MULTIDIMENSIONAL LOCAL RESILIENCE – ANALYSIS OF ENVIRONMENTAL, DEMOGRAPHIC AND INFRASTRUCTURAL FACTORS

Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the level and determinants of multidimensional local resilience in Polish municipalities between 2013 and 2023. The analysis focuses on the influence of environmental, demographic, and infrastructural factors on the adaptive capacity and socio-spatial cohesion of territorial units. Design/methodology/approach: The study is based on secondary data obtained from Statistics Poland (GUS), encompassing environmental, demographic, and infrastructural variables. A synthetic local resilience index was constructed using the CRITIC–TOPSIS method, and the results were analyzed with descriptive statistics, regression tests, ANOVA, and Spearman’s rank correlation. Findings: Local resilience in Poland depends primarily on environmental and infrastructural components, while demographic factors play a supporting role. Urban municipalities demonstrate the highest levels of resilience, with rural and urban–rural units showing intermediate values. The results indicate a synergistic interaction between environmental quality, infrastructure, and demographic stability, with a limited negative impact of intensive industrial activity. Research limitations/implications: The limitations concern insufficient data availability and challenges in capturing dynamic interactions. Future research should include cultural and institutional components, as well as predictive models for infrastructure, demographic, and environmental policy development scenarios. Practical implications: The findings highlight the need to monitor migration, mitigate the negative effects of industrial activity, and invest in green areas and urban ecosystems. Integrated spatial and investment planning that takes into account infrastructure, environmental protection, and demographic support enhances the adaptive capacity and cohesion of local communities. Originality/value: The innovative approach applies synthetic indicators covering three dimensions of local resilience—environmental, demographic, and infrastructural— in an analysis spanning 2013-2023 for all Polish municipalities. The study enables an assessment of trends, spatial disparities, and changes in the structure of interdependencies among components, demonstrating the growing importance of environmental quality and the significant role of infrastructure in shaping local resilience.