is achieving success in digital public and healthcare services. By 2025, it also plans to introduce its first quantum computer and develop a large-scale Polish language model. These are encouraging signs that the potential exists, but it requires coordinated support and proper execution. The European Commission clearly emphasizes that Poland needs not just investment in infrastructure, but also systemic solutions that integrate digital education, technology, and operational expertise into a unified strategy.

Transformation Begins with Diagnosis — The INEA Model

Against this backdrop of national challenges, the private sector is playing an increasingly crucial role—not only as a provider of technological tools but also as a partner in driving digital transformation. One example is INEA, which has created a comprehensive support model for businesses and public institutions based on systemic diagnosis.

The process starts with a free online assessment that measures an organization’s digital maturity across different areas—from infrastructure and processes to skills and organizational culture. The results are provided in a personalized report that highlights strengths and weaknesses while pinpointing priority investment areas.

INEA’s philosophy is based on the belief that digitalization is a tool, not an end goal, to promote growth. Transformation should address the real needs of organizations—whether enhancing efficiency, increasing competitiveness, or complying with new regulations. On this basis, a customized action plan is developed, focusing on aligning technology and skills with the specific business environment rather than offering ready-made solutions.

Maciej Hojszyk, B2B Commercial Director at INEA, explains:

“For years, we have been helping our clients ride the wave of digital transformation in the B2B segment. That’s why it was increasingly frustrating to see Poland consistently ranked at the bottom of DESI indexes. We decided to act because we believe digitalization means a better future for us and for the entire country. We began with ourselves—investing heavily in acquiring knowledge and competencies in new technologies. We created a diagnostic tool that forms the basis for a tailored action plan. Our focus is always on our clients’ goals, because the solutions we propose must allow them to level up quickly, not serve as mere technological gadgets. Cybersecurity is integral—after all, the more processes and business activities move online, the greater the need to protect them. What we communicate most is the successes of our implementations, because in business, results matter, and those results should inspire collective effort. Unfortunately, you can’t simply buy digital transformation. Every organization must invest effort and commitment, but they don’t have to do it alone—they can count on our support.”

INEA’s offerings extend well beyond fiber internet or cloud services. The company provides a comprehensive portfolio: ERP and CRM systems, electronic document workflows, AI-driven tools, cybersecurity solutions, and data center along with backup infrastructure. This allows INEA to support clients throughout their entire journey—from diagnosis and technology deployment to ongoing operational assistance. Importantly, support continues after deployment. INEA offers 24/7 quality assurance, monitors system stability, and responds to disruptions in real time. In practical terms, this means entrepreneurs can adopt new tools confidently, without worrying that limited IT resources will compromise their investment.

A key part of INEA’s approach is providing financial and educational support. The company helps clients secure EU funding for digitalization—a crucial factor for many SMEs, as it determines whether transformation is possible at all. INEA also backs social and educational projects, including Poznań CityLab—an innovation hub started by the City of Poznań and the In_Spire Foundation—and Poznań University of Technology, to develop future talent pipelines and prepare young people for work in a knowledge-based economy.

This holistic approach has the potential to overcome the barriers highlighted by the European Commission. Here, digitalization stops being a one-time event focused on a single technological investment. Instead, it becomes a journey that includes diagnosis, planning, implementation, financing, and ongoing support. For Polish businesses, especially SMEs, such comprehensive models could be the key to closing the gap with the EU average.

The Commission’s report emphasizes that Poland can no longer delay its digital transformation. To meet the Digital Decade’s goals—80% of citizens with basic digital skills and 75% of companies using cloud, AI, and data analytics—solutions must do more than just provide technology; they must also teach organizations how to use it effectively and ensure it is resilient. INEA’s offer demonstrates that such solutions already exist and can genuinely support Poland’s journey toward digital modernity.