SPECJALNE STREFY EKONOMICZNE I USTAWA O WSPIERANIU NOWYCH INWESTYCJI JAKO NARZĘDZIA TRANSFORMACJI GOSPODARCZEJ POLSKI
SPECIAL ECONOMIC ZONES AND THE ACT ON SUPPORTING NEW INVESTMENTS AS TOOLS FOR POLAND'S ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION

Summary/Abstract: Purpose | This article analyzes the role of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and the Act on Supporting New Investments (Polish Investment Zone, PIZ) in Poland's economic transformation after 1989, assessing their impact on industrial restructuring, investment attractiveness, and regional disparities. Research method | The study employs a literature review and quantitative data analysis from reports by the Ministry of Development, Statistics Poland (GUS), the National Bank of Poland (NBP), and the Supreme Audit Office (NIK) for 2015-2024, covering permits, investment expenditures, and employment in 14 SEZs and the PIZ. A modified enclave model by P. Warr was used to evaluate regional efficiency. Results | SEZs increased investment expenditures from PLN 111.7 billion in 2015 to PLN 167.2 billion in 2024 and employment from 312,022 in 2015 to 368,869 in 2024. The PIZ generated 3,054 support decisions, PLN 132.5 billion in investments, and 51,924 new jobs, supporting SMEs (73% of decisions in 2024) and decentralization. The highest efficiency was recorded in the Śląskie (IE = 92) and Dolnośląskie (IE = 88) voivodeships. The hypothesis regarding the key role of SEZs and PIZ was confirmed, though regional disparities remain a challenge. Originality / value / implications / recommendations | The article contributes to the analysis of SEZ and PIZ evolution, highlighting the need for promoting PIZ in less developed regions, supporting innovation, and monitoring PIZ effects post-2026.

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