World Bank Statistical Performance Indicators
The World Bank publishes a Statistical Performance Indicator (SPI) for over 140 countries. The indicator is constructed using metadata from the World Bank, IMF, UN, UNESCO, and WHO. A score is computed for three dimensions: (1) statistical methodology, (2) source data, and (3) periodicity and timeliness. The main drawback of this method is that it is based on performance indicators rather than capacity indicators. A low SPI is not sufficient to inform the user on the causes of a low score and a high SPI score may be the result of foreign technical assistance and funding. Therefore, the SPI does not necessarily provide information about the capacity or sustainability of an NSO. Finally, the SPI does not reveal whether the data produced by the countries are effectively shared and used or if the methodology behind them is reliable.