Governance

Many countries are already developing frameworks to identify multidimensional policy objectives, but their use in policy making remains limited, at both the national and subnational levels. For example, well-being-based frameworks allow for policy objectives to be defined on the basis of the aspects of life that matter for people’s satisfaction, including income, jobs and health as well as social capital and participation in public life. However, translating these multidimensional objectives into concrete deliverables requires joined-up efforts that cut across policy areas and require the ability to deal with complexity and co-ordinate actions across administrative boundaries and levels of government.

The centre of government plays a strong convening and steering role which is essential in such a multidimensional framework. However, the centre’s degree of influence varies significantly across countries, with only a minority exercising high influence over line ministries. There is potential to enhance this leadership and co-ordination role, so