Trust Framework
Scoring Methodology
All flagship scores published by the Institute share a common construction pattern. This page documents the pattern, the rationale, and the limits of the approach.
Common pattern
Each flagship index is a weighted composite of 5–8 normalized factors. Inputs are normalized to a 0–100 scale, weighted, and combined into a composite. The composite is then mapped to a 4-tier label.
- 0–100 normalization per factor
- Documented weighting per index
- Tier mapping: Elite / Strong / Moderate / Vulnerable (or At-Risk)
- Tier thresholds: 85 / 70 / 50
Weighting rationale
Weights are set based on impact-to-resilience research — not equal weighting. Liquidity and family protection tend to carry the heaviest weights because they drive the largest recovery-time variance.
Normalization
Each input is mapped to 0–100 against a documented target. Targets are reviewed annually and adjusted for inflation, healthcare cost growth, and longevity changes.
Reproducibility
Every published score is reproducible from the documented inputs. Internal scoring uses the same logic as the user-facing engines — no hidden adjustments.
Limitations
Composite scores compress information. The factor breakdown is always more informative than the headline number. Users are encouraged to read the factor view before drawing conclusions.
- Composites mask single-factor weakness
- Scoring assumes accurate input data
- Scores reflect snapshots, not trajectory
- Use forecasts for trajectory analysis