2021, Volume 17, Issue 1
Reform of the science and higher education sector in Poland in the context of innovation and social responsibility of science
Bartłomiej Jan Barczyński1, Mirosław Rek2
1Archives of Budo | 4 Medicine Rek PLL, Warsaw, Poland
24 Medicine Rek PLL, Warsaw, Poland
Author for correspondence: Bartłomiej Jan Barczyński; Archives of Budo | 4 Medicine Rek PLL, Warsaw, Poland; email: barczynski@wp.pl
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Abstract
This scientific essay aims to broaden our understanding of the reform process within the science and higher education sector in Poland. The adoption of the New Public Management concept has been pursued with the intention of enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of scientific institutions. Additionally, the Third Generation University concept has been employed to strengthen collaboration among researchers, businesses, and local communities in tackling critical issues. The Polish government has embraced several strategic documents, led by the "Responsible Development Plan," which emphasizes the need for higher education reform as the success of the country's development and economy hinges on knowledge and social competence, inseparable from the science and higher education sector. The Ministry of Science and Higher Education was entrusted with the implementation, presenting the "Strategy for the Development of Polish Science and Higher Education" based on three pillars: (1) systemic changes in higher education and research, (2) innovations for the economy, combining research commercialization and business partnerships, (3) a program for social responsibility in science. These actions resulted in laws promoting innovation, creating a more favorable legal and institutional environment for innovative activities. The overall aim of these changes was also to improve Poland's economic standing in terms of innovation, as measured by the "European Innovation Scoreboard." Nonetheless, further efforts are needed, as Poland's innovation indicators continue to remain low, and collaboration between the scientific sector, administration, and businesses requires continuous support and encouragement. Although the reform of the science and higher education sector is an important step towards stimulating the development of science and innovation in Poland, it has not achieved its original goals.
Key words: European innovation scoreboard, New Public Management, Third Generation University, research and development indicators, innovation indicators