The past week showed how expertise from the Wroclaw University of Economics and Business helps make sense of issues that matter to businesses, public institutions and local communities. WUEB researchers explained tax changes and banking offers, examined risk in the financial sector and corporate performance, and contributed to discussions on urban logistics, fuel security and the local energy transition.
The Sejm passes OKI. New rules may reduce tax, but not for everyone
WUEB expert: dr Dominika Florek-Sapkowska
The Sejm has passed legislation introducing the Personal Investment Account, known by its Polish acronym OKI. The scheme is intended to encourage long-term saving and investment. Dr Dominika Florek-Sapkowska explains, however, that the tax benefit will depend on investment returns, the value of the assets held and the chosen method of tax settlement.
The article explains how the new scheme works. It also notes that a lower headline tax does not necessarily mean the same benefit for every investor.
An algorithm spots company trouble a year before the courts do. Statistics Poland President’s Award for a WUEB doctoral thesis
WUEB expert: dr Aleksandra Szymura, absolwentka Szkoły Doktorskiej UEW
Machine-learning models can identify the risk of declining profitability, liquidity problems or excessive corporate debt one year in advance. Dr Aleksandra Szymura used data from hundreds of thousands of Polish companies to develop early-warning tools for deteriorating financial performance.
Her doctoral thesis, prepared at the Doctoral School of the WUEB, took second place in the 2025 competition organised by the President of Statistics Poland for the best doctoral dissertation in statistics.
Erste offers PLN 4,500 for a business account, plus PLN 300
WUEB expert: dr Dominika Florek-Sapkowska
Dr Dominika Florek-Sapkowska examines a promotional business account offer with a total bonus of up to PLN 4,500. A further PLN 300 is available for referring another customer. The comparison shows that the headline figure is made up of several bonuses linked to regular account activity.
For business owners, the key question is therefore not only how much the bank promises, but also which conditions must be met and whether they reflect the way the account will actually be used.
Tax on wedding gifts? The tax authority explains when cash gifts are tax-free
WUEB expert: dr Dominika Florek-Sapkowska
Cash given as a wedding present may be exempt from tax. The outcome depends on the relationship with the donor, the total value of gifts received from the same person and the statutory thresholds. Dr Dominika Florek-Sapkowska explains when no declaration is required and when exceeding a threshold creates additional obligations.
The article translates tax rules into a situation familiar to many families. It also shows why each gift must be assessed separately.
From discussing innovation to practical action. Why do cities need urban logistics?
WUEB expert: dr hab. inż. Maja Kiba-Janiak, prof. UEW
Urban logistics begins with everyday problems: a delivery vehicle blocking a street, parcels arriving during peak hours and last-mile transport competing for limited urban space. Dr hab. inż. Maja Kiba-Janiak, Professor of the WUEB, explains how microhubs and better-organised deliveries can reduce traffic, emissions and conflicts over the use of city space.
The article develops the themes discussed during the Wrocław Women’s Forum. It also presents the expert’s research and the NEXTLOGIC project, which she leads on behalf of WUEB.
https://badania.uew.pl/od-rozmowy-o-innowacjach-do-konkretu-po-co-miastu-logistyka-miejska/
What happens to banks when risk increases? Dr Marta Karaś’s article wins the National Bank of Poland President’s Award
WUEB expert: dr Marta Karaś
The article Systemic Risk and the Capital Adequacy of European Banks, written by Dr Marta Karaś of WUEB with Dr Michał Stachura and Dr Michał Boda, won first prize in the National Bank of Poland President’s Award competition. The study examines how growing risk across the financial system is linked to the amount of capital held by banks.
The findings help explain why decisions made by individual institutions can strengthen or weaken the resilience of the banking sector as a whole.
Business account bonuses are rising. Three banks offer up to PLN 5,000
WUEB expert: dr Dominika Florek-Sapkowska
Competition among banks for business customers increasingly takes the form of substantial bonuses for opening and actively using an account. Dr Dominika Florek-Sapkowska compares offers from three banks advertising bonuses of up to PLN 5,000 and explains the conditions customers must meet to receive the full amounts.
For businesses, the overall value of the account remains the key consideration. This includes fees, required transactions, the duration of the promotion and whether all the criteria can realistically be met.
The war in Ukraine continues. Russia’s fuel crisis is deepening
WUEB expert: dr inż. Robert Golej
Dr inż. Robert Golej discusses the economic consequences of strikes on Russia’s fuel infrastructure. Disruptions to refinery operations affect fuel availability, transport and the state’s ability to maintain continuity of supply.
“Already today, we are seeing very serious problems with fuel availability in both Russia and Crimea. Further strikes will only make the situation worse.”
https://www.radiomaryja.pl/informacje/trwa-wojna-na-ukrainie-w-rosji-poglebia-sie-kryzys-paliwowy/
Kamienna Góra and Czarny Bór lead the way. Model energy cooperatives in Lower Silesia
Project partner: Wroclaw University of Economics and Business
Kamienna Góra and Czarny Bór are developing model energy cooperatives designed to show how local communities can jointly produce and use energy. WUEB is one of the partners in the broad institutional and academic coalition supporting the initiative.
The results of the Lower Silesian programme are intended to provide a model for a nationwide support programme for energy communities being prepared by the National Fund for Environmental Protection and Water Management. Its planned budget is PLN 80 million.
badania.uew.pl – because the world needs informed voices when noise drowns out reason.
Author: Barbara Grzelczak
See also
What happens to banks when risk rises? Dr Marta Karaś wins NBP President’s Award
Why do cities need urban logistics?
WUEB Experts Weekly Review: Research, Projects and Academic Successes (29 June–5 July 2026)
An algorithm sees a company’s trouble a year before the court does. Statistics Poland President’s Award for a UEW doctorate
Big Future: WUEB researchers build climate scenarios for policymakers and public institutions
Major technology investments in Poland
UEW included in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings 2026 for the first time
