3 GOVERNANCE PERFORMANCE INDEX

The Governance Sub-Index of the Sustainable Competitiveness Index is based on quantitative data series – i.e. not based on qualitative evaluation of government systems. In addition, some aspects of government direction implications (such as human rights, freedom of press, etc.) are assigned to the Social Capital Index. The Governance Sub-Index aims at evaluating the performance of a country’s regulatory framework and infrastructure environment to facilitate sustainable competitiveness. The regulatory and infrastructure framework should enable an environment in which the country’s natural, social and intellectual capital can flourish to generate new and sustain existing wealth.

The Governance Efficiency rankings 2020:

The Governance Ranking is topped by the Czech Republic, followed by Ireland, Slovenia, and Estonia; Germany follows on 6. The ranking is dominated by Central and Eastern European nations The UK is ranked 26, Japan 51 and the US at 73. Of the BRICs, China is ranked 38, Russia 55, India 79, and Brazil 137 The map shows a clear north-South gap: all African countries score comparable low

T h e G o v e r n a n c e W o r l d M a p

The Governance World Map. Dark areas indicate high, light areas low levels of Governance quality

G o v e r n i n g N a t i o n a l D e v e l o p m e n t : S h a p in g S o c i a l a n d E c o n om i c C a p i t a l

The base of the Sustainable Competitiveness Pyramid – the Natural Capital of a country, is given. Everything else – the society, the economy - is shaped by the legal, regulatory and physical (human built) framework. This framework – the environment in which society exists and businesses operate - is developed, maintained and updated by authorities and institutions, most often government bodies. The Governance Sub-Index therefor encompasses all aspects that shape the framework of society (the Social Capital), and in which the economy (Intellectual Capital, Resource Management) operates. Key aspects of the Governance aspects include:

Strategic direction of government-led development (the balance between the key elements of government spending: health, education, infrastructure, security). The built physical environment (infrastructure) required for smooth operation of the society and businesses, the availability and quality of public services, The framework provided to businesses (formal in terms of business regulations, and informal in terms of red tape and corruption negatively affecting businesses), Exposure to volatility in terms of government balance sheets, and exposure to volatility shocks as posed by financial market fluctuations.

Measuring Governance

The result of qualitative governance quality & strategy evaluation depends very much on the evaluator. The Sustainable Competitiveness Index therefore relies on purely quantitative data series to exclude all subjectivity in evaluating and calculating the Governance Sub-Index. In addition, some qualitative indicators (perceived quality of public services and perceived levels of corruption determined through reliable and international surveys) have been incorporated.

For the full list of indicators used, please refer to the methodology section.

Key elements of competitiveness drivers in the Governance Sub-Index

G o v e r n a n c e P e r f o r m a n c e I n d e x 2 0 2 0

Intellectual Capital Index