Sustainable development indicators in Poland: Measurement and system evaluation

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this article is to explore the strategic foundations related to the sustainable development measurement and to evaluate the current system of indicators for sustainable development monitoring in Poland. Research Design & Methods: A review of mainstream literature on Sustainable Development Indicators (SDIs) was conducted along with document-based descriptive analysis of secondary data and further critical literature analysis. Statistical databases have been used for the analysis. Findings: This research paper draws on several strands within the economic, social, environmental, as well as the institutional and political dimensions of sustainability measurement. The results indicate that Polish monitoring system of sustainable development is based on numerous strategic documents. There is no integrated strategy of sustainable development in Poland. The findings also suggest SDI structure has been dominated by social indicators. Implications & Recommendations: The evaluation of the Polish measurement system can help to find solutions that support change processes aimed at improving the implementation of sustainable development principles in policy making. Contribution & Value Added: This article contributes to existing literature on measurement and monitoring of sustainable development by applying SDIs in the public statistics as well as in the practices of decision-making at policy level. Overall, this study extends the understanding of the importance of SDIs and implications of measurement by focusing on the importance of the sustainable development areas.