Competences with the key to strategic investments – conclusions from the debate in Mikołajki

As part of the 10th European Local Government Congress in Mikołajki, a debate was held on the importance of investment for Poland in a local context. The discussion was attended by representatives of government, local government and representatives of various sectors of the economy, including energy, finance and cement industry. Panelists have focused on key investment areas that can drive the country’s development, and at the same time contribute to Poland’s development in the coming years.

The debate showed that not only specific infrastructure or energy projects are crucial for the development of the country, but above all investments in human capital, innovations and sustainable development. Experts agreed that better coordination of activities between the government, local governments and business is needed to effectively implement strategic investments.

Particular attention was paid to the energy sector, where it is necessary to develop a long -term strategy and a clearly defined energy mix. The need to support Polish entrepreneurs in the investment process was also emphasized so that they could effectively compete with foreign companies.

The importance of investment

Stanisław Sobczyk, vice president of the board of Holcim Polska SA, During the debate he emphasized the importance of human resources in investment projects, and also why people’s competences are really the foundation of economic development. He shared his extensive international experience and noticed the key role of qualified staff in acquiring investments:

“Four years ago, we reported to our global board a willingness to implement an investment project in the Małogoszcz cement plant in the Świętokrzyskie Province, worth a billion zlotys. The first answer was the question about the team and competences enabling safe investing. We pointed to key managers who have international experience. It was experience and competence that we convinced the management of such large investments. The next question concerned the history of cooperation with local governments. There was a question about conflicts and cooperation with the local community.

Sobczyk also drew attention to investments in new technologies and environmental protection in the cement sector. He emphasized that the new cement plant in Małogoszcz consumes 30% less electricity and emits 20% less CO2. In addition, it is the first cement plant in Poland with the recovery of thermal energy from exhaust gases from the so -called Waste Heat Recovery, which allows you to produce 3.5mw of electricity. He also noted that the cement sector in Poland is moving away from fossil fuels, using over 90% of alternative fuels from renewable sources.

Transformation and energy security

On the other hand Miłosz Motyk, deputy minister of climate, He focused on issues related to the energy transformation and energy security of the country. In particular, he emphasized the importance of investment in renewable energy sources and nuclear energy.

“Today, new branches of the economy are being built in the nuclear, industrial, energy sectors and all those associated with these industries. These sectors are crucial for us in both short and longer time horizon, we certainly need specialists in these fields. And in these areas the factory will be created. In addition, we get signals from foreign investors who want to enter the Polish market. with questions about challenges and restrictions, especially when it comes to energy prices. he said.

Support for entrepreneurs

Leszek Stypułkowski, member of the board of Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, He drew attention to the need to coordinate activities and support Polish entrepreneurs in the investment process. He emphasized the role of support instruments and properly constructed tenders.

“For Polish enterprises to develop and the Polish economy grew, we must put more effort into purchasing processes and technical dialogues. We should carefully view the market offer, paying attention to what Polish suppliers and local producers have to offer. Purchase procedures must be fully transparent and competitive, so as not to eliminate smaller Polish companies that do not have such a great value, as International concerns “ – he said.

Local Government Problems

Michał Missan, President of Elbląg, He drew attention to the challenges of local governments in the context of investment and competitiveness of Polish companies. He presented an example of a tender for tram wagons, where the offer of a Turkish company was much cheaper than Polish.

“We conducted a tender for 10 tram wagons in Elbląg. We wanted to allow a lot of companies, and only two stood. One Polish, the other Turkish. Turkish, which builds on the components of Siemens, i.e. European. Thick several dozen million to investment. – he said.

Biogas plant potential

Tomasz Strzelecki, member of the board of the Polish Biogasowa Group, He emphasized the potential of the biogas plant as a source of green energy and benefits for local governments.

“From one biogas plant, as many as 3,000 houses can be fed. Of course, there are other benefits, such as the fact that the biogas plant processes waste, produces a poundment, i.e. fertilizer, employs people, pays taxes. In Poland, there are currently about 400 such installations, in Germany 11,000. We have a huge potential. They will take this type of investment, “he said.

No long -term strategy

Agnieszka Pąska, President of the Management Board of WPD Polska, She drew attention to the lack of a clearly defined energy mix for Poland and the need for a long -term strategy in the energy sector.

“The biggest problem is that we do not quite know how this energy mix should look like. As an industry, we are now trying to initiate a discussion on this subject, so that the state strategy is more matched in this area. There is no good vision, because for now a discussion about the mix does not exist,” she said.

Conclusions from the debate “Strategic investments for Poland and local context” indicate that Poland faces many challenges, but also has great development potential. The key to success will be the skilful use of available resources, investing in new technologies and care for the environment, while maintaining the competitiveness of the economy. State authorities should pay special attention to supporting partnerships between business and enterprises, as well as building a coherent strategy in the area of ​​the energy mix.