Will small and medium-size enterprises in western Poland withstand the pressure of competition on the common market?

The paper considers the current preparedness and most immediate needs of Polish small and medium-size enterprises situated along the border with Germany, in view of EU membership. The author considers the opportunities that lie ahead with EU accession for companies in this region and the obstacles Polish entrepreneurs will have to face when entering the German side of the border.

The author reaches four main conclusions. Firstly, Poland's western borderline region should be given more consideration when earmarking budgetary resources and EU structural funds for infrastructure development and assistance to small and medium-size enterprises. SMEs are the engine of economic development in this region, employing approximately 70 per cent of the entire work force.

Secondly, there is a need to define the sectors of the German market in which Western Polish provinces could have a chance of being successful competitors. A study should also be conducted of how well local Polish businesses are prepared for operations under common market conditions.

Thirdly, local business associations and chambers of commerce should be established to ensure better co-ordination and better representation vis-à-vis their German counterparts.

Fourthly, the Szczecin agglomeration appears to have the best chance to take over as the leading business centre in the border region upon EU accession.