Differentiation in levels of human capital among small cities in Warminsko-Mazurskie Voivodship

A very important factor in sustainable development, especially of small cities, is their endogenous capital, including human capital. Cities with a higher level and quality of human capital are able to gain advantage in productivity and competitiveness, and they can develop more rapidly owing to the “knowledge spillover”. Differences in the level of human capital between cities also affect the pace of development of an entire region and country. It is therefore important to analyze the scale of such differentiation, particularly among small cities, which are struggling with problems like urban shrinkage, talent drain or peripheralisation. The aim of the research was to assess the differentiation in the level of human capital among small cities in the warmińsko-mazurskie voivodship. The study covered 39 small cities. The Perkal synthetic indicator was applied to assess the level of human capital. Based on the values of this indicator, the cities were ordered linearly and grouped, using the standard deviations method. The level of human capital in the cities included in the study was significantly varied. The highest positions in the ranking were taken: Mikołajki, Lubawa, Biskupiec, Kisielice, Zalewo and Olsztynek. These cities were classified into the group of cities with high level of human capital. The lowest values of the human capital synthetic indicator were achieved for the cities: Sępopol, Jeziorany, Korsze, Pieniężno and Reszel. These cities were classified as cities with a very low level of human capital. The research results can help to design a strategy for the socio-economic development of the voivodship and to identify areas in need of strategic intervention.