Foreword - Acknowledgements

External socio-economic and demographic factors are influencing Poland’s public governance capacity. Since joining the European Union (EU), Poland has registered significant economic growth, in part aided by EU programme investments. While the country has weathered the recent economic crisis well, its GDP growth rates are now slowing, its unemployment rates rising, significant regional disparities persist, the population is ageing rapidly and its fiscal environment will become significantly tighter over time. The purpose of this Review is to advise the government of Poland on how to improve its governance capacity to achieve long-term strategic quality-of-life and competitiveness outcomes for its citizens and businesses and how to deliver services more effectively and efficiently to these citizens and businesses in the context of the challenges the country is facing.