GBCI Methodology

Research Framework

The Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI) employs a multidimensional framework to evaluate the complexity of doing business across different countries. Our methodology combines quantitative metrics with qualitative insights from local business experts to provide a comprehensive assessment of business complexity.

The analysis is conducted annually to track changes in business environments and incorporate the latest regulatory developments, ensuring that the index remains a relevant tool for businesses and policymakers.

Data Collection Process

Our data collection involves three primary sources:

1. Expert Surveys: We survey over 300 in-country business experts, including accounting professionals, legal advisors, and corporate secretaries, collecting their assessments of local business complexity based on their direct experience.
2. Statistical Data: We gather statistical data from reliable sources such as the World Bank, International Monetary Fund, and national regulatory bodies to complement our survey data with objective metrics.
3. Regulatory Analysis: Our team of analysts continuously monitors regulatory changes and policy developments in each jurisdiction, incorporating these updates into our complexity assessments.

The combination of these sources allows us to capture both the formal aspects of business complexity (laws and regulations) and the practical challenges faced by businesses operating in each country.

Complexity Dimensions

The GBCI evaluates business complexity across four key dimensions:

Scoring Methodology

Each country receives scores across the four dimensions based on a 100-point scale:

• 0-20: Very Low Complexity - Highly streamlined processes with minimal bureaucracy
• 21-40: Low Complexity - Generally straightforward with some administrative requirements
• 41-60: Medium Complexity - Moderate administrative burden with some challenging areas
• 61-80: High Complexity - Significant administrative burden and complex requirements
• 81-100: Very High Complexity - Extremely demanding administrative burden with intricate procedures

The overall complexity score for each country is calculated as a weighted average of the four dimension scores, with weights assigned based on the relative impact of each dimension on overall business operations.

Validation Process

To ensure the accuracy and reliability of our index, we implement a rigorous validation process:

1. Cross-Validation: We compare our findings with other reputable international indices and reports to identify any significant discrepancies that may require further investigation.
2. Expert Panel Review: A panel of global compliance and regulatory experts reviews our methodology and findings, providing feedback on the accuracy and relevance of our assessments.
3. Consistency Checks: We employ statistical methods to check for internal consistency and identify any anomalous data points that may indicate measurement errors.
4. Annual Methodology Review: We conduct an annual review of our methodology to incorporate feedback from users and adapt to evolving business environments.