Methodological proposal for measuring sustainable developmentthrough multivariate synthetic índices

Abstract

Objectives: To set the methodological basis for the design of a sustainable development's global synthetic index that complies two conditions: that fits the pressure-state-response principles and that suits the four basic components or dimensions of sustainability: institutional, environmental, economic and social. Methods: A synthetic index on the variables, indicators and sub-indicators set computation was constructed; these grouped in the four dimensions and then proceed to its application in Peru. According to the form, selected information and preset relationships between the elements considered significant to evaluate, we will get the keys that indicate the interpretation about the ideal of sustainability driven by its operators. Results: A new methodological strategy for the development of an index which collects the associated aspects of sustainable development in Peru was formulated, through the proposal of multivariate synthetic analyze. Also, it was identified that the "institutional" dimension is the weakest one. Conclusions: We can assume that the highest sustainability indices could be achieved in economies in which their governments are developing strategies for sustainable development. Also, it was demonstrated that there is no relationship between traditional measures of economic growth (GDP and its variation) and sustainability.