Measuring the Green Economy in Poland in Voivodeship Perspective

Purpose: The main objective of the study was to measure and evaluate the progress of the green economy implementation in Poland’s voivodeships between 2005 and 2018. The primary focus of the conducted statistical analyses was the construction of original Regional Green Economy Measure (RGEM) and four synthetic measures related to the green economy areas: Natural asset base, Environmental and resource productivity of the economy, Environmental quality of life, and Economic opportunities and policy responses. Five measures allowed for multidimensional comparisons across voivodeships. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study employed linear ranking methods based on synthetic variables, enabling the development of voivodeship rankings. Among the qualitative methods was an expert survey utilized during the process of substantive indicator selection, as well as a bibliometric analysis of the green economy concept. Findings: Based on the conducted research, it was found that voivodships differ in the degree of the green economy implementation. The leader turned out to be the Śląskie Voivodship, while the weakest results in terms of the green economy principles implementation were usually achieved by the Świętokrzyskie Voivodship. The Śląskie Voivodship has achieved a leadership position in the implementation of the green economy through its focus on sustainable utilization of natural resources, improvements in energy efficiency, and the transformation of sectors towards greater ecological sustainability. The significant diversity in the development of the green economy across individual voivodeships highlights the need to establish more effective policy and strategic frameworks tailored to the unique conditions of each region. Practical Implications: The study emphasizes the importance of region-specific strategies to address disparities in green economy development. Policymakers should focus on improving green economy indicators through targeted investments in sustainability, renewable energy, and efficient resource management. Strengthening data collection and monitoring systems can support informed decision-making and accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy, benefiting both the environment and regional development. Originality/Value: The study introduces the original Regional Green Economy Measure (RGEM), a comprehensive tool for assessing green economy implementation across Poland's voivodeships. By combining quantitative methods with region-specific data, it provides a novel approach to measuring sustainability progress. The research's focus on regional disparities and the use of multidimensional synthetic measures fills a gap in existing studies, offering valuable insights for tailoring policies to local conditions. This innovative framework can serve as a model for similar assessments in other countries.