Abstract
This study examines the interconnections among Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth, renewable energy (REE) adoption, and innovation (INN) in Poland. Using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) model covering 1990 to 2023, this analysis examines how these factors influence Poland's sustainable development trajectory. The analysis highlights the critical role of FDI in driving GDP growth and fostering INN, particularly in technology-intensive sectors. REE adoption is a vital element of Poland's transition to a low-carbon economy, though constrained by its reliance on coal. The study also identifies INN as a crucial mediator, enhancing FDI's impact on economic growth (EG) and accelerating the adoption of REE. Policy recommendations emphasize aligning FDI strategies with INN goals, accelerating REE transitions, and addressing regional disparities to ensure inclusive development. The findings underscore the need for an integrated approach to leveraging economic, environmental, and technological synergies for sustainable growth in Poland. Leveraging empirical data and econometric modeling, it identifies the synergistic effects of these factors on sustainable development. The findings suggest that Poland's unique economic transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system has created fertile ground for examining this nexus. The paper underscores the importance of strategic policy alignment to ensure that EG, driven by FDI and INN, supports Poland's REE targets and sustainable development goals.