ebook WSPÓŁPRACA GOSPODARCZA MIĘDZY POLSKĄ I JAPONIĄ WYMIAR MAKROEKONOMICZNY I BRANŻOWY ECONOMIC COOPERATION BETWEEN POLAND AND JAPAN MACROECONOMIC AND SECTORAL DIMENSIONS. Arkadiusz Michał Kowalski (ed./red.)

Poland and Japan, two countries with different cultures, economies, histories and geographical locations, are moving closer together through growing economic cooperation. This monograph provides a wide-ranging analysis of this cooperation, both from a macroeconomic, microeconomic (case studies of selected companies) and mesoeconomic (industry-specific analyses) perspective. Mutual trade, investment relations and cultural conditions of cooperation are key aspects of this analysis. Not only is the current state of Polish-Japanese cooperation presented, but also the prospects and possibilities for further development of this cooperation. The aim of the monograph is to comprehensively present the conditions, determinants, and prospects of economic cooperation between Poland and Japan, with a particular focus on selected sectors of the economy: cosmetics, medicine
and pharmaceuticals, agri-food, green technology, information technology (ICT) and gaming. The book is divided into two main parts. The first part focuses on the analysis of
international competitiveness and innovation of both countries, bilateral trade relations and investments, as well as cultural conditions of Polish-Japanese cooperation. The second part provides a detailed analysis of selected industries, identifying development trends and cooperation potential. Economic cooperation between Poland and Japan is of particular importance in the context of global economic and geopolitical changes. Japan, being one of the world’s largest economies, offers Poland unique technological and investment opportunities. In turn, Poland, as a rapidly growing economy in the European Union, can become an important partner for Japan in Europe. However, in identifying opportunities for Polish-Japanese cooperation and its potential significance for economic growth, technological progress and sustainable development, a relatively small scale of trade or investment relations between these countries should be noted. In 2021, Japanese exports to Poland amounted to only 0.44% of Japan’s total exports, while Polish exports to Japan amounted to only 0.26% of Poland’s exports. At the same time, a constant characteristic of Polish-Japanese trade relations is that Poland records a deficit and Japan a surplus of the bilateral trade balance. Similarly, the stock of foreign direct investment (FDI) between Poland and Japan, as well as the income received from these investments, is at a relatively very low level, with Polish investors’ activity in Japan being at a lower level than Japanese investors’ activity in Poland. A challenge for cooperation between Poland and Japan is not only the geographical distance, but also the cultural differences between the two countries regarding, among other things, attitudes towards hierarchy, individualism and communication style. The high contextualisation of communication in Japan, which requires attention to nonverbal cues and situational context, can be a challenge for Polish business partners who prefer more direct and unambiguous communication. Understanding and respecting cultural differences can help avoid misunderstandings and misinterpretations, which is important in building effective business cooperation between Poland and Japan. Several research methods were used in the development of this monograph, including statistical data analysis, case studies, interviews with company representatives and analysis of the literature on the subject. Such a multi-faceted and interdisciplinary approach allows for a comprehensive picture of economic cooperation between Poland and Japan. A limitation of the study is the relatively small size of the Polish- Japanese trade or investment cooperation and the related impossibility of a broader identification of Polish companies present on the Japanese market, and in statistical analyses different classifications of industries or differences in methodologies for calculating different types of values in Poland and Japan. This monograph may contribute to a better understanding of the dynamics of cooperation between Poland and Japan and help both entrepreneurs and decisionmakers to make informed business and strategic decisions. The Japanese market offers many potential business or technological advantages, therefore it is advisable to popularise the knowledge of opportunities related to the establishment of relations between Polish and Japanese entities, especially given the current marginal level of Polish-Japanese economic cooperation. Developing economic cooperation between Poland and Japan also requires considering the dynamically changing global context in which both countries operate. Faced with challenges such as climate change, global health crises or transformations in international supply chains, Poland and Japan can find common areas for cooperation that will contribute to mutual development and strengthen their position on the international stage. Examples of such areas include green technologies and innovation in renewable energy sources, which are a priority for both Poland and Japan. Integration of resources and competencies in these areas can lead to significant benefits for both countries, both economically and environmentally. It is also worth noting the potential for cooperation in the education and research and development sectors. Joint research projects, academic exchanges and scientific cooperation programmes can lay the foundation for long-term relations between Poland and Japan, fostering mutual understanding and knowledge transfer. Through such initiatives, Poland and Japan can build a solid foundation for future economic cooperation based on innovation and shared values.