Beyond GDP: A Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing Model for Systems Analysis

<span>Background:&nbsp;</span><span>There is a gap between well-developed wellbeing theories and quantitative indicator systems used in research and policy. Beyond GDP and wellbeing economy work has produced hundreds of indicators and composite indices, yet reviews highlight fragmentation, lack of theoretical grounding and weak links to scientific frameworks.&nbsp;</span> <div> <span><br></span> </div> <div> <span>Methods:&nbsp;</span><span>We analysed recent reviews of sustainable wellbeing models and their applications in systems modelling. Our review revealed that most wellbeing models used in systems modelling lack a strong theoretical foundation. In this paper, we present a new quantitative model for Sustainable and Inclusive Wellbeing (SIW) as a contribution towards filling this gap. To demonstrate the model’s features, we build a database of 20 sustainable development indicators and estimate SIW for 186 countries.</span> </div> <div> <span><br></span> </div> <div> <span>Findings:&nbsp;</span><span>The new model for SIW consists of four tiers. It integrates wellbeing indicators (Tier 4), Basic Human Needs theory (Tier 3), psychological and physiological wellbeing (Tier 2) to estimate SIW (Tier 1). The model features a newly developed Life Skills Index and uses s-shaped Saturation curves to link need satisfiers to need satisfaction.</span> </div> <div> <span><br></span> </div> <div> <span>Interpretation:&nbsp;</span><span>The model is demonstrated using a global indicator dataset. The results show that the SIW model calibrates well against self-reported Life Satisfaction at country level. The SIW-model is designed to be used in systems modelling that simulate key social, economic and environmental preconditions for wellbeing. This will require a revised set of context-dependent and policy relevant indicators as Tier 4 of the model.</span> </div> <div> <span><br></span> </div> <div> <span>Funding:&nbsp;</span><span>No funding was received for this study.</span> <div> </div> </div>