Selection of indicators
Specification of targets
The eleven indicators
Progress in achieving the four objectives on essential services is assessed on the basis of eleven statistical indicators that measure services provision.
A binding target 2013 has been set for each indicator. Achievement of these targets will entitle the eight regions participating in the mechanism and the Ministry of Education (for the portion regarding its objective) to receive a financial reward.
The participatory decision-making involved the Ministry for Economic Development, the regional governments, the competent central government entities and the National Statistical Institute (ISTAT) in the selection of the indicators and the specification of the targets.
Selection of indicators
The indicators were selected on the basis of compliance with three requirements:
- Measurability: the indicators are provided by a certified statistical source, information is available at the needed territorial level, with the same methodology and timely;
- Accountability: the institutions (different levels of government) responsible for the implementation and delivery of the service must be clearly identified;
- Public understanding and sharing: the indicators are easily comprehensible so that democratic control can be spurred.
Two related difficulties to be overcome in selecting the indicators:
- the translation of qualitative values (actions) ) into quantitative values ((measurement of results);
- the establishment of the causal relationship between the actions taken and the results, in view of the interference of other variables and actors.
Specification of targets
The same target is selected for all the regions in order to ensure a minimum threshold of service availability and therefore equitable access to services. The target values are consistent with normative targets such as the ones set by European Directives and National Laws. In many cases targets are connected to the current values observed in the more developed regions.
View targets for regions in Southern Italy for 2013 (pdf, 17 Kb)
The eleven indicators
OBJECTIVE I
Improve students competence, reduce drop-outs and broaden population’s learning opportunities
OBJECTIVE II
Increase the availability of child and elderly care to favour women’s participation in the labour market
OBJECTIVE III
Protect and improve the quality of the environment, in relation to urban waste management
OBJECTIVE IV
Protect and improve the quality of the environment, in relation to integrated water service
Go to essential services database
Indicators and targets
