Poland's economic and social transformation 1989e2014 and contemporary challenges

Abstract

The article has two objectives. The first one is to identify the distinctive features of the Polish transformation,especially those which may explain why the initial, transformational recession was lessserious than elsewhere and why the subsequent economic growth was relatively high. It discussespositive as well as negative effects of the transition to the market-based economy. Some popularextremely negative evaluations of the transition are argued to be at variance with facts. The otherobjective is to discuss the reforms and policies necessary for Poland to continue the process of catchingup with the most advanced countries, so that the civilisation gap is further bridged or possiblyeliminated