Digital transformation is a key driver of economic and social growth, with the development of broadband infrastructure and fifth-generation (5G) technologies forming the foundation of the Gigabit Society under the framework of the “Digital Decade of Europe”. Digitization also plays a key role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure) by contributing to the development of smart cities and improving resource management and citizens’ quality of life. This article critically analyzes Poland’s progress in achieving European digital objectives drawing on European Commission data, especially the Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI). Poland has expanded fiber optic technology (FTTP) and digital public services. However, barriers include limited 5G implementation, low digital skills, and minimal use of advanced technologies in business. The results indicate the need for further regulatory reforms, increased investment, and systemic support for digital education. This article contributes by linking digital policy and technology to sustainable economic and social development in national and European contexts.

The work aimed to determine the scope of the good governance approach in the local development planning of local governments of rural and urban-rural gminas in the eastern peripheral voivodeships of Poland (Lubelskie, Podlaskie and Świętokrzyskie Voivodeships) and how the implementation of good governance principles in the process of elaborating and implementing local development strategies correlates with assessments of the strategy's suitability as a development management tool. The research used methods of analysis and criticism of the literature, statistical analysis and a survey method using an interview questionnaire addressed to local government authorities. According to our research, especially at the stage of developing the strategy, actions were taken regarding local-community and local-authority participation and active communication between the two, but a lower level of community participation was found at the implementation stage. There was a statistically significant relationship between adopting the principle of participation and accountability in preparing and implementing the strategy and how suitable the strategy was assessed to be as a tool for development management. It seems reasonable to apply the principles of good governance more widely in planning local development, not only while developing the strategy, but also in its implementation.

Subject and purpose of work: The aim of this study is to analyse the profitability level of industrial companies in various phases of their lifecycle. Materials and methods: The article uses data from individual annual financial statements of industrial companies in accordance with the classification of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. In order to investigate whether there are essential differences in the level of profitability of companies in various phases of their lifecycle, due to significant deviations from normality, the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis H test was used. To find out which lifecycle phases differ significantly in terms of the level of analysed profitability ratios, a test of multiple comparisons of medium ranks was used (Post-hoc Dunn’s test). Results: The obtained research results show that a given lifecycle phase significantly differentiates the level of the analysed profitability indices. Conclusions: Based on the conducted research, it was found that the company’s lifecycle phase statistically significantly differentiates the level of the analysed profitability indices. In the early phases of the lifecycle, the level of profitability in the surveyed companies increased gradually reaching maximum and stable values in the phase of maturity or shake-out, after which it decreased in the decline phase. This points to an evolutionary transition of individual companies to the next phase of the lifecycle.

Purpose: This paper discusses the concept of identifying the causal effects using quasi-experimental methods and applies this method to investigate the impact of high license fees on the quality of mobile Internet in Poland. Design/methodology/approach: Quasi-experiment design, especially the difference-in-differences method and the interrupted time series design were used to examine the causal effects of spectrum fees in Poland. Data on the quality of mobile Internet in Poland and around the world published by Akamai and data provided by Ookla® under the agreement were used for analysis. Findings: The study did not confirm the impact of high spectrum fees on the quality of the Internet in Poland. Practical implications: The results obtained can help policymakers in Poland and other countries in making decisions on spectrum management. Originality/value: This is the first paper using the quasi-experimental method to examine the effects of the 4G auction in Poland. Keywords: quasi-experiment, difference in difference (DiD), interrupted time series design (ITS), spectrum auction, mobile Internet market. Category of the paper: Research paper.