The economic strategy of Poland and the Czech Republic as an example of the long-term effectiveness of state strategy

DOI: 10.33917/mic-2.127.2026.20-29

The author proceeds from the premise that for developing countries, the highest criterion of state effectiveness is the country’s transition to a new level, joining the ranks of developed countries. Of all the post-socialist bloc countries, Poland and the Czech Republic have achieved this. The author analyzes these cases. Poland implemented a standard set of macroeconomic reforms, and they proved successful thanks to a shift in public thinking: a focus on economic rather than political issues and, as a result, the widespread development of small and medium-sized businesses, which became the driving force of development. The Czech Republic had different starting conditions than Poland. The success of the Czech Republic’s economic breakthrough was determined by the correct actions taken with respect to industrial potential, which was preserved through prudent decisions during privatization and the development of international investment cooperation.

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