THE INDICATOR PASSPORT AND COMPOSITE INDEX APPROACH BASED ON IFUT-2 FOR THE STATISTICAL ASSESSMENT OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper examines the methodological foundations of statistical assessment of business development across regions and over time using an IFUT-2-based indicator passport and a composite index approach. The proposed indicator passport standardises information on observational units, classification, coverage, measurement units, price bases, data sources and quality control. The study emphasises the importance of harmonising indicator directions, selecting appropriate standardisation methods, assigning weights and conducting sensitivity analysis. It distinguishes between annual standardisation for interregional comparisons and fixed-base calculations with appropriate deflators for assessing growth over time. Particular attention is given to differentiating relative indicators from production volumes and macroeconomic aggregates. The proposed approach supports data comparability, reproducibility and the reliability of statistical assessments, providing a methodological foundation for subsequent econometric and regional analyses.