Innovation Session:
How to Measure Happiness?
Saturday, November 10, 2018: 8:30 AM-9:15 AM
Atrium - Exhibit Level (Marriott Wardman Park)
*Names in bold indicate Presenter
Participant: Renato Loiero, Senate of the Republic of Italy
Description of Research: The introduction of SSWB to the budgetary cycle represents a step change towards a more in-depth analysis of the satisfaction of citizens. It is a significant innovation which positions Italy at the forefront internationally. The exercise is now beginning to leave behind the “experimental stage”, but it is still a courageous work in progress, evolving gradually through the process of institution change, trials and errors made. It is necessary to refine the choices, evaluate its solidity, extend their scope and in general terms to monitor the efficacy by strengthening interdepartmental support procedures. The choice of indicators cannot be regarded as definitive. Looking-forward, other indicators could be taken into consideration, including indicators of general well-being based on periodic “institutional” surveys. Measurement of life satisfaction and happiness is not an easy task, but technology can assist through more direct contact, for example social contact between citizens and Government authorities. Other indicators could be introduced, for example indicators of income distribution and language handicap of disadvantaged categories, indicators of quality of the local public transport, cultural heritage, tourism and health.
