SOCIO-ECONOMIC DIFFERENTIATION OF POLISH REGIONS

The publication's objective is presentation of the interregional differentiation among the Polish voivodeships. On the basis of the statistical measures applied - mainly, coefficient of variation and the median - the author attempts to present the regional differentiation of the Polish voivodeships and to evaluate which voivodeships manage to improve their competitive position and which ones face its deterioration. However, the changes in the statistical indicators are not sizeable, which on one hand attests to the durability of the said differences, while at the same time calls for cautious formulation of decisive opinions about the effectiveness of regional development policy. Simultaneously, the author points out that the period 2000 - 2004 has resulted in significant deterioration of the Polish regions; competitiveness vis-á-vis many EU regions.