Fewer restrictions, more tools. The first day of the European SME Congress is behind us

Nearly 10,000 people are participating in this year’s 14th edition of the European Congress of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (ECMSME), both in person at the International Congress Center in Katowice and online. This is one third more than a year ago, which proves the growing interest in the event.

Entrepreneurial spirit in Katowice

– We are glad that we can visit Katowice again to discuss key economic issues of Poland, Europe and the world. Small and medium-sized enterprises create the labor market and ensure innovation, and in Katowice alone we have over 50,000 SME companies, providing work to over 100,000 people – said the city’s mayor, Dr. Marcin Krupa.

Marek Wójcik, the Voivode of Silesia, commented on his words, noting that SMEs play a key role in the economy and labor market, quickly reacting to current changes.

Business strategy needed immediately

Tomasz Zjawiony, vice-president of the National Chamber of Commerce and head of the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Katowice, appealed for the creation of a solid business development strategy that will support Polish enterprises.

– We need cooperation with institutions that offer support and not just impose new regulations. Let’s create conditions for Polish business to compete internationally, he said.

20 years on the EU market

In the panel “New opportunities on the labor market 20 years after Poland’s accession to the EU”, Mario Nava, Director General of the European Commission for Employment, announced that Polish companies constitute as much as 10% of European beneficiaries of funds for the development of employee competences. Prof. Jerzy Buzek added that Poland has undergone a transformation from a country of emigrants to a country of immigrants, which poses new challenges to the labor market.

– There is a lot of dirty work in Poland right now. There is a shortage of workers, which worries entrepreneurs. The answer to this challenge may be not only artificial intelligence, but also migration policy, which is closely related to the labor market, said the former prime minister.

Technology and employment

In the context of the role of artificial intelligence in the labor market, Li Andersson from the European Parliament noted that it is the way the technology is used that determines its impact. The discussion on the implementation of AI at work was attended by, among others: Dr. Błażej Mądrzycki and Piotr Kamiński, who agreed that artificial intelligence supports employees and can counteract shortages in the labor market.

– History teaches us that no technology is bad or good. It’s the way we use it that can be bad or good. For example: mines were very dangerous and difficult places to work. Machines and technology have taken over tasks that posed risks to humans. The same applies to artificial intelligence – what matters is how we use it and what rules we set, said Li Andersson.

Agreements signed

The Congress brought two important agreements: cooperation in the employment of refugees and migrants, declared by, among others, representative of the UN for Refugees and director of Caritas Polska, and the Memorandum of Understanding between the Regional Chamber of Commerce in Katowice and the Indian Economic Trade Organization, which aims to strengthen economic ties between Poland and India.

The ceremony was attended by key representatives, including Tomasz Zjawiony, President of RIG in Katowice and Vice-President of KIG, Dr. Asif Iqbal – President of IETO, Ms. Krinal, specialist in international relations on Asian markets, Mr. Mohanlal- Counselor (Commerce) & Head of Chancery, Embassy of India in Warsaw and Kinga Gajewska, Vice-Chairman of the Education and Science Committee and Chairwoman of the Polish-Indian Parliamentary Bilateral Team.