EN
The article presents an assessment of industrial companies in Poland versus companies from selected European countries. It begins with the literature survey in which the authors highlight the specificity and main factors shaping the competitiveness of industry. Both traditional and contemporary determinants of competitiveness are discussed, particularly those associated with spatial integration, effects of concentration on selected growth sectors with a high added value, use of creative skills, quality of institutions and social capital. The authors also analyse the competitiveness of Polish companies with use of some complex measures such as Global Competitiveness Index and the Competitive Industrial Performance Index. The article concludes with indicating the key factors and barriers of competitiveness of Polish industrial companies.