Allegro CEO Marcin Kuśmierz warns of growing European tech dependence on non-continent solutions, urging greater self-reliance as a development opportunity.
Growing Dependence on External Technologies
Marcin Kuśmierz highlights that one of the biggest challenges for European technology firms today is the growing dependence on solutions developed outside the continent. This affects both digital infrastructure and key technologies used in daily operations of major platforms.
“I am concerned about the dependence of companies like ours on American or Chinese technologies,” says the Allegro president.
Independence as Development Opportunity
He emphasizes that working towards greater technological independence should not be treated solely as a cost or regulatory obligation, but as a development opportunity.
“It can become a driving force that allows us to develop even faster,” says Marcin Kuśmierz. He believes Europe, while remaining part of the global market, must simultaneously build its own position and avoid excessive dependence on a single technological direction.
Strategic Thinking in a Polarized World
The Allegro president notes that in an increasingly unstable and polarized world, strategic thinking becomes crucial. “Today’s world is volatile, which is why we should have a good strategy that will allow us to develop according to our ambitions,” he assesses.
In his opinion, technological and investment diversification is a condition for maintaining the long-term competitiveness of the European economy.
Untapped Human Capital Potential
Marcin Kuśmierz also points to the enormous, unused potential of human capital in Europe. He emphasizes that the continent has one of the best education systems in the world, but too often fails to retain talent.
“Many talented people use their skills on other continents,” he notes. He believes it is crucial to create conditions where they can build strong European technology companies.
Private Sector as Foundation for Development
Although European Commission strategies and member state policies are important, the Allegro president emphasizes that the private sector must remain the foundation for development.
“Strength is based on private capital, which is visible in Poland, for example,” he says. He adds that the role of public institutions should be to eliminate barriers and create space for bold investments, not to replace the market.
Competition and Tax Transparency
In his conversation with DGP, Kuśmierz also addresses competition in the e-commerce market. He notes that Allegro operates in an international environment and competes with both European and Chinese competitors.
“Competition is generally good, but everyone should play by the same rules,” he emphasizes. One of the key problems, in his view, is the lack of transparency and equality of rules, especially in the area of taxes.
“We should pay taxes locally, because it determines the condition of our state,” the Allegro president notes. He simultaneously appeals to authorities in Poland and Europe to create legal frameworks that will prevent some global players from exploiting tax and regulatory loopholes.
“If the environment is fair, we will cope with the competition,” Marcin Kuśmierz concludes, emphasizing that European companies have the skills, capital and ambitions to effectively compete on the global market, provided the rules of the game are the same for all.
