Taxonomic Analysis of Logistic Potential of Polish Voivodeships

The aim of this article was to rank Polish voivodeships in terms of the level of their logistic potential. The features used in describing this potential were arranged as three sets of variables. They come from three research fields: transport infrastructure (road and rail), storage capacity and activity of companies involved in logistic processes. A taxonomic development indicator (TDI) based on nine variables from the logistics area was calculated. It enabled to classify the voivodeships into four clusters. The first places in the ranking were occupied by the following voivodeships: Wielkopolskie and Mazowieckie, the last positions were taken by Eastern Poland (Świętokrzyskie, Podlaskie, and Lubelskie).Then it was checked whether the ranking would change if the environmental factor was considered. The tenth variable representing air pollution caused by transport was included in the index.The development of the transport infrastructure while limiting the negative impacts on the environment is set as a target in the development strategy of the transport in Poland. The analysis results provide information for authorities to know which regions and cities grow according to the idea of sustainable development of transport. The authorities have to monitor, and modify if necessary, the transport strategy in cities and regions. TDI could be a tool enabling to compare the implementation with the strategic assumptions. Maintaining a similar position in both constructed rankings proves that a region with its capital city can be assessed as one that cares about realization of that idea. The regions which were ranked high could be used in benchmarking analysis as a model. That part of the analysis proved that the best regions have not changed their positions even when the environmental factor was included. They have proved that it is possible to develop their logistics potential and care about environmental issues at the same time.