<b>The regional dimension of overeducation</b> two decades after Poland's accession to the European Union

Abstract In this study, we investigated regional variation in overeducation in Poland almost two decades after its 2004 EU accession. Using microdata from the Labour Force Survey and applying the realized matches method, we found that approximately 20% of workers in Poland have education levels exceeding job requirements, with younger workers under 35 experiencing even higher rates (24%). While the overall level of overeducation in Poland remained relatively stable over the analyzed period, a growth of regional differences in the incidence of overeducation was observed. Less economically developed regions of eastern and central Poland are characterized by a substantially higher risk of overeducation than western and southern regions. Gender disparities have been observed, with overeducation decreasing among women while increasing among men. This may suggest that peripheral regions struggle to absorb highly qualified workers despite increasing educational attainment. Such a process may potentially deepen developmental disparities and intensify internal migrations.