AI could become one of the most significant drivers of Poland’s economic growth over the next decade. According to the World Bank Group’s latest report, the country has the potential to increase its real GDP by as much as 12.1% by 2035 through the widespread adoption of AI technologies.

Poland’s Economic Transformation

The report highlights that while Poland has already built a strong foundation as one of Central Europe’s fastest-growing economies, AI represents an opportunity to accelerate productivity, improve job quality, and strengthen the country’s long-term competitiveness.

Poland’s economic journey over the past three decades has been remarkable. Since the early 1990s, following its transition to a market economy, the country has consistently outperformed many European peers, becoming the world’s 20th largest economy. Real GDP has more than tripled, making Poland one of Europe’s greatest economic success stories.

Even during periods of global uncertainty, Poland demonstrated remarkable resilience. It was the only European Union member state to avoid recession during the global financial crisis of 2008–2009. Following the COVID-19 pandemic, economic growth rebounded strongly, although recent years have been characterized by slower growth due to inflationary pressures, higher interest rates, and geopolitical uncertainty.

Looking ahead, demographic challenges (including an aging population and a shrinking workforce) are expected to weigh on future economic growth. This is precisely where AI could play a transformative role by increasing productivity and helping businesses do more with fewer resources.

AI Is More Than Automation

The World Bank emphasizes that AI should not be viewed simply as a tool for automation. Instead, it represents a strategic opportunity to enhance productivity across industries, create higher-value jobs, improve public services, and stimulate innovation.

However, realizing these benefits will require more than access to AI technologies. Success will depend on investments in digital infrastructure, energy systems, education, workforce reskilling, and policies that encourage innovation and responsible AI adoption.

The report’s findings are based on the new MANAGE-AI macroeconomic model, which assesses the impact of AI on economic growth, jobs, wages, and public finances under various scenarios. The new World Bank report on Poland is the first application of this model.

“Poland has the potential to become a major beneficiary of artificial intelligence, using it as a source of higher productivity, better jobs, and stronger economic growth,” said Ary Naïm, World Bank Group Country Manager for Poland.

“The challenge is not access to AI itself. The challenge is using this technology productively—mobilizing investments in infrastructure and skills that form the foundation of future growth, from digital networks to energy, water, and education, while ensuring that workers are able to adapt and thrive as the economy evolves.”

Turning Potential into Reality

While Poland’s AI opportunity is significant, its success is far from guaranteed. According to the World Bank, only 8% of Polish companies currently use AI in at least one business process, highlighting both the country’s early stage of adoption and the enormous room for expansion.

The report argues that productivity gains will depend less on access to AI itself and more on organizations’ ability to integrate the technology effectively. Strong managerial capabilities, investment in digital skills, and a stable, predictable regulatory environment will be essential for translating AI adoption into measurable economic growth.

Business Services: The First Industry to Feel AI’s Impact

One of the first sectors to experience AI-driven transformation will be Poland’s business services industry, one of the country’s largest employers. While many routine tasks are expected to become increasingly automated, AI also presents an opportunity for companies to move up the value chain by focusing on more knowledge-intensive, higher-value services.

Importantly, the report suggests that AI could generate substantial economic value without fundamentally changing the structure of Poland’s economy. Instead, its greatest impact is likely to come from reshaping the way work is organized. As AI becomes more widely adopted, workers will increasingly transition between occupations and job functions rather than being replaced outright.

Lessons That Extend Beyond Poland

Although the report focuses on Poland, its findings are highly relevant for countries across Europe and beyond. Many economies face the same challenge: how to increase productivity, respond to demographic pressures, and ensure that the economic gains created by artificial intelligence are distributed fairly?

The report serves as both an opportunity assessment and a roadmap for governments and business leaders seeking to harness AI as a driver of long-term, sustainable growth.

Ready to Build an AI-Ready Workforce?

AI is transforming the workplace, but technology alone is not enough. Success depends on having the right people, the right skills, and the ability to adapt to changing business needs.

If your organization is planning to adopt AI, expand digital capabilities, or strengthen teams with AI-ready talent, our HR and talent experts can help. Whether you need to hire specialized professionals, scale your workforce through staff augmentation, or build teams equipped for the future of work, we can connect you with the right talent to support your transformation.

Get in touch with our team to learn how we can help you build the workforce needed for the AI era.

Full Report: www.worldbank.org

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