Regulatory Efficiency Methodology

Actionable data, knowledge sharing, and peer-to-peer engagement that inspire best-practice policy reform for inclusive economic growth in local business environments.

Subnational B-READY

Subnational B-READY Assessments rely on the methodology established by the Global B-READY report, while adapting it to project-specific contexts according to client needs. The assessments are based on primary data collected by the Subnational B-READY team.

Subnational B-READY assessments focus on topics that are part of the firm life cycle and relevant at the subnational level, while also reflecting local priorities. These topics include, but are not limited to: Business Entry, Business Location, Utility Services, Dispute Resolution, and Business Insolvency. Across all topics, the assessments also examine cross-cutting dimensions such as digital adoption, environmental sustainability, and gender.

Subnational B-READY Most Common Topics

The World Bank

The Subnational B-READY methodology compiles a large set of indicators for each pillar within each topic, following the Global B-READY categorizations. The selection of indicators is based on their relevance, value added, and complementarity. These indicators have five major characteristics: they are indicative of established good practices; they are quantifiable and actionable through policy reforms; they seek to balance de jure and de facto measures within topics; they are comparable across locations and representative within each economy; and they span the most relevant aspects of each topic. 

The Subnational B-READY studies differ from Global B-READY in the following ways: 

 

The World Bank

 

For more details on the Subnational B-READY methodology and assessment processes, please refer to the Subnational B-READY Manual and Guide.

DETAILED METHODOLOGY

As part of the World Bank’s broader effort to foster private sector development, the Subnational B-READY initiative assesses the business environment in selected cities, highlighting geographic differences across economies. By examining regulations, service delivery, and efficiency, the assessment provides governments and stakeholders with data to inform evidence-based reforms.

This page provides an overview of the methodology used in the B-READY 2024 report, including how topics are structured, data are collected, and indicators are scored.

For full details, please see:

Subnational B-READY Manual and Guide

Subnational B-READY Brochure

B-READY Methodology Handbook

Sectoral Regulatory Assessments 

The Regulatory Efficiency team conducts sectoral studies to assess how regulations shape business activity across industries such as mining, energy, infrastructure, and tourism. These studies align closely with the World Bank Group’s sectoral and thematical areas, generating actionable reports with concrete recommendations that support reforms, unlock private sector growth, and create jobs.

For further details, please see: Sectoral Regulatory Assessments Brochure.

Agribusiness

Agribusiness assessments analyze the regulatory and business environment across agri-food value chains, supporting the World Bank Group’s AgriConnect priorities of policy reform, private investment mobilization, and inclusive agricultural growth. Drawing on input from public and private stakeholders, they examine legal and institutional frameworks alongside the practical challenges firms face in key areas such as land, seeds, fertilizer, and water. The assessments identify bottlenecks and opportunities to streamline regulatory processes, improve service delivery, and enhance transparency. Findings are translated into actionable recommendations to support reforms, attract investment, strengthen food systems, and create jobs.

Mining 

Assessments of the business climate in the mining sector apply a cross-sectoral methodology for data collection and process mapping. These studies generate new, quantitative primary data to evaluate the procedures and regulatory requirements faced by firms and entrepreneurs in the formal segment of the sector. The resulting evidence informs policy reforms that address disparities in the business environment and foster private sector development across economies.

For further details, please see: Mining Brochure.

For our latest mining assessment, please see: Zambia Report and Zambia Brochure.

Tourism

Tourism is a major source of jobs, particularly for women, youth, and local communities. The sector is highly decentralized, consisting of thousands of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and individual operators across subsectors like accommodations, tour guides, transport, food services, and cultural or adventure experiences. Assessments draw on surveys of public and private stakeholders within these subsectors to identify bottlenecks to entry and operations. The resulting analysis highlights barriers and opportunities for diverse actors and supports reforms that foster investment and broad-based, inclusive job creation.

For further details, please see: Tourism Brochure. 

Solar

Assessments of the solar energy market focus on a sector with strong job-creation potential and a key role in the transition to sustainable growth. Drawing on input from public and private experts, the studies analyze the legal and institutional framework as well as the challenges faced by consumers and rooftop solar installers. The assessment highlight bottlenecks, regional variations, and opportunities to simplify approvals, reduce costs, and accelerate adoption while safeguarding network reliability. Findings are translated into actionable recommendations that support reforms, attract investment, and create jobs.

For further details, please see: Solar Energy Sector Brochure; and Solar Energy Methodology Handbook.