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Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Turkish Contractors in Poland

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  • Volkan Arslan

    (Department of Civil Engineering, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, Zonguldak 67100, Türkiye)

Abstract

The burgeoning economic relationship between Türkiye and Poland, marked by a targeted $10 billion trade volume, has catalyzed significant Turkish engagement in the Polish construction sector. Ranked second globally in international contracting, Turkish firms are increasingly undertaking complex infrastructure projects in Poland, making it a critical European market to analyze. This study develops a comprehensive framework to identify and evaluate the sources of sustainable competitive advantage for Turkish contractors operating in this dynamic environment. The research adopts a qualitative, single-case study methodology, centered on the extensive project portfolio of a leading Turkish firm in Poland. The analytical approach is twofold. First, it employs Porter’s Diamond Framework to deconstruct the existing competitive advantages, revealing a shift from traditional low-cost models to a sophisticated synergy of superior labor management capabilities, strategic local partnerships, and expertise in complex project delivery. These strengths are shown to align directly with Poland’s critical needs, particularly its skilled labor shortage and ambitious infrastructure agenda. Second, a Foresight Analysis is conducted to map plausible future scenarios through 2035, addressing key uncertainties such as geopolitical shifts and the pace of technological adoption. The findings demonstrate that the sustained success of Turkish contractors hinges on their ability to deliver targeted value. The study concludes by proposing a set of “no-regrets” strategies—including accelerated ESG and digital up-skilling, forging deep local partnerships, and developing financial engineering capabilities—designed to secure and enhance their competitive positioning. The results provide an actionable roadmap for industry practitioners and valuable insights for policymakers fostering bilateral economic collaboration.

Suggested Citation

  • Volkan Arslan, 2025. "Sustainable Competitive Advantage of Turkish Contractors in Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(17), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:17:p:8010-:d:1743059
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Nihan Yıldırım & Derya Gultekin & Doğan Tilkici & Dilek Ay, 2022. "An Institutional System Proposal for Advanced Occupational Safety and Labor Standards in the Turkish Construction Industry," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(22), pages 1-31, November.
    2. Artur Pazdzior & Marta Sokol & Aleksandra Styk, 2021. "The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Economic and Financial Situation of the Micro and Small Enterprises from the Construction and Development Industry in Poland," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(Special 1), pages 751-762.
    3. repec:ers:journl:v:xxiv:y:2021:i:special2:p:751-762 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Emek, Uğur, 2015. "Turkish experience with public private partnerships in infrastructure: Opportunities and challenges," Utilities Policy, Elsevier, vol. 37(C), pages 120-129.
    5. Arnold Bernaciak & Małgorzata Halaburda & Anna Bernaciak, 2021. "The Construction Industry as the Subject of Implementing Corporate Social Responsibility (the Case of Poland)," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(17), pages 1-18, August.
    6. Bartlomiej Rokicki, 2022. "Cost Underruns in Major Road Transport Infrastructure Projects—The Surprising Experience of Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(21), pages 1-18, November.
    7. Ilknur Akiner & Wilco Tijhuis, 2007. "Work goal orientation of construction professionals in Turkey: comparison of architects and civil engineers," Construction Management and Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 25(11), pages 1165-1175.
    8. Ruveyda Komurlu & Dilara Kalkan Ceceloglu & David Arditi, 2024. "Exploring the Barriers to Managing Green Building Construction Projects and Proposed Solutions," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-25, June.
    9. Dominika Krol-Smetak & Ireneusz Miciula & Maciej Czaplewski & Agnieszka Miluniec & Wlodzimierz Wysocki & Mariusz Sikora & Karolina Rogowska, 2024. "The Impact of IT Systems on the Safety and Competitiveness of Construction Enterprises," European Research Studies Journal, European Research Studies Journal, vol. 0(3), pages 472-481.
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