A comprehensive Beyond-GDP database to accelerate wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability research

Scientific Data, vol. 11, pp. 1166

Abstract

Abstract “Beyond-GDP” metrics are essential for understanding societal progress. Yet despite their importance, these metrics are scattered across various databases, hindering accessibility and interdisciplinary analysis. Addressing this gap, we present the ‘WISE database’ – the first extensive collection of important Beyond-GDP metrics organized by Wellbeing, Inclusion, and Sustainability (WISE) dimensions. The WISE database consolidates data from a variety of sources, including international institutions and academic publications. It encompasses over one million data points across 244 metrics, covering 218 countries and 61 country groupings, from specific social and environmental indicators to the main Beyond-GDP indexes, and is augmented by essential metadata. The data primarily spans from 1995 to 2015, with some metrics extending back to the 19 th century. To improve accessibility and data interpretation, a user-friendly online visualization tool has been developed. The WISE database aims to foster a broader view of societal progress, facilitate research on synergies and trade-offs of wellbeing, inclusion, and sustainability, and provide a foundation for interdisciplinary research.

Authors 7

1. Kedi Liu corresponding Aachen Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. k.liu@cml.leidenuniv.nl

   Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

2. Ranran Wang Aachen Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

3. Paul Behrens Aachen Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

   Leiden University · University of Oxford

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

   Oxford Martin School, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK

4. Inge Schrijver Aachen Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

5. Annegeke Jansen Aachen Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

6. Irlan Adiyatma Rum Aachen Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

   Leiden University · Padjadjaran University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands

   Universitas Padjadjaran, Bandung, Indonesia

7. Rutger Hoekstra Aachen Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)

   Leiden University

   Affiliation as printed

   Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands