What does Brunei teach us about using Human Development Index rankings as a policy tool?

Bryane Michael

Development Policy Review, 2018, vol. 36, issue S1, O414-O431

Abstract: The Bruneian Government has set an ambitious target to achieve a top 10 ranking on the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) Human Development Index (HDI) by 2035. To achieve its objective (described in a national strategy document called the Wawasan 2035), Brunei's economy needs to grow by 6% to 7%. Is setting an HDI target a good way to govern Brunei's policy†making? Is it a good way to govern any country's policy†making? In this article, we look at the role of HDI†rank targets in economic and fiscal policy. We show that such a headline target (much like a profit target in a private company) automatically sets targets for growth in various economic sectors and fiscal policy targets. As such, HDI†rank targeting may provide a useful mechanism for co†ordinating development policies and for monitoring progress against a wide range of development goals using only one number.

Date: 2018
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