* An extract from Issue 2 of the Newsletter on "Measuring the Progress of Societies".

[What makes a successful set of progress indicators?]
By Ms. Kate Scrivens, Global Project on Measuring the Progress of Societies

A current OECD research project aims to shed some light on the role of indicator sets as catalysts for change, asking the question: What makes a successful set of indicators?

Although answering this question is not a straightforward exercise in several respects; 1) successful outcomes can be defined in a number of ways, 2) it is impossible to scientifically measure the contribution of any one single factor to sophisticated and highly complex processes such as policy development or public opinion formation, it is nevertheless important that efforts are made to reach a deeper understanding of the factors which can contribute to, or hinder, the successful development, communication and use of key progress indicators.

Research into the circumstances under which different indicator projects have been successful can add to our understanding of this important issue. With this in mind, the OECD is currently running a research project with the aim of preparing a report on 'Lessons for Successful Indicators'. The research will take a 'before-during-after' approach, with a focus on asking questions which are linked to distinct steps in the indicator development process.

The 'before' questions examine the specific circumstances leading to the emergence of the indicator project. The 'during' questions explore three separate aspects: 1) the design/development process, 2) the final project, 3) the communication/application process The 'after' questions focus on the outcomes which can be said to have arisen as a result of the indicator project, backed up by evidence where possible.

We decided to pick examples which could provide insight into a wide variety of situations and the projects were chosen to be representatives of different levels of geographic coverage: multinational, national and sub-national. Selected case studies of high-profile key indicator sets include the EU structural indicators, EU sustainable development indicators, as well as national indicators from Ireland, the UK, Australia and Switzerland. The final report with findings and recommendations will be completed in December 2008.

* For further information, please visit www.oecd.org/progress/newsletter.