The Justification of the Sectoral Model of Chambers of Commerce – Polish Perspective

Abstract

The authors of the conceptual article took up the topic of the sectoral model of chambers of commerce (of trade, of industry and commerce, etc.). This proposal complements the taxonomy of chambers present in the literature, based on three main models: continental, Anglo-Saxon and mixed. A comparative worldwide analysis of chambers of commerce indicates their significant diversity, but also the significant impact of historical and social conditions on their organization, position and effectiveness. Therefore, their system should be designed adequately to the needs of a given country, rather than directly transferring foreign or historical solutions into the domestic context. Present Polish chambers of commerce function as voluntary organizations associating entrepreneurs at various levels: sectoral, national, regional, local and bilateral (as Polish-foreign chambers). However, this solution does not provide effective communication between entrepreneurs and public authorities. Polish studies propose the creation of chambers of commerce in the continental model, which is based on the 19th-century regional structure. The authors argue that this concept is outdated in the era of global economic interconnections. The concentration of knowledge and competences needed today can be more effectively provided by the sectoral model. Sectoral chambers of commerce enable expert specialization appropriate to the needs of entrepreneurs and public authorities. They are also an effective platform for the decentralization of public administration. This model is an original concept of the authors in the discussion about possible evolution of chambers of commerce in the Polish context. Its implementation requires, i.a., proper definition of chambers’ tasks and the inclusion of entrepreneurs in the process of their creation. The discussion in the national press and industry magazines shows that these inquiries are valuable not only for science, but also for entrepreneurs and people responsible for the legislative process. Therefore, the aim of the conducted research was to justify the implementation of the sectoral model in the context of the current Polish practice and the increasing role of expert knowledge.

Keywords

• model sektorowy
• izby gospodarcze
• izby przemysłowo-handlowe
• przedsiębiorcy
• władze publiczne