Evaluating the multidimensionality of composite indicators of development: some recent index proposals

Abstract

Comunicação apresentada na Third International Scientific Conference "Sustainable Development",

Development is a complex and multidimensional phenomenon. The quantification of such a phenomenon requires indicators of development and assess whether these indicators reflect the multidimensionality underlying the phenomenon they seek to measure. One of the major findings from this analysis is the limited number of development dimensions incorporated in the majority of the indices and, thus, the partial vision of the phenomenon they provide as a result. Moreover, the dimensions most commonly considered in this context are education and health. Finally, we discuss in more detail five recent indices characterized by its comprehensiveness: (i) Regional Quality of Development Index (QUARS) of Sbilanciamoci (2006). (ii) Wellbeing Index (WI) and Wellbeing/Stress Index (WSI) of Prescott-Allen (2001); (iii) Gross National Happiness (GNH) of the Centre for Bhutanese Studies; (iv) Bertelsmann Transformation Index (BTI) of Bertelsmann Stiftung (2008); (v) World competitiveness scoreboard of IMD (2008).