Is Poland’s “economic miracle” for real?

Is Poland’s “economic miracle” for real?

Author: BBC World Service February 9, 2026 Duration: 16:43

Poland’s economy is expected to be the fastest-growing in Europe this year according to the European Union, with the spending power of its average worker on course to overtake that of Japan.

So how, three and a half decades after the fall of communism, has it become a case study of capitalism?

We hear from some of the country's biggest companies on that increased consumer power, their ambitions to take on the world with international expansion, and ask what hurdles lie in the way for what one economist calls "Europe's growth champion."

If you'd like to get in touch with the team, our email address is businessdaily@bbc.co.uk

Presented and produced by Will Bain

Business Daily is the home of in-depth audio journalism devoted to the world of money and work. From small startup stories to big corporate takeovers, global economic shifts to trends in technology, we look at the key figures, ideas and events shaping business.

Each episode is a 17-minute deep dive into a single topic, featuring expert analysis and the people at the heart of the story.

Recent episodes explore the weight-loss drug revolution, the growth in AI, the cost of living, why bond markets are so powerful, China's property bubble, and Gen Z's experience of the current job market.

We also feature in-depth interviews with company founders and some of the world's most prominent CEOs. These include Google's Sundar Pichai, Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, and the CEO of Starbucks, Brian Niccol.

(Picture: An aerial view of Warsaw, Poland, including modern skyscrapers. Credit: Getty Images)


Behind the headlines and market numbers, there’s a human story. Business Daily from the BBC World Service digs into those stories, exploring how the forces of money and work shape lives and communities across the globe. This isn't just a recap of financial news; it’s about the tangible impact of economic decisions, from a factory floor in Vietnam to a tech startup in Nairobi. Each episode focuses on a single, compelling narrative, offering a clear and thorough examination of how business and economics function in the real world. You’ll hear directly from the people involved-entrepreneurs facing unexpected hurdles, workers adapting to new industries, and analysts deciphering local trends with global consequences. The reporting is grounded and precise, reflecting the BBC’s commitment to depth and clarity. By focusing on the daily drama inherent in our economic systems, this podcast makes the vast subject of business feel immediate and personal. Tune in for a thoughtful perspective that connects economic concepts to everyday reality, providing a deeper understanding of the world through the lens of commerce and labor.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Business Daily
Podcast Episodes
Who’s behind Sierra Leone’s illegal fishing problem? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:28
Each Monday, Ed Butler takes you around the globe to the heart of the stories and meeting those living through them. West Africa is currently the global epicentre for illegal fishing, according to the UN's Food and Agric…
How karate helped a shy kid transform how India pays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:28
We hear how karate, being laughed out of a bank boardroom in a cash-obsessed country helped shape one of India’s most valuable fintech companies. Harshil Mathur shares how discipline, resilience and a leap of faith helpe…
Has the World Cup broken dynamic pricing? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:27
This week, Michelle, Rahul and Will explore the world of dynamic pricing, where prices go up when demand is high and come down when demand drops. It’s already standard in travel and hospitality. Now, it’s expanding into…
The blurring of K-beauty [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:29
Renowned for its multi-step skincare routine and its foundation in the ever trendy Korean culture, K-beauty has become a multi-billion dollar industry across the globe.The term covers a wide range of skincare, make-up an…
Are content creators invading public spaces? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:27
From cafes and gyms to supermarkets and restaurants, content creators are moving into everyday spaces, searching for attractive backdrops for their photos and videos. But as the influencer economy grows, their presence i…
The woman trying to fix Nigeria's medicine gap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:26
Nigeria pharmacist Abimbola Adebakin tells us how a failed start-up and the struggle to access essential medicines inspired her to build Advantage Health Africa, a company connecting pharmacies and helping deliver medici…
Prediction markets: are they fuelling insider trading? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:27
This week, Michelle, Rahul and Will explore prediction markets — online platforms where people can bet on future events, from elections to pop culture and even world conflicts.Concerns about insider trading are on the ri…
The Iran war oil shock: Is there worse to come? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:27
When the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz's closure disrupted global oil supply, some experts predicted crude oil prices as high as $150, or even $200 per barrel. That hasn't happened. Why not? And is it because the way…
Biohacking: Where fad meets finance? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:28
Biohackers say they are making their bodies and brains run better by hacking their biology. And it is not just kitchen counter experimentation anymore. There is now an entire industry promising to optimise you with suppl…