One market, one number? A composite indicator assessment of EU internal market dynamics

• Published in: European economic review 2007-04, Vol.51 (3), p.749-779
• Main Authors: Cherchye, Laurens, Knox Lovell, C.A., Moesen, Wim, Van Puyenbroeck, Tom
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aggregation; Benchmarks; Composite indicators; Economic dynamics; Economic indicators; Economic theory; European Union; Internal market; Market; Market structure; Member states; Studies; Weighting
• ISSN: 0014-2921; 1873-572X
• DOI: 10.1016/j.euroecorev.2006.03.011

We consider the lack of consensus about an appropriate theoretical framework linking sub-indicators as a defining characteristic of composite indicators. This intrinsic feature implies uncertainties about the appropriate normalization and aggregation of the raw data. The two are related: index theory offers some valuable guidelines about their connection. Yet these do not fully solve the basic problem of expert disagreement. We embed such (residual) disagreement in the aggregation method itself. Specifically, we apply an impartial benefit-of-the-doubt weighting procedure, where weight restrictions incorporate the available information on experts’ opinions. We apply this procedure to the dynamic performance assessment of EU Internal Market effects, thereby highlighting its capacity to disaggregate member states’ observed performance shifts into changes relative to benchmarks and performance changes of the benchmarks (i.e. catching up versus genuine progress). Our results indicate that the latter factor is more important in explaining the observed progress.