A non-simplistic approach to composite indicators and rankings: an illustration by comparing the sustainability of the EU Countries

摘要: Composite indicators are very popular, despite being affected by several problems that often result in lack of robustness the rankings involved. The aim this paper is to show composite can be safely used, provided built via uncertainty analysis rather than using a single composite. For purpose, approach we follow first combines different normalisation, aggregation rules, and weighting systems calculate many composites, then derives from frequency distribution each “competitor” according Such an appears good compromise between need for more concise overview when looking at variables loss relevant information occurring aggregated into indicator. To illustrate approach, rank EU Countries terms their sustainability.