Transformation Index BTI

The Transformation Index BTI is a global ranking that analyzes and evaluates development and transformation processes in 128 countries. It provides the international public and political actors with a comprehensive view of how each of these countries is progressing toward democracy and a market economy, as well as the quality of their political management.

Ranking
The BTI's analysis assumes the goal of a consolidated market-based democracy. It analyzes the status of both democratization and market liberalization as it evaluates reformers' actions, decisions and management within a particular setting. The quantitative data collected for the BTI is outlined in two parallel indices: the Status Index and the Management Index.

Country Reports
Country reports provide detailed information on the assessment factors used to examine each country, such as the status of development, problems specific to the country and management performance. These reports evaluate a country's political and economic performance as well as the quality of its political management according to a detailed set of criteria and are then explained in extensive qualitative analysis.

Targets
The search for strategies for moving toward a market-based democracy is complex. Because every process of development and transformation is unique, each process requires individual in-depth analysis. Identifying those factors determining success or failure in transition over recent decades provides a productive knowledge base from which others can learn, in order to avoid past mistakes while identifying the most promising alternatives.

Background
The combination of democracy and market economy is crucial to a state's long-term viability. At the same time, developed democracies have a vested interest in actively supporting transitions to democracy and a market economy so as to contribute to international stability. Although many states have made the transition to democracy and a market economy, the ideal of a productive, market-based democratic state is still far from becoming the global standard.

BTI Board
The project "Den Wandel gestalten - Strategien der Entwicklung und Transformation" (Shaping Change - Strategies for Development and Transformation) is carried out in consultation with an interdisciplinary board of experts. The BTI Board defines the project focus, identifies challenges and debates project results.

2001 Carl Bertelsmann Prize
Since 1996, the Bertelsmann Stiftung has produced a conceptual framework for development and transformation. As part of the study leading up to the 2001 Carl Bertelsmann Prize, a committee of prominent experts developed criteria that allowed for a thorough qualitative comparison of development and transformation processes worldwide.