FINANCIAL SITUATION AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF TERRITORIAL UNITS – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF POLISH VOIVODESHIPS

This paper compares and statistically evaluates two complex phenomena emerging from the example of Polish voivodeships in the years 2017-2019: the resulting financial situation and the level of sustainable development. The authors applied a model-free research method of linear ordering for objects, taking into account the dynamics of this approach. Through this method, the authors determined the financial situation and sustainable development of Polish voivodeships by using the values of synthetic measures. The results of the study confirm previous findings about differentiation of Polish voivodeships as regards to both their financial situations and their levels of sustainable development. Conclusions from this study may be the basis for comparison between the territorial units examined, helping future policy makers choose rationally. The methodological approach has great practical value, and might be used in comparative research: e.g., by territorial units in different countries to determine their own financial situations and levels of sustainable development.