Poland's performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives.
In 2023, Poland made notable progress in the area of gigabit connectivity. However, challenges persist in the adoption of basic digital skills among the general population. Although Polish enterprises need to progress in the take-up of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics, Poland has advanced well in the digitalisation of SMEs in the last year.
Two main strengths or areas of progress
Gigabit connectivity
Very-High Capacity Network coverage in Poland (81.1% of households) is higher than the average for the whole EU (78.8%). Poland appears to be on track to reach 100% fibre coverage by 2030, although the last deployments might prove more difficult to achieve.
Digitalisation of SMEs
Although the KPIs on the digitalisation of enterprises may be below the EU average, the pace of growth of Polish start-ups is 6 times higher than in the EU. Moreover, Poland’s roadmap includes several investments to foster the digitalisation of its SMEs.
Two main weaknesses or areas to improve
Adoption of advanced digital technologies by enterprises
Except for cloud, the take-up of advanced technologies remains limited. In 2023, 3.7% of Polish enterprises have adopted AI, below the EU average of 8%, and 19.3% have adopted data analytics, below the EU average of 33.2%.
Basic digital skills
The share of population with at least basic digital skills is below the EU average (44.3% versus 55.6%) and the pace of growth until 2030 would have to be more than five times higher than the average observed in recent years to reach the EU target (80%).
Poland’s Key Performance Indicators
Poland’s Digital Decade strategic roadmap
Poland’s roadmap demonstrates that the country plans a significant effort to achieve the Digital Decade objectives and targets. It sets targets for 14 key performance indicators (KPIs) out of 14 and, in most of the cases, targets are aligned with the EU 2030 ambitions. To achieve its digital transformation, Poland plans to allocate a total budget (excluding private investments) estimated at EUR 12.4 billion (1.6% GDP).
Digital rights and principles
The Special Eurobarometer 'Digital Decade 2024' reveals positive trends for Poland, with 66% of Polish respondents believing that the EU protects their digital rights, compared to an EU average of 45%. 68% of Polish respondents have confidence that their digital privacy is safe, while 82% consider digital technologies important for connecting with friends and family and accessing public services. 59% of Poles remain confident that the online space is safe for children and 64% of Poles feel in control of their data. Nonetheless, there is still a need to reinforce digital rights at national level.
Country-Specific Recommendations
Poland must improve its performance towards the Digital Decade targets and objectives, to foster competitiveness, resilience, sovereignty, and promote European values and climate action.
Connectivity infrastructure
Proceed with the allocation of remaining 5G pioneer bands and strengthen the measures regarding 5G deployment.
Adoption of advanced digital technologies
Support the adoption of advanced digital technologies, with a particular attention to AI and data analytics.
Basic digital skills
Adopt measures to improve basic skills of the younger population.
Digitalisation of public services
Ensure coordinated implementation of public services and work towards their integration in public records.
More on the Digital Decade Report 2024
Check out the progress of all Member States and extracts of country-specific recommendations.