Statistics for Composite Indicators

This book provides a systematic and integrated approach to construct measures of complex and multidimensional concepts called composite indicators. One of the most pressing needs of scientists and policy makers is to measure phenomena that are important to our lives in society using numbers, to observe their evolution over time, and to analyse the relationships between them in order to understand the complex reality and decide on the right actions to achieve specific goals. Many socio-economic phenomena, as well as ecological, biological and of other sciences, are multidimensional and, to be measured, require the use of statistical-mathematical techniques that facilitate their reading and use for studies and analyses. This book is a guide to the knowledge and application of statistical tools suitable for the construction of “optimal” composite indicators, i.e. indicators that provide the most accurate measure of multidimensional reality. The book is aimed at all those - statisticians, sociologists, economists, and policy makers - who wish to construct composite indicators to measure and evaluate the complex reality that surrounds us.