The region effectively leverages digital innovation

Central and Eastern Europe is emerging as a significant player in the global digital arena. The region is rapidly digitizing public services, investing in digital education and technology, and working to bridge the digital divide with more technologically advanced Western countries. Under the motto ‘Central and Eastern Europe: A New Leader in Digital Innovation’, this topic was discussed during one of the plenary sessions at the 33rd Economic Forum in Karpacz.

Discussion participants: Krzysztof Gawkowski, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitisation, Justin Gandy, Managing Director at MSD Poland, Aoife Houlihan, VP Government Engagement, Visa, and Stefan Andonovski, Minister of Digital Transformation of North Macedonia.

– It is crucial for the economy and businesses to remain competitive. This cannot be achieved without investing in modern technological solutions and developing competencies. Are they already innovative? – questioned the debate moderator, dr Piotr Wachowiak, Rector and Professor at the Warsaw School of Economics.

– Only public-private cooperation can drive a qualitative leap forward. This is not about the state simply bringing in large corporations and letting them profit. It is important to ensure that technological progress and digitisation reach micro and small businesses. In 2016, digitisation in Central and Eastern Europe accounted for 6% of GDP. In 2025, this figure will be 16% of the GDP of all Central and Eastern European countries, said Krzysztof Gawkowski.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Digitisation believes that digital services, such as mObywatel, provide Poles with a sense of security. However, digital services are just one component of a larger framework. Another critical element that is advancing beyond current reality is our cybersecurity.

– Cybersecurity in Poland is being ensured on an unprecedented scale. Last year, we had nearly 400,000 incident reports, with a similar number in the first half of 2024 alone. Only a few of these incidents could have been successful, the Minister of Digitalisation noted. For example, there was no virtual attack that disrupted the operation of our power plant, he added.

– In the Smart Macedonia project, we adopt a comprehensive approach to innovation. Building infrastructure must involve cooperation with the private sector; only then can we address barriers and create opportunities for further development, said Stefan Andonovski. He emphasized that digital transformation should not be viewed as a one-time effort but as an ongoing process that involves continuous evaluation and the search for new solutions.

According to Aoife Houlihan, states should focus on developing e-services for citizens. E-government helps build greater trust in government institutions, the panelist said. She cited the example of a competence centre that employs individuals from 30 countries. In her view, the strength of Poland's digital transformation lies in its skilled and talented workforce.

Justin Gandy drew attention the research centre established by MSD Polska. It is the largest data management centre, containing information on 5,000 clinical trials conducted around the world.

The Managing Director of MSD Polska emphasized the significant problems that artificial intelligence can solve in medicine and health care. He added that AI should be harnessed for ongoing progress, but we need to identify a niche that allows us to continue advancing humanity.

Partner: ISW