Polish companies using crowdsourcing : the potential of society’s intellectual capital to create added value compared to other countries

Abstract

PURPOSE: This study explores the use of crowdsourcing in Polish small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), highlighting both its potential and challenges. Crowdsourcing, as a tool for leveraging the intellectual capital of society, offers new opportunities for innovation and business development. However, Polish enterprises are still in the early stages of adopting this approach.

DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Through a mixed-method research design, combining qualitative expert interviews and quantitative survey data from 600 Polish SMEs, the study examines the factors influencing crowdsourcing adoption, areas of its application, and its impact on business operations.

FINDINGS: The findings indicate that Polish SMEs primarily use crowdsourcing in the service and technology sectors, where barriers to entry are lower. Key challenges include a lack of trust in crowdsourcing solutions, concerns about intellectual property protection, and difficulties in integrating crowdsourced contributions into internal business processes.

PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Despite these barriers, the study confirms that crowdsourcing can enhance innovation and competitive advantage if supported by appropriate organizational culture and awareness-building efforts.

ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research contributes to the growing literature on crowdsourcing by providing insights into its implementation in an emerging market and offering recommendations for fostering its development in Poland.