Global Knowledge Index

Pre-University Education

Technical Vocational Education and Training

Higher Education

Research, Development and Innovation

Information and Communications Technology

Economy

General Enabling Environment

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The Global Knowledge Index (GKI) is the only index that measures knowledge on the global level, it highlights the strategic role of knowledge and the importance of developing objective and scientific tools to measure and evaluate it.

The GKI aims at measuring knowledge as a broad concept that is intricately related to all aspects of modern human life, in a systematic approach that builds on solid conceptual and methodological principles, distinguished with:

- A theoretical foundation, which relies on international and scientific literature that confirms the correlation between knowledge and development, implying further that development is no more reliant on natural and financial resources as much as on knowledge and human resources. Thus, knowledge becomes the basis for achieving sustainable development.

- A broad definition of knowledge as a composite multi-dimensional concept, which is revealed in many direct and indirect forms and across different sectors, including education, research and development, innovation, technology, economy, among others. This establishes a methodological foundation to approach knowledge systematically with more depth and details, especially in examining existing knowledge gaps between the different sectors and within the same sector.

- A cumulative approach that relates to earlier experiences by others and builds on it in a participatory framework with the involvement of experts and professionals from different countries, along with the advice of experts from leading international organizations in the field.

The GKI is composed of six sectoral indices: (1) Pre-University Education, (2) Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), (3) Higher Education, (4) Research, Development and Innovation (RDI), (5) Information and Communications Technology (ICT), (6) and Economy, in addition to a seventh supporting index on the General Enabling Environment.

The GKI is a translation of the aforementioned conceptual and methodological foundations to a real-time tool that can be used to support decision makers and stakeholders in promoting knowledge as a basis for achieving sustainable development, as embraced by the UNDP and as genuinely described in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Agenda 2030, to proceed forward with a more comprehensive perspective on “Knowledge-based development”.

The GKI is a partnership initiative between the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation (MBRF), it was first announced during the Knowledge Summit in 2016.

The Pre-University Education sector plays a central role in building the knowledge capital that represents the first input in preparing young people to acquire and produce knowledge. Pre-university education equips youth with scientific knowledge, as well as creative skills and capacities, to access lifelong learning opportunities. This sector is therefore key, as it constitutes the first basis for other sectors to build upon. It is composed of two pillars: knowledge capital and educational enabling environment.

Number of variables: 17 | Weight: 15%

The Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector represents the main connection between education and the labour market and provides educated young people with opportunities for professional integration. It contributes to the provision of high-skilled labour and the development of conducive working environments. It is composed of two pillars: formation and professional training and features of the labour market.

Number of variables: 12 | Weight: 15%

The Higher Education sector is of high importance, as it is an active component in educating youth, developing their qualifications, and expanding their knowledge and skills, which results in the improvement of a country’s productivity and competitiveness in global markets. It is also considered among the most important factors that directly contribute to the advancement of scientific research and technological development. It is composed of two pillars: higher education inputs and higher education outputs and quality.

Number of variables: 16 | Weight: 15%

Research, Development, and Innovation (RDI) contribute to increasing knowledge at the national and regional levels. RDI, which serves as a driver for economic growth and sustainable development in both developed and developing countries, is mainly based on the production of new or improved goods, services, production processes, and organizational models. RDI is closely linked to other sectors as it provides essential inputs to the entire system. It is composed of three pillars: research and development, innovation in production, and social innovation.

Number of variables: 28 | Weight: 15%

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) plays an essential role in supporting the advancement of knowledge across all sectors. Advancements in knowledge-intensive production have become closely linked to the provision of advanced technology, especially as the Internet has increased the opportunities available to acquire knowledge. Therefore, it is essential for countries to employ indicators that quantify their levels of ICT development for the benefit of stakeholders in their societies. It is composed of two pillars: ICT inputs and ICT outputs.

Number of variables: 20 | Weight: 15%

The Knowledge Economy is the main driver of sustainable development, wealth creation, and job creation in various economic fields, across the industrial, agricultural, and service sectors. Unlike the traditional concept of economic resource analysis and availability, a knowledge economy is primarily based on providing economic resources, particularly human resources, with knowledge tools, including digital and technological knowledge assets, as well as innovative and creative skills. It is composed of three pillars: knowledge competitiveness, economic openness, and financing and value added.

Number of variables: 22 | Weight: 15%

The General Enabling Environment was added to support the 6 sectoral indices, as these sectors do not operate in isolation from their surroundings, but rather in a space governed by a range of contextual factors – political, socioeconomic, health-related, and environmental. It is composed of three pillars: political and institutional, socio-economic, and health and environment.

Number of variables: 18 | Weight: 10%