Smart signals: an assessment of progress indicators

An Assessment of Progress Indicators critiques measures of economic progress and looks for alternative ways to more realistically gauge Minnesota's well-being. As a result this research, the Minnesota progress indicator was developed. The new indicator is based on the belief that Minnesota's economy can be healthy in the long run only if its environment and communities are healthy. The measures used in computing the progress indicator help determine if the economy is being improved at the expense of Minnesota's communities or environment. This study:

Reviews the literature on indicators

Tests and critiques application of the "genuine progress indicator" developed in 1995 by a California think tank to Minnesota

Identifies goals of a healthy Minnesota economy

Presents the Minnesota progress indicator and background information about its component measures