2025 Trends Report: The Technological Future of Polish Industry. An Analysis for Business Leaders in Key Regions

The picture of automation in Poland is full of contrasts. On one hand, 76% of companies see it as key to maintaining competitiveness. On the other hand, the data is unequivocal. The robot density in Polish industry is just 61 robots per 10,000 employees, while in the Czech Republic, this figure reaches 180, and in Hungary, 117. This "automation gap" poses a strategic risk that could weaken the position of Polish exporters.  

• Key Technologies: The new wave of automation is based on more flexible and financially accessible solutions. Collaborative robots (cobots), whose installations are growing dynamically, and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) in intralogistics, offering a return on investment in as little as two years, are gaining popularity.  

• Impact on the Labor Market: Forecasts indicate that by 2025, automation will account for over half of the working hours in industry. However, this process does not mean mass unemployment but rather generates demand for new, specialized skills related to programming, maintenance, and data analysis.  

Artificial intelligence is no longer a technological curiosity but is becoming the foundation of modern production. As many as 93% of industry leaders believe that AI integration provides a significant competitive advantage, and 62% of them have seen a return on investment exceeding 10%.  

• AI in Quality Control: In 2025, key applications of AI include predictive quality control. Advanced algorithms detect anomalies in real-time and forecast potential problems before they occur, automatically adjusting machine parameters. Large Language Models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, are used for automatic analysis of technical documentation and report generation.  

• Implementation Challenges: The biggest barriers remain technological debt (integrating AI with older MES/SCADA systems) and data silos, which prevent the creation of holistic analytical models.  

The European Green Deal and decarbonization pressure are becoming a hard business requirement. Access to key European markets will increasingly depend on a company's ability to demonstrate a low carbon footprint.

• Legal Frameworks and Goals: Poland, as part of its EU commitments, aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 55% by 2030 (compared to 1990). In July 2025, the European Commission announced the next stage of the strategy, prioritizing green investments in industry.  

• Circular Economy (CE): The European Union is accelerating the transition to a circular economy, which opens up new financing opportunities for Polish companies. An example is the  

  "European Funds for Subcarpathia" program, offering grants to SMEs for implementing CE solutions, with applications open until September 30, 2025.  

• Heavy and Aerospace Industry (Subcarpathian Region): Subcarpathia is strengthening its position as a center of excellence in advanced manufacturing. In September 2025, the MTU Aero Engines Polska plant in Tajęcina assembled its 5,000th low-pressure turbine module for engines powering Airbus A320neo aircraft. As the world's sole supplier of this component, the Polish plant is a key link in the global aerospace supply chain.  

• Electronics Manufacturing: From August 1, 2025, the new EU standard EN 18031 comes into force, imposing strict cybersecurity requirements. At the same time, through-hole technology (THT) remains indispensable in industrial and military production, guaranteeing higher mechanical strength and temperature tolerance than the SMT technology dominant in consumer electronics.  

• Metal Processing (Silesian Region): Silesia, the heart of Polish industry, is becoming an arena for the convergence of traditional and modern techniques. 3D printing with metal is no longer just a prototyping tool but a viable method for producing final parts with complex geometries. Simultaneously, technologies like  

  roboforming (robotic sheet metal forming) are introducing a new level of precision in traditional processes.  

• Wood and Furniture Industry (Greater Poland Region): Poland remains a European leader in furniture production, accounting for 30% of upholstered furniture production in the EU. However, the industry, heavily concentrated in Greater Poland, is facing a loss of competitiveness based on old advantages. The way forward is through innovation –  

  AI used for intelligent wood sorting and robotic lines for processing and milling.  

• Printing and Packaging (Mazovian and Łódź Regions): The industry is undergoing a profound transformation. Digital printing now accounts for 50% of the market. As many as 62% of companies have implemented workflow automation, using web-to-print systems and cost estimation software. A key trend, driven by consumer demand, is  

  sustainability – the use of recycled paper and biodegradable materials.  

The Polish industry is on the cusp of a new era. To compete effectively on the global market, companies must adopt a model based on three pillars: advanced technology, high efficiency, and low emissions.

1. Investment in Automation: It is urgent to close the "automation gap" with regional competitors by implementing accessible technologies like cobots and AMRs.

2. AI as an Optimization Tool: It is necessary to move beyond pilot projects and implement AI to optimize resource consumption, predictive quality control, and achieve sustainability goals.

3. Sustainability as a Commercial Necessity: Treating ESG and CE requirements not as a burden but as a condition for access to demanding European markets is crucial for maintaining and growing exports.

Adaptation to these trends will determine which Polish enterprises will shape the future of the industry and which will be left behind.