Key enabling technologies in the European Union and in Poland

Purpose – To analyse the situation in Key Enabling Technologies (KETs) in the European Union and in Poland. Research method – Desk research and the analysis of available literature. The sources of data used were, among others: European Patent Office, Central Statistical Office, IMD World Competitiveness Centre and High Level Expert Group reports as well as the reports and data of the European Commission. KETs’ analysis in Poland was conducted based on the published CSO data. The article presents selected variables characterising the activity of enterprises operating in the field of biotechnology and nanotechnology, and the analyses of research and development activities as part of the executive sectors in both of the analysed fields. In addition, data on the number of registered patents in Poland and the share of the number of registered patents in the field of biotechnology in relation to their total number were presented. Results – The article covers topics connected with the measurement of KETs’ competitiveness, describes the situation of KETs in Europe and in Poland, not being a very innovative EU country. Originality /value – The problem of KETs and their importance for the EU and its members’ sustainable development is recognized in a limited scope. There is not much literature on the topic. There is no strategy for KETs at the national level in Poland.