Scientific and research co-operation

Polish scientists play an active role in international research projects. One can mention here: the 6th Framework Program of the European Community for Research, Technological Development and Demonstration Activities, NATO’s Science Program and EUREKA (European Research Coordination Agency), whose aim is increasing the competitiveness of the European economy. ‘Research and science’ was one of three negotiation areas first to be closed in Poland’s EU negotiations.

In 2000, 4.8 billion zlotys (about 1.2 billion euro) were spent on research and development in Poland. 63.4% of this came from budgetary sources, the rest from the private sector, branches of the Polish Academy of Sciences (PAN) and international organizations.

In EU countries the main source of finance for scientific research are private companies and enterprises. In Poland there is a rise in companies financing scientific research. It is important that more companies based on foreign capital are increasing their outlays on research and development. Expenditures on scientific activity in 2000 were 2% of total budget expenditures. This is higher than the average EU figure of 1.5% of total budget expenditures.

 In Poland, 860 entities undertake research and development activities. Almost 90,000 people are employed in research and development, amongst which more than 8,000 are professors. Statistically, there are more than 1,350 scientists per million inhabitants in Poland, each doing research valued at $37,000 a year apiece. Research is being done, amongst others, by scientific branches of the Polish Academy of Science, colleges of higher education and research and development units working under the aegis of the relevant government ministries.

The number of students – in the future some of whom will become scientists - in higher education in Poland is also growing systematically. At the end of 2000 there were almost 1.6 million of them. Another positive trend is the rising number of people with doctorates. In 2000 4,400 doctorates were awarded – 10% more than in the previous year.

In Poland increasing weight is being given to research and science, as it is one of the most crucial elements in the country’s economic development. A wide range of legal-tax solutions has been established to encourage companies to finance research. It is possible, for example, to include expenditures on scientific research in the cost of obtaining incomes and donations for scientific research can be written off as well as state warranties for investment credits.

In 1997, Poland was accepted into the ITA (Information Technology Agreement) as a founder member. This understanding foresees zero customs rates on some IT sector products, from transistors and semi-conducting to computer sub-assemblies, measuring apparatuses and telecommunication devices for ready computers. The value of global trade covered by the agreement is about $500 billion a year. In 2002, Poland accepted zero customs duties on all goods mentioned in the Agreement. ITA 2 is being worked on, widening the liberalization of trade on the majority of IT sector goods.

 source: www.poland.gov.pl