Market Trends of Poland ICT Industry
Growing Telecommunication Services in the Country
- The telecommunication sector in Poland is continuously expanding, and it is witnessing a modernization of infrastructure as many companies operating in Poland are increasing their investments. For instance, in April 2024, Orange Poland announced that the company is looking forward to enhancing its network infrastructure by deploying and launching 38 new base stations. With this, the company aims to enhance coverage and increase network capacity, ultimately improving the quality of service for Orange Poland users.
- The expansion of fiber optic networks has seen substantial development, providing the backbone for high-speed internet services. Companies like Orange Polska, Netia, and others have been at the forefront of deploying fiber optic infrastructure, offering gigabit internet speeds to many households and businesses. The availability of high-speed internet is essential for supporting the growing demand for data-intensive applications, from streaming services to remote working solutions.
- In April 2024, Orange Poland secured a contract to roll out a fiber optic network across 28 regions in Poland. The state-backed Project Centre Digital Poland (CPPC) is providing the necessary funding for this initiative. Under this project, the company is set to construct broadband networks in 125 municipalities. This infrastructure upgrade will extend the benefits of high-speed fiber broadband to residents in more than 2,300 towns. Such initiatives are driving the ICT market in Poland.
- Consumer demand for telecommunication services in Poland has been on the rise, driven by the increasing reliance on digital technologies in daily life. According to the report by the Central Statistical Office of Poland, the country witnessed growing demand for both mobile broadband and fixed connection with broadband access. In 2028, mobile broadband connection was 44.6%, and fixed connection with broadband access was 59.6%, which reached 73.7% and 69.5%, respectively, in 2023.
Retail and E-commerce Sector to Hold Significant Market Share
- Poland's retail and e-commerce sector is experiencing technological advancements driven by various factors, including changing consumer behaviors and strategic investments by domestic and international players. This growth is reshaping the retail sector and enhancing customer experiences, creating a demand for technologically advanced software to streamline operations, enhance customer engagement, and optimize supply chains.
- AI and machine learning are used to personalize shopping experiences, recommend products, and optimize pricing strategies. Retailers in Poland are adopting these technologies to analyze customer data and predict purchasing behaviors, leading to more targeted marketing campaigns and improved customer satisfaction. In February 2024, the European Union's Horizon Europe Programme funded a project within INAIR to bridge the AI skills gap across European MSMEs in the retail sector. Under this project, six companies from various European companies, including Poland, are set to enhance the competitiveness of European retail businesses through AI.
- The widespread use of smartphones has led to a surge in e-commerce. Retailers are developing mobile apps and optimizing their websites for mobile devices to cater to on-the-go consumers. Mobile wallets and payment solutions in Poland are also gaining popularity, providing convenient and secure payment options that drive the e-commerce sector in Poland. According to the report by the Central Statistical Office of Poland in 2023, Poland experienced growth in e-commerce as the share of online shoppers ordering or purchasing goods or services reached 64.3%, which was 47.8% in 2018.
- Consumers increasingly expect a consistent shopping experience whether they are shopping online, via mobile, or in physical stores. Retailers are adopting omnichannel strategies to integrate their online and offline operations. This includes unified inventory management, cross-channel promotions, and offering services like buying online and in-store pickup.