Congresses of Polish economists, held every few years, are regarded as particularly important events, concerning fundamental issues relating to the Polish economy and economics in general. These gatherings have been arranged periodically in different social and economic as well as political circumstances since 1987 under the auspices of the Polish Economic Society (PTE), an independent national association of economists, focusing primarily on topical issues of current interest. This will also be the case this year. The 8th Congress of Polish Economists, organised by PTE provides a rare opportunity for an exchange of views between practitioners and theoreticians, economists representing different research centres and theoretical currents, as well as representatives of related sciences. The event provides a broad formula to enable the widest possible group of participants to take part, including Polish economists who reside in foreign countries. It is also meant to provide the opportunity to present views during debates on problems vital for the development of economics in Poland.