According to Deloitte’s 2025 Manufacturing Industry Outlook report, digital transformation is establishing itself as the foundation of the future of the manufacturing sector. In 2024, up to 30 per cent of companies’ operating budgets were allocated to technological innovation.
Last year was a time of challenges and dynamic changes for the global manufacturing industry. Companies struggled with rising raw material and energy costs and regulatory pressure, but they also increased their investments in modern technologies to boost their competitiveness and operational efficiency.
Compared to other European Union countries, Poland is performing relatively well – the added value of the domestic industry increased by 1% in the first three quarters of 2024. While this figure is lower than the overall economic growth rate, it surpasses the performance of many other European economies, where industry faced stagnation or decline.
Investments in Industry 4.0
Digital transformation is not just a trend, but a prerequisite for further growth and maintaining competitiveness.
As Mirosław Ryba, Deloitte Partner and Manufacturing Sector Leader for Central and Eastern Europe, points out, more and more investments made by manufacturing companies are part of efforts to implement the concept of Industry 4.0 more broadly. This represents a transformational change in the sector, unlocking new opportunities in terms of efficiency, quality, and innovation through the effective use of digital technologies.
Polish companies are increasingly implementing cloud solutions, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and digital twins to enable process optimisation, reduce costs and eliminate bottlenecks. AI supports automation, data management and decision-making, significantly increasing companies’ operational efficiency.
Artificial intelligence and digital twins in manufacturing
One of the most important trends is the integration of AI into operational processes. Companies are moving beyond the testing phase and implementing artificial intelligence in manufacturing, logistics and supply chain management.
As Krzysztof Radziwon, Partner and Manufacturing Sector Leader at Deloitte, notes:
‘Investing in artificial intelligence is not only a matter of technology, but above all a long-term business transformation strategy.’ Companies that effectively leverage the potential of AI can significantly improve efficiency and innovation while reducing costs.” Experience in the market shows that properly implementing artificial intelligence can increase the EBITDA of manufacturing companies with a turnover of PLN 400–500 million by 30–50 per cent.
Digital twins are transforming the way companies plan and optimise their operations. They enable process simulation and the identification of potential problems and cost optimisation prior to the implementation of changes.
New regulatory challenges and green transformation
In 2025, industry will not only have to face technological challenges, but also new EU regulations on raw materials and the circular economy. Directives such as ESRS E5 will require companies to report on and manage their resources in a more transparent and sustainable way. This means identifying key raw materials, analysing their environmental impact, and implementing green solutions.
As a member of the European Union, Poland is participating in programmes such as the Net Zero Industry Act, which stipulates that, by 2030, 40 per cent of industrial technologies must come from renewable sources.
The green industrial revolution presents a significant opportunity to enhance competitiveness in the international market. Those that make appropriate use of available financing and support options can significantly strengthen their position in the global value chain.
Industry in 2025: investments, artificial intelligence and resilience to change
The year 2025 promises to be a breakthrough for the manufacturing sector. Key areas that will shape the future of companies include further digitalisation, investment in artificial intelligence, and effective integration with global supply chains. At the same time, however, the industry will face the challenge of adapting to growing environmental requirements and optimising operating costs.
Companies that adopt a strategic approach to digital transformation and the green revolution will increase their resilience to market changes and create new value for customers and shareholders. In the Industry 4.0 era, technologies are becoming an integral part of growth strategies, and skilful use of these technologies will determine the industry’s future in the coming years.
