Poland was able to successfully redirect and diversify its economy after the fall of the Communist regime and the collapse of its economic network KOIMEKON (1989-1990). A painful bout of shock therapy in 1990 enabled it to quickly become one of the most dynamic economies in the region and to move from a period of transition towards a market economy.

Since the beginning of the 1990s, Poland has experienced sustained and remarkably consistent growth. It was the only country in the European Union not to enter into recession during the 2008 financial crisis. Despite the different political leanings of its various governments, it is clear that Poland enjoys significant economic stability.

Thanks to the diversification of its economy and its skilled workforce (which is becoming increasingly scarce, see below), it has become to some extent the workshop of Europe. Many large foreign businesses manufacture their products in Poland under their own label. We will examine three key sectors in the Polish economy which have been particularly successful: Agri-food, household electrical appliances and the automotive industry.