Strengthening the Methodological Framework for the National Index for Assessing the Economic Well-Being of Citizens in the Republic of Moldova

Abstract

Although GDP remains a key indicator of economic performance, the “Beyond-GDP” literature highlights its limitations in fully reflecting the population’s economic well-being, as it overlooks resource distribution, economic security, and non-market contributions. In this context, the study seeks to develop a methodological framework for creating a national economic well-being index for the Republic of Moldova, explicitly aligned with international standards. This approach is exploratory and conceptual, grounded in documentary analysis. comparative synthesis of the main approaches (MEW, ISEW/GPI), as well as on the integration of the IEWB structure (adjusted consumption, wealth stocks, equality, economic security) with UNECE recommendations on the dimensions of well-being and related indicators. The main result is a protocol for adaptation to the national context, materialised in an indicative matrix “dimension–proxy indicator–potential source–periodicity–limitations,” which highlights both the plausibly available indicators and the statistical gaps that require further development (e.g., monetisation of unpaid work, estimation of environmental costs). Consequently, the article provides a basis for moving from a feasibility discussion to a coherent methodological architecture for national reporting, without, at this stage, claiming to have calculated the index in its entirety.