ESG i zrównoważony rozwój |
Global supply chain disruption during the pandemic and war. Insights from Polish enterprises
Summary
- In early 2020, the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic was a huge shock to the global economy and triggered many structural changes (e.g. increased the role of industry at the expense of unavailable services, remote work), and accelerated other megatrends (automatisation, digitalisation, sustainability).
- Polish firms were affected differently by the pandemic, depending on the sector. But they weathered the shock well – with a diversified approach to purchasing policy, changes in inventory management, and a diversified base of subcontractors.
- The Russian invasion in Ukraine on 24 February, 2022 brought about similar economic effects as the pandemic, with some of a higher magnitude – e.g. on the energy, metals and food markets. The West reacted to the Russian aggression with financial and economic sanctions. Many foreign firms suspended or closed their operations in Russia.
- The war means a new wave of global supply chain disruption. It will lead to another adjustment by Polish enterprises – directly by those trading in the East, and indirectly – by the economy as a whole. In addition to the limitations resulting from the geographic distance and the rising cost of international transport, other arguments speak in favour of changing polices and investment in the EU. A forced reallocation of capital from the (far and near) East could benefit Poland as a so-called frontier area. This will, however, require investor confidence, specifically that the eastern NATO flank is secure.