From: mk_thisisit
Poland possesses significant untapped potential in science and technology, despite facing considerable challenges that hinder its international standing. Professor Piotr Moncarz, a distinguished Polish engineer from Stanford University and the co-founder of the Polish-American Hub, highlights these issues and proposes solutions.
The Current State of Polish Science and Technology
Polish science is described as “drowning” and experiencing a “terrifying” decline [00:00:24][00:00:24]. On the international stage in science and technology, Poland is often rated as “zero zero” in nearly every category [00:00:53][00:00:53]. While individual Polish scientists and technologists excel globally, Poland itself does not exist as an international scientific and technological entity [00:04:41][00:04:41].
Brain Drain and Lack of Returns
A major challenge is the “brain drain,” where talented Poles educated in Poland leave to work abroad, contributing to other nations’ advancements rather than their own [00:00:30][00:00:30]. This means Poland loses the chance to build its own original innovations [00:02:43][00:02:43]. The return on investment for the extensive education and infrastructure provided by the Polish state (citizens) is disproportionately small [00:02:00][00:02:00].
Major global companies like Google, Intel, Volkswagen, and Siemens have laboratories in Poland, utilizing the best Polish talent for their products sold under their own brands. However, the Polish contribution to these innovations is often unknown internationally [00:03:21][00:03:21].
Systemic Issues
Professor Moncarz points to several systemic issues within Polish science:
- Fragmentation: The structure of Polish science is fragmented, operating as separate entities rather than a cohesive body [00:09:02][00:09:02].
- Lack of Economic Receptiveness: Poland lacks “suction pumps” or economic structures that are receptive to pulling ideas from universities and converting them into economic products [00:09:46][00:09:46].
- Low Wages: Wages at universities are too low, making it difficult to retain outstanding researchers and professors [00:11:23][00:11:23]. An AI doctorate from Stanford, for instance, can command a starting salary of up to a million dollars a year [00:11:51][00:11:51].
- Insufficient External Cooperation: The external market does not cooperate enough with universities to allow professors and their teams to raise their standard of living [00:11:29][00:11:29].
- Declining Social Position of Scientists: The social standing of scientists and professors has diminished over time [00:15:08][00:15:08].
- Bureaucracy: The European Union’s excessive bureaucracy is seen as hindering innovation by over-regulating, potentially closing doors to new inventions [00:29:42][00:29:42].
Lack of Presence in Silicon Valley
Unlike many other European Union countries, Poland does not have a formal state representation in Silicon Valley [00:06:01][00:06:01]. Other EU countries have dozens of centers representing their science, business, and investments, while Poland has “zero zeros” in each of these categories [00:06:33][00:06:33].
Polish Potential and Strengths
Despite these challenges, Poland possesses significant strengths that could propel its scientific and technological development.
Talent and Education
Poles demonstrate exceptional talent, actively participating in and contributing to global artificial intelligence development at the highest level [00:01:23][00:01:23]. Poland consistently ranks among the leading countries globally in international subject olympiads, especially in mathematics, chemistry, and computer science [00:17:44][00:17:44]. This is supported by a strong tradition of teaching these subjects [00:19:06][00:19:06]. Young Poles, like those participating in programs in Silicon Valley, are noted for their openness, social contact, and impressive skills [00:18:37][00:18:37].
Creativity and Resilience
Poles exhibit immense creativity, which may have developed from historical circumstances requiring ingenuity to survive and overcome challenging systems [00:19:17][00:19:17]. Many Poles who left their homeland with nothing have become successful entrepreneurs and leaders in other countries, demonstrating their resilience and ability to thrive in demanding environments [00:19:57][00:19:57].
Improving Infrastructure and Public Interest
Poland now boasts well-equipped laboratories with the latest devices, a significant improvement from the past [00:14:17][00:14:17]. Universities are also becoming more dynamic [00:15:01][00:15:01].
A unique moment occurred when the case of Professor Piotr Sankowski and his AI ideas generated widespread public interest, even making national headlines [00:15:56][00:15:56]. This public outcry influenced authorities to not only maintain an existing institute but also establish a new one dedicated to artificial intelligence, suggesting a potential shift in social interest towards science [00:16:31][00:16:31].
Solutions and Initiatives
To leverage its potential, Poland must create a structure that allows its great talents to achieve significant work within the country and showcase it to the world [00:02:58][00:02:58]. This involves providing scientists with a chance to feel satisfied working at home, thereby preventing them from having to become emigrants [00:12:59][00:12:59].
The Polish-American Hub
A key initiative is the establishment of the Polish-American Hub, also known as Poland.ai or Poland Sil, in Silicon Valley [00:05:21][00:05:21]. This hub aims to showcase Poland’s highest intellect and entrepreneurship [00:05:43][00:05:43]. It operates like an enterprise, providing specific products and delivering results on contracts for Polish clients, be it universities, cities, or companies [00:25:05][00:25:05]. Professor Moncarz views this hub as Poland’s formal public representation in Silicon Valley, akin to what Germany or Switzerland have [00:26:18][00:26:18].
Fostering Teamwork and Interdependence
Professor Moncarz emphasizes the importance of fostering teamwork for the common good, similar to the American model where individuals, traditionally pioneers, had to cooperate to survive [00:22:19][00:22:19]. This “interdependence” is not a burden but a strength, fostering a “civil society” and a strong “citizenship” that drives progress [00:23:02][00:23:02]. Observing integration meetings of young professionals in dynamic Polish companies gives hope that this collaborative spirit is growing in Poland [00:24:06][00:24:06].
Transatlantic Cooperation
Instead of competition, there should be a recognition of Europe and the United States as one “culturally economic element” that, through cooperation, can collectively influence the shape of the world [00:28:05][00:28:05]. Europe, having “slept through a huge period of technological development” in computerization, is now in the process of catching up [00:28:35][00:28:35]. The US still serves as a better model for opening up to new solutions than Europe’s over-regulation [00:34:28][00:34:28].