EU-Funded IT Projects and Sustainable Development in Poland

Abstract

The research relevance of the topic analyzed is predefined by the significant impact on the sustainable economic development of Poland of IT projects financed by the European Union, and the related need for a qualitative assessment of the extent of this impact. The research aims to study the environmental impacts of IT projects implemented with EU funds and assess the prospects for sustainable development in the implementation of these projects. The methodological approach of the research is based on an empirical study of the impact of IT projects on sustainable development. The study assessed 152 IT projects from various applications to determine how they influence sustainable development, focusing on factors like enterprise size, project region, and industry, while excluding projects with evident sustainability benefits like renewable energy. The study concluded that many IT companies underestimate the importance of sustainability, erroneously assuming that their technologies are environmentally neutral, when in fact their environmental impact should be assessed by comparing pre- and post-project states. The study highlights the need for IT companies to critically assess and prioritize sustainability in their projects, especially in regions with limited environmental protections, to ensure holistic development and responsible technology integration.