The analysis of spatial-temporal differences in unemployment rates in Poland by counties in the years 2019-2023

Purpose: The aim of the article is to identify the spatial differentiation of changes in the unemployment rate in the county system in Poland in the period 2019-2023. The subject of particular interest is the verification of the hypothesis about the existence of spatial dependencies in changes in the level of unemployment rates between counties considered to be neighboring in terms of a given criterion. Design/methodology/approach: The validity of using the methods and tools of spatial econometrics to describe unemployment as one of the most important negative socio-economic phenomena is confirmed by numerous empirical analyses, and in the face of dynamic economic and social changes, it does not lose its importance. The analysis used spatial and space-time econometric models. The spatial structure of dependencies between counties was quantified using the common border matrix. Findings: Research confirms the existence of spatial dependencies in the development of the unemployment rate registered in the counties in Poland. Practical implications: The practical implication of this study comes from the provision of evidence that when it comes to analyzing processes within specific areas, it is essential to account for the spatial relationships between objects, as these relationships significantly influence the outcomes and dynamics observed. Originality/value: The originality of the study comes from the tool used, which enables the analysis of processes through the prism of the structure of relationships between the objects they concern.