A generic network theoretic based model to classify SDG indicators

TL;DR

This paper introduces a network-based model to quantify SDG indicator importance, aiding policymakers in prioritizing actions for maximum impact, demonstrated through an application to India.

Contribution

It develops a novel network-theoretic methodology for SDG indicator prioritization applicable to any country, addressing limitations of existing approaches.

Findings

Identified key SDG indicators for India using the model

Provided empirical support from literature for selected indicators

Demonstrated the model's applicability across different national contexts

Abstract

To achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, coordinated action across their interlinked indicators is required. Although most of the research on the interlinkages of the SDGs is done at the goal level, policies are usually made and implemented at the level of indicators (or targets). Our study examines the existing literature on SDG interlinkages and indicator (or target) prioritization, highlighting important drawbacks of current methodologies. To address these limitations, we propose a generic network-based model that can quantify the importance of the SDG indicators and help policymakers in identifying indicators for maximum synergistic impact. Our model applies to any country, offering a tool for national policymakers. We illustrate the application of this model using data from India, identifying important indicators that are crucial for accelerating progress in the SDGs. While our main contribution lies in developing this network-theoretic methodology, we also provide supporting empirical evidence from existing literature for selected key observations.