12th European Economic Congress

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

Digital as a strategic direction of development. Commerce in the phase of deep digitalisation. New tools – technologies, logistics, infrastructure. Precisely processed data – the competitive advantage of e-commerce. Payments in the fight for perfect customer experience.

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

The rise of the phoenix – e-commerce as the beneficiary of the pandemic-inflicted crisis. Marketplace – a natural place for the development of global sales. Everyone wants to bask in the glory of e-commerce but how to stand out from the crowd? Significant resources for the development of e-commerce. How to use them?

New generation network as a future of communication and condition for digital transformation. What is at stake? Benefits of developing 5G network. Using the possibilities of 5G in the development of an e-state. New expectations in the face of the crisis – business, education, smart economy. Who is already “5G ready”? Tenders and the financing of its development. Most advanced commercial executions. The safety of the infrastructure.

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

Cloud computing – key element of the 4th industrial revolution. Cloud technologies. Business on demand – the potential of technology vs. companies’ ability to implement cloud solutions. The level of absorption and value of the market. Public, private and hybrid cloud. Investments of global major players – does Poland stand a change of becoming a regional leader?

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

The potential and significance of AI in the economy and the process of civilizational development. The development of AI: promises and expectations vs. facts. AI Vibes – areas influenced by data science. Means of use – current and potential. Acceleration of digitalisation as a measure of the usability of AI-related technologies. Autonomic machines – should we be scared?

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

Data in the economy – an undergoing revolution. Big Data Talks – open data: where, when, on what scale? Competitive advantage stemming from access and the processing of data. Profit and freedom, security and privacy, health and surveillance – how to reconcile contradictions? American, Asian and European perspective on the use of data in business, healthcare and security systems.

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

IoT and the digital transition of the economy. IoT Flow, i.e. the communication of machines and systems – how do we benefit from it? The industrial Internet of Things and the idea of a smart factory under development. Germ-free production – a permanent tendency? IoT in the city, commerce, services, farming and healthcare.

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

The intensifying flow of information and the growing popularity of remote work, lack of the ability to implement technological solutions, outdated solutions and other cyber threats. Act on the national cybersecurity system. Data theft, blackmail, business espionage, politically motivated abuse – many faces of cyberagression. Cyber warfare as a threat of paralysing critical infrastructure. Human – the weakest element? New, effective tools and methods of protecting privacy and secrets of companies in the digital world. Spendings on risk management – cybersecurity market?

Changes in the system of education – models, goals, challenges. How to educate creative and adaptive all-rounders? Deficit of digital competences in the face of accelerating digitalisation. What skills should the “employees of the future” possess? Man and Artificial Intelligence on the labour market. Programming, STEM, design thinking, soft skills? New fields of expertise and working conditions as a challenge for education.

Energy transition in the world, Europe, Poland. Climate neutrality by 2050 vs. national strategies of member states. Opportunities and barriers on Poland’s way to the adoption of the plan. Will the crisis-hit economy stand up to the ambitious challenge? Will the energy transition be a growth stimulus? Security of energy supply and reasonable prices in combination with socially acceptable abandoning of conventional energy sources. The right energy policy; how to complement the energy mix? Nuclear or hydrogen power? Electrification of the economy and zero-emission energy generation based on renewable energy sources – a good way to reach climate neutrality?

Into what actions and in what fields are translated strategic goals of the European Green Deal? Investments – direction, industries, character, examples. Financing activities – are new channels needed? Projects that are in line with the conception of the European Green Deal – examples from different areas.

Climate neutral Poland – it is possible? If yes, when and on what conditions? The need for a comprehensive national action plan in agreement with the assumptions of the Green Deal. Critical fields of legal, investment and educational activity: farming and forestry, transport, buildings and civil engineering (energy efficiency), the energy sector and industry. Financing goals and programmes. A non-existent alternative – decrease in the standard of living.

Renewable, efficient and cheap? Renewable energy sources in the current business and technological context. The increase in availability, decrease of costs, development of technologies – a stable trend? The role of IT, data management and smart grid. Digital giants in the new energy sector? Renewable energy sources in Poland – the situation of private and institutional investors; perspectives and opportunities. Renewable energy sources on the power market. Support, regulations and legal conditions for the development of renewable energy sources.

The condition, place in energy mixes and potential for development of the wind power sector in Europe. Polish experience in the development of wind farms – the current law and perspective for changes in the RES Act and the Wind Energy Investments Act. The role of local government in the process of choosing a right place for an investment.

The potential of offshore wind farms – the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. The evolution of technology. Investments: costs, efficiency, return on invested capital. Polish strategy for the development of offshore wind farms. Legal framework, capabilities, interested investors. The national sector of production for offshore – how to utilize the potential and experience?

Energy transition in the world, Europe, Poland. Conclusions and experience. Support programmes – need for modifications. The development of infrastructure as a key factor – the role of technologies, operators and regulations. Energy storage vs. the development of e-mobility and the possibility of managing the generated power. Traditional and new methods of storing energy. Consequences of the development of electromobility for the electricity system. Preparing for the boom. Where is the Polish electromobility heading?

What are real chances of developing a nuclear power plant “after Fukushima”? Nuclear power generation underlying the system as a condition for a dynamic development of renewable energy sources and reaching climate neutrality. Polish plans related to the evolution of the energy mix – a potential role of atomic energy. A strategic partnership with the USA? From declarations to agreement. Compact microgeneration as an alternative to large power plants. Plans, pilot studies, the interest of the Polish industry. New technologies related to safety and waste management.

Hydrogen as an alternative to hydrocarbons. The potential of hydrogen from the perspective of storage, stabilizing renewable energy sources and balancing energy systems. Hydrogen energy programmes as in European countries. World leaders in the field of hydrogen technologies and laws supporting the development of this sector. Hydrogen in the process of direct generation of zero-emission electricity. The decarbonating potential of hydrogen in time of climatic crisis. Is the introduction of hydrogen technologies into the energy mix or national industry a chance for accelerating the transition of the Polish energy sector?

Poland as one of leaders when it comes to the increase of the amount of power generated by solar panels. Diversified power generation and large investors. Consequences of the boom in the PV sector for the system, the Polish energy sector and the mentality of prosumers and politicians. Economic, social and environmental benefits. Instruments of supporting photovoltaic projects. PV in renewable energy sources auctions. Risks and benefits for parties entering Power Purchase Agreements.

The European natural gas market – facts and figures. Gas infrastructure in Europe vs. the safety of member states and the entire EU. Unresolved disagreements, conflicts of interest – Nord Stream 2 as a lesson. The Polish example – from dependency to sovereignty. Natural gas in energy technology – a way of reducing emissions. Financing investments from the perspective of natural gas in the context of EU climate policy.

Closed circuit economy – the overview of challenges, barriers, possibilities. Less waste? The reconstruction of the economy, security and health vs. the assumptions of closed circuit economy – what next? Effective waste segregation – education, discipline, control. Recycling in civil engineering. Production and no waste designs. Regulations, costs, reality. Who is winning? Those who are effective or the ones who continue in the old (cheaper) way? Recycled raw materials – examples and good practices. Environmentally friendly technological solutions. Problem with waste packages.

Best practices of local government – collection, sorting, processing. Directives on waste and their implementation by Poland. Extended responsibility of the manufacturer – when and how? Waste processing – new technologies, innovative strategies, the development of recycling technologies. Municipal waste management systems – rates, costs, balancing, remunicipalisation. Waste incineration plants: yes or not? Deposit return scheme, or who should pay?

Legal tools and their efficacy. The “clean air” program – reactivation? Ban on burning coal in household stoves – sources of financing the replacement of old stoves with new ones. Smog and system heat – necessity vs. the costs of connecting to the grid. Air quality in municipal policies, the experience of leaders. The role of social awareness and education. Smog in less urbanized areas. The problem of energy poverty and countermeasures.

Severe draught? Water in the world, Europe and Poland. Climate change, the impact of human activity, and other factors influencing water resources. Hydro-ecological conditions – disposable underground water resources in Poland, their condition and exploitation. The role of regulations in eco-friendly management of water resources. Problems with water: flawed laws, eutrophication, micro-litter. Special needs of the Baltic Sea – necessary actions. Education and support of the “diversified” retention.

Situation in international trade in time of the pandemic and recovery of economics. Protectionist tendencies. How do instability, conflicts and trade wars influence the economy? How to effectively operate on the global market in volatile circumstances? Support for investors and exporters – tools adequate to the situation. Open and competitive Europe – how to protect the free market against politically supported domination and unfair competition?

Protect what is ours – how to take care of own potential without violating free market principles? Examples from different industries and sector of the economy. Rational and failed actions, reactions, consequences. Countervailing charge, digital tax and other measures taken by the EU with the view of protecting the market and balancing chances. Inshoring, reshoring – are production processes being transferred back home? A trend of the time of the pandemic – how long will it last? Shortening supply chains as a means of minimising risk.

Design and schedule to be reviewed? The influence of the crisis in the aviation industry on the construction plans of the Central Transport Hub. Global transport traffic – an economic context of an investment today and tomorrow. An airline hub or a transport hub? The place of Central Transport Hub in the European sky and the European map of logistics. How can the Central Transport Hub transform the Polish rail? Central Transport Hub and related investments vs the. goals of EU Sustainable Transport Strategy.

Reconstruction of air traffic after the crisis vs. epidemic safety and related restrictions. Environment (noise pollution, emissions). State policy for aviation. The future of the national carrier. Strategies of airlines and demand forecasts (passengers, cargo). The uncertain future of investments in regional airports.

Domestic priorities, goals of EU transport policy, new investment in the region. Changes in the flow of goods, the reconstruction of logistic chains. Sustainable transport and the question of emissions in the context of the Polish reality. The influence of regulations on the competitiveness of railway. Optimal density of roads and railway tracks. Concluding key infrastructural investments – expected results of the “closing” of the network. Prospects for air transport. The development of the Polish port infrastructure at the Baltic Sea – private and state investments.

The collapse of production and the market – consequences for partners and producers. The reconstruction and making up for losses. The structure and perspective of demand in times of the crisis. Changes in the functioning of the sector and the market – temporary and permanent. Mobility today and tomorrow – an overview or review of trends?

With a past – the condition of the Polish black coal mining industry. How to restructure the industry – decisions, tools, socio-economic consequences, schedules. External factors – market, import, decarbonation. What should we invest in and what should we put into liquidation? The assumed shape of the sector. The role of coal in PEP 2040 – questions and answers. Around coal – producers of machinery and equipment, services suppliers, science. How to navigate in the changing circumstances?

Weakened local government – a partner in business? Perspectives of the development of PPP as an antidote to the lack of capital. Regulations and political support. Needs and possibilities. New PPP projects – examples. Good practices and lessons from mistakes. Combining PPP with EU funding. Private partners – where to find them?

A step back – public or individual transport? Financial, legal and health conditions for the functioning of public transport providers in cities. The place of the passenger. Normalising demand under the pressure of restrictions. Regional railways as an opportunity for municipal public transport. Necessary investments in infrastructure, synchronisation with other means of transport. Monorail, metro, eco-friendly rolling stock, smart technologies – concepts of public transport in cities.

Just transition of mining regions will accelerate – what does it mean? Consequences and socio-economic costs of the process. EU funds – how much, for whom, for what? Mechanisms of distribution, criteria of qualification, examples of projects, expected results. Renovation – how to effectively manage post-industrial areas and facilities? Financing, the role of private investors, designers, local government, society.

The tightest budgets in the history of local government in Poland. Limited revenues, new costs and needs. Should local governments borrow money? If yes, how? Local government investments under threat. Need for change – what about the Robin Hood tax? Is this the time for a tax revolution – the participation of local governments in VAT, increased participation in PIT, ad valorem tax?

A decade on the market of commercial properties in Poland. How will the market change? Is it the right time to invest in warehouses? Retail in crisis – new standards and changes of habits of new generations of consumers. Office blocks – time to review demand? Office for new, difficult times. Hotels in the face of a challenge. New class of assets – dormitories, nursing homes.

What after the record-breaking year 2019? The scale of needs, possibilities and plans. Barriers to the development of residential buildings. How to stimulate the Flat plus programme? Flats in exchange for a building plot – developers’ opinion. Faster, easier – expected changes in administrative procedures.

New situation on the Polish and European labour market. The scale and nature of the wave of pandemic-inflicted unemployment. In need of new competences – changes in the economy vs. labour demand. Employees from abroad in the new reality. Safe production, demand for services – how can automation transform the labour market? Alternatives to declining occupations.

The lock-down generation? The situation of young employees with limited experience. Long-term trends: precarity, graduates not being prepared for their first working experience (expectations of employers), unproductiveness. Wave of dismissals of young employees – (how) will they return to work? Expectations and needs of a changing economy.

Infrastructural investments in the new 2021-2027 EU budget. Local government and private investors in the situation of a dramatic economic slowdown. The new 2021 Public Procurement Law and the new system of contracts valorisation. The market of commercial and residential investments – current trends. Technological development in construction. Robotisation, digitalisation, prefabrication. Closed circuit economy on a construction site. The construction sector vs. the labour market.

Reasons to enact the new Public Procurement Law. Major changes in the law. A healthy balance between the interest of the subcontractor and the ordering party. Incentives for small and medium enterprises – do they work? Solutions in procedures related to innovative partnerships. Strategic procurement – defined and related procedures. Appeals, negotiations, bid bonds – in the light of the new Public Procurement Law. The functioning of new solutions from the perspective of business and administration – forecasts and hopes.

30 years of foreign investments in Poland – balance, evolution, prospects. Poland’s strong sides in the eyes of investors – today and tomorrow. Nearshoring and other trends of the time of recession. Time for shortening global production chains as a chance for Polish partners and subcontractors. What investments does the Polish economy need the most?

Large publicly funded projects as a way to restart and boost the market. Is it the right direction? Finishing road and rail projects, the Central Transport Hub, the Vistula Spit canal, the reconstruction of waterways, investments in ports at the Baltic Sea, the development of natural gas infrastructure. Plans, declarations, reality, schedules. Current and verified chances for financing and execution.

Trial by volatility – the response of organisations to the pandemic. Observation, mistakes, conclusions. Companies’ and institutions’ ability to adapt to changing circumstances as the main indicator of their efficiency. The flexibility of actions, structures, management and staff. New competences of employees, their ability to change, independence and delegating tasks. How to combine permanent readiness for change with consistence in action?

30 years of establishing the position of the food industry has passed – what next? How to maintain growth? Chances and threats to the food sector related to the pandemic. Polish food export – turmoil and insecurity. The financial safety of the sector in the context of settling accounts. Biosecurity, caring for employees, responsibility. Trends determining the future of the Polish food industry: structural changes, the Polish food brand, new consumer, new technologies.

Generational change of consumer preferences and their life priorities. New purchasing and service models in time of the pandemic. The corona-crisis aftermath – new models of behaviours, new standards, new habits. Ecology, technology, convenience and safety shape consumer experience. Customer experience – the new king of trade. “Consumer rebellion” – will it exert an actual influence of trade giants? Reaching consumers; global role models – celebrities, athletes, environmentalists. From emotions to values – how to buy consumer's attention? Application – nothing but the truth about climate?

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

Current marketing trends: hybrid campaigns, dialogue and new models of reaching the customer. The role of (social) media in brand managements, reactions to the fragmentation of markets. How do barriers to reaching customers disappear? Who benefits from it? New technologies in Out of Home communication. Sharing information publicly vs. the standard of living – how to convince municipal authorities that it is worth sharing digital information in the public space?

EU finances after the post-crisis reconstruction. The overview of new programmes, tools, amounts, current priorities, expected results. The investment potential of Europe as a key to return on the path of economic growth. European Green Deal and green investments. The future of cohesion policy. Poland and other economies of the region as the “permanent beneficiaries”? What changes should we be prepared for?

How to tax businesses operating in the digital world? Norms and regulations vs. the possibilities of holding business accountable. Where and how do I operate, where and how much do I pay – imposing taxes on revenue from streaming from the perspective of business, consumers and administration. The European compromise in the area of digital tax vs. first experiences of some member states.

Anti-crisis measures and then what? Economy after the crisis. Access to financial resources under reconstruction. Needs, possibilities of the financial sectors, tools and risk assessment. Promising industries from the perspective of an investor. What about the financing of innovations?

Banks in the new situation. Their role in distributing financial support for businesses. Models of relationships with customers – digital shock. The current condition of the sector vs. the security of the entire economy. Costs of credit risk. Strategies of banks in the face of a worsening situation of their customers. Forecasts for the banking sector – threats, risk factors, protection mechanisms.

The leasing market in Poland – condition, prospects and trends transforming the industry. Relations with customers in the context of their difficult situation – standards and practice. Changing products as a result of digitalisation and the implementation of new business models. New technologies in customer service. Financing electric and autonomous vehicles.

The scale and consequences of the recession in the tourism industry caused by the pandemic. Current and forecast occupancy rates – long-term perspective. Business hotels in the face of lock-down – how to help them? The significance of new hotel and infrastructural investments in metropolises, tourist destinations and less urbanized areas.

Growth dynamics of the MICE sector in Poland in recent years – its meaning for the economy and development of the country. Breakdown, recovery and current forecasts. The influence of business tourism on urban infrastructure. Modern facilities and compounds as a basis for the MICE industry. Economic, cultural, entertainment and sports events – how to survive when demand springs back?

Culture in need. Losses, restrictions, current problems. The significance of culture and cultural institutions in social life, identity, education and civilizational development. How not to protect values and heritage? Business, local governments, state vs. the financing of culture during a crisis. Culture as part of the labour market, the market of an economic situation, and asset of cities.

The economic significance of an efficient health care system. Models of financing health benefits – overview of solutions. How did the pandemic affect financing? The allocation of finances in health care systems – selected problems. Drug safety of the country – new approach? The sector of private health services – a painful recovery. Telemedicine is not everything. Faces of a digital revolution in medicine – from a smartphone app to Artificial Intelligence.

(common session of the European Economic Congress and European Tech & Start-up Days)

The pace of development and value of the biotechnological market. The growing significance of biotechnologies in the economy. The development of Polish biotechnologies – high standards of education, research and implementation potential as an incentive for investors. Polish leaders in the field of biotechnological innovations. Biotechnological start-ups – independence or cooperation with giants? The significance of intellectual property protection – for the security of business and valuation of a company.

No boundaries? Globalisation, the prevalence of the Internet, remote economy.

No place for slackers. Educational breakthrough and demand for new competences?

Zero waste. Green strategies – stable business perspective?

No ownership. “Using” rather than “having”. Opportunities for smaller companies?

No people. The invasion of machines and robots. Work as a privilege?

No inhibitions. Poland, the world and top technologies – who is slowing down and who will accelerate?

Time of trial. Easy money, inflated prices – is it all over yet? Demand for start-ups during a recession. New businesses and their relationship with investors – what are the parties interested in? Crisis as a chance for a new opening? Maturity and experience of technological companies developed from start-ups in their relationship with investors.

• StartGreen – budget green technologies. Apps for eco-friendly citizens
• Proptech – safety, savings, advantage. Solutions for the real estate market.
• Global edutech – value of the market, causes of development, main trends. Changing expectations of consumers.
• Foodtech and niches on the food market. From functional and precise food to food made in laboratory. Everything about a consumer and their diet in an app.