Local Currency – an Empirical Analysis of the Level of Knowledge and Acceptance among the Representatives of the Young Generation

Abstract

Theoretical background: The issue of the functioning of local currencies is very rarely discussed in Polish literature, there are no comprehensive studies on this subject. Currently, there are several thousand local currencies in the world, the issue of which is aimed at stimulating the local economy. In Poland, there are also attempts to introduce local currencies into circulation. Therefore, it is important to examine the attitude of citizens to such a currency.

Purpose of the article: Determining the level of knowledge of issues related to the functioning of local currencies among representatives of the young generation of Poles and examining their attitudes regarding the introduction of such currency to the market.

Research methods: The analysis of the level of knowledge and acceptance of local currencies among the representatives of the young generation of Poles was based on own research and a review of the literature on the subject. The data used in the analysis was obtained from a survey conducted on a group of 784 respondents aged 18–25, carried out in the period from January to February 2020.

Main findings: The conducted research allowed to state that among the representatives of the young generation of Poles, the issues related to the functioning of the local currency are known to a minimum degree. Almost half of them believe that there was no need to introduce an additional supplementary currency in their place of residence. Almost 25% of respondents declared their willingness to make payments in the local currency, which allows to state that in Poland there are opportunities for the development of local currencies. The issuers of such a currency should be entities with a high level of social trust and state guarantees. According to the respondents, the best method to carry out transactions using local currency is an electronic form.