Middle income trap – myth or real threat to the Polish economy?

Abstract

Middle‐income trap is an economic theory formed in 2007 to explain growth slowdowns in developing countries. This concept quickly met considerable interest in both economic and political circles, which is exemplified by placing this development trap in the economic plan of the Polish government, the so‐called Strategia na Rzecz Odpowiedzialnego Rozwoju. The authors of the article attempted to assess the current situation of the Polish economy in the light of selected studies on the middle‐income trap, using the induction method and comparative analysis in order to verify the potential threat to further economic development. The analysis allowed the authors to answer the question posed in the title of the work, as well as to present their own opinions on the challenges facing the Polish economy.