Sustainable development in a transition economy: business case studies from Poland

In general, examples from developed countries are cited when making reference to good practice in sustainable development, while there is limited access to case studies from transition economies. Our aim is to analyse case studies from Poland, which has recently undergone the transition to a market-based economy, in order to identify and critically assess both the drivers of and barriers to sustainable development in Polish business. By demonstrating that evidence of good practice is available within Poland, we also aim to motivate key stakeholders to follow these examples in an addition to importing practice from developed countries. Together the 11 case studies analysed in the article demonstrate that while constraints exist to sustainable development there are nonetheless positive examples of best practice from which to learn. This review therefore complements other studies conducted on sustainable development in transition economies by indicating that lessons can be drawn on promoting sustainable development within this context and in other similar states undergoing economic, political and social transition.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Transition economies have their own valuable sustainable development case studies. ► Transition economies can learn from each other’s case studies. ► National case studies are more convincing than case studies from abroad.