THE APPLICATION OF RELATIVE TAXONOMY METHODS TO THE STUDY OF TECHNICAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL AREAS ACROSS THE PROVINCES OF POLAND

The article applies dynamic multi-dimensional methods of relative taxonomy in an attempt to evaluate disparities in development of technical infrastructure in rural areas between the provinces of Poland. The results show that although the indices that describe the level of infrastructure development have been rising between 2004 and 2012, regional inequalities have remained high. Moreover, some of the provinces least developed in 2004 have not taken advantage of the opportunities provided by the EU accession to develop technical infrastructure in rural areas and boost their attractiveness.