Comparative Analysis of Regional Competitiveness in Poland from 2010–2019 in the Context of the Concept of Sustainable Development

Abstract

The stimulation of regional competitiveness is a difficult and complex process that leads to the achievement of a competitive position against other regions covered in the comparison. The study includes a comparative analysis taking into account the Regional Competitiveness Index (RCI) level of voivodeships in Poland in 2010–2019 and, as a supplement, a Multi-Dimensional Comparative Analysis and cluster analysis. This made it possible to select a group of voivodeships characterized by a stable and relatively highly competitive position compared to the rest (voivodeships: Mazowieckie, Śląskie, Wielkopolskie, and Dolnośląskie). The apparent spatial disparity in the competitiveness of Polish voivodeships may be a result of long-term socioeconomic processes (such as sparse urbanization and industrialization), the polarized growth of competition leaders and the adverse effects of such polarization, i.e., the draining of competitive potential (such as qualified staff) from neighboring voivodeships.