The paper focuses on barriers to the development of a knowledge-based economy in Poland. The author analyzes views about the knowledge-based economy presented in professional literature. She examines the conditions for the development of the economy, considering changes in geographic factors and economic policy. Her analysis of the knowledge-based economy is based on a presentation of statistical data and reports. Lissowska also considers information on the European Union’s plans to enhance research and innovation across Europe. The analysis shows that the knowledge-based economy is insufficiently developed and differs unfavorably from the state prior to transition and from the average state displayed by other EU countries with a similar level of development. Industrial enterprises display insufficient initiative, with little involvement among foreign-owned companies to create innovation in their research centers in Poland. Small technology-oriented firms have made little effort despite their intellectual potential and possibilities. The main barriers to the development of the knowledge-based economy include the unfavorable legacy of the period prior to transition and imperfect industrial and innovation policies, along with an inadequate institutional and organizational environment. These imperfections may aggravate the vicious circle of uncertainty by adding to risk avoidance among suppliers of capital and an insufficient absorption of innovation, the author concludes. To tap the existing intellectual potential and make good use of the growing amount of funds (including EU structural funds and money for research and competitiveness promotion), it is necessary to focus on institutional and organizational tools likely to encourage potential investors and enable them to pursue knowledge-based projects.