The price of business know-how

The Polish Chamber of Commerce's (KIG) project to promote competitiveness in Poland, known as KIGNET, is nearing completion. "It's time to reap the harvest," says Marek Kłoczko, KIG's general secretary.

Since March 2005, the project has been setting up a structure to provide Polish businesses with a package of solutions, including communication and information database systems and assistance with legal documentation and compliance. In addition, KIGNET offers training sessions for businesses planning to enter foreign markets and helps to facilitate contacts between foreign businesses and the local business environment.

A key priority of the project is encouraging innovation and technological advancement in Polish businesses. However, KIG experts warn that research and development expenditure in science and technology is insufficient, threatening competitiveness. Andrzej Arendarski, president of KIG, affirms that high economic growth in Poland relative to much of the rest of Europe should not excuse entrepreneurs from contributing to development that will further enhance competitiveness and growth.

The project is based on an agreement between KIG and the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development.