During the XXXII Economic Forum in Karpacz, a report was presented, commissioned by the Conference of Rectors of Economic Universities (CRUE) “Science and Higher Education and Economic Development”, which proves that investment in science and research is extremely effective.

Its results were discussed during the Forum by the rectors of the Warsaw School of Economics and the Universities of Economics in Kraków, Katowice, Poznań and Wrocław. 

According to the report, in Poland the level of funding for research and science should increase to around 3% of GDP; currently it is at a level of 1.39% of GDP; while the average in OECD countries is around 2.5%.

In the countries of Central and Eastern Europe, including Poland, economic growth to date has not been based on technological progress or the effects of scientific activity, the publication noted. It pointed out that previous growth drivers, such as catch-up effects or internal market expansion, are running out of momentum.

The publication notes that science and higher education are an essential part of the social infrastructure, underpinning economic and social development.