In the face of global technological transformations, increasing the digital maturity of enterprises has become a key element in building competitiveness Poland, ranking near the bottom of European digital economy indices, faces significant challenges in the areas of digital competencies and the adoption of modern technologies. According to reports BGK, the Ministry of Development and Technology, and KPMG, as many as 75% of Polish companies exhibit low levels of digitalization, while approximately 40% of enterprises are entirely digitally excluded.
The most commonly cited barriers that discourage companies from investing in IT solutions are:
• Insufficient and poorly tailored financing options,
• Lack of specialized IT personnel,
• Low level of digital competencies among employees.
Research shows that companies’ self-assessment of their digital maturity level often does not align with objective indicators – the Dunning-Kruger effect leads decision-makers who lack comprehensive knowledge of available technologies to overestimate their capabilities. At the same time, company size clearly correlates with the level of digitalization. Large enterprises, equipped with specialized IT departments and security systems, adopt advanced digital solutions, while the SME sector, despite its significant development potential, tends to focus primarily on maintaining day-to-day operationsi
Among the key strategies supporting digital transformation, three main areas are highlighted: strengthening competencies, financing technology investments, and mitigating the negative effects of digitalization. BGK, as a development bank, is actively involved in initiatives aimed at modernizing Polish enterprises. Its flagship program, Biznesmax Plus Guarantees, launched at the beginning of last year, enables entrepreneurs to obtain investment loans with guarantees covering up to 80% of the loan value, while also offering a subsidy toward the loan capital. As a result, funding totaling PLN 1.5 billion has already been disbursed, unlocking capital of approximately PLN 2.6 billion to date.
New Financial Instruments – EU Loans
In addition to the products already being implemented, new financial instruments dedicated to digitalization are entering the market – such as EU loans for technological development, which are or will soon be available in most regions of Poland. These products stand out due to their favorable terms – flexible repayment schedules and long loan periods – which minimize the risk of debt and allow for precise alignment of investments with the specific nature of a company’s operations.Funds obtained from EU sources enable the financing of a wide range of initiatives – from the implementation of artificial intelligence, ERP and CRM systems, and cloud computing, to investments in production automation and cybersecurity. The introduction of such instruments supports a gradual transition toward a modern operational model, which is essential for enhancing competitiveness on the international stage.
What makes these solutions unique is not only the financing of investments but also the support they offer for strategic digital transformation planning. This is a process that requires a thorough audit of the current technological landscape, identification of skills gaps, and the definition of priority areas for action.
Planning the Transformation – The Key to Success
Digitalization within a company should be a thoughtful and well-planned process. It goes far beyond simply upgrading hardware or software. Above all, it represents a comprehensive shift in the approach to doing business – encompassing employee skill development, organizational restructuring, and the creation of a long-term strategy that enables a smooth transition to a digital model. A properly designed transformation that leverages access to modern financial instruments helps avoid common pitfalls – both organizational and financial.
The implementation of a digital maturity audit, such as the “Digital Maturity Test” developed by PFR and the Digital Poland Foundation, enables entrepreneurs to receive a personalized roadmap outlining the next steps in their digitalization journey. At the same time, European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) offer consulting, training, and access to modern infrastructure, significantly accelerating the adoption of new solutions and the building of competitive advantage.
The success of digital transformation in Polish enterprises requires synergy – a precisely planned strategy, access to available financial instruments (including EU loans and Biznesmax Plus guaranteed investment loans), and a continuous improvement of digital competencies among both managers and employees. Only under these conditions will dynamic economic growth be possible, positively impacting GDP and overall quality of life in society.
Ksawery Stojak
Manager of the Enterprise Digital Transformation Team Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego
For more information about the product/program: www.bgk.pl, section: https://www.bgk.pl/cyfryzacja-bgk/
This text was created in cooperation with Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego. The article is for informational and promotional purposes.
Data sources:
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- BGK Report: https://www.bgk.pl/aktualnosc/cyfryzacja-w-sektorze-msp-szanse-i-ograniczenia-raport-z-badania-bgk/
- MRiT & KPMG Report: https://www.gov.pl/web/rozwoj-technologia/transformacja-cyfrowa
- DESI Report: https://digital-strategy.ec.europa.eu/pl/library/digital-economy-and-society-index-desi-2022
- World Bank Report: https://www.worldbank.org/pl/news/press-release/2023/04/26/world-bank-report-highlights-role-of-human-development-for-a-successful-green-transition-in-europe
- Digital Poland Foundation Report: https://digitalpoland.org/publikacje/pobierz?id=8929226a-2e3a-492a-a03e-a6963bd93a1b
- Article: https://ladybusiness.pl/artykuly/preces-cyfryzacji-wfirmie-przemyslany-i-zaplanowany/
Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK) is Poland’s national development bank and the only institution of its kind in the country. BGK supports the sustainable social and economic development of Poland. It cooperates with public and local government sectors, supports housing development, infrastructure expansion, and entrepreneurship – including the international expansion of Polish companies. The bank finances investments of strategic importance to national security, operates government programs, manages and distributes EU funds. BGK has representative offices in Brussels, London, and Frankfurt am Main. In 2024, it celebrated its 100th anniversary.
The article appeared in the June issue of Business HUB..
Online version is avaliable for download: HERE.