Arnim Wiek and Claudia Binder Sustainability Solution Spaces for Decision-making – Assessing Regional Development by Constructing Integrated Sets of Indicators and Consistent Target Sets

This paper presents an approach to construct consistent targets sets for assessing regional development. Based on literature review we state that most of the currently used assessment approaches are flawed in a number of ways. We focus here on two deficiencies: using lists of isolated indicators and neglecting a consistency appraisal of the targets set by the persons in charge. Nevertheless, there is an important demand for not over-simplifying, robust, and user-friendly target setting tools that can be applied for sustainable regional development. To satisfy this demand, we introduce a framework that fulfils the requirements elaborated in technical literature and experienced in practical applications. The modular tool is presented in form of a general procedure as well as differentiated in form of a participatory approach and an expert system. Finally, we discuss our approach and assessment tools in general regarding transparency, perspectivity and iteration.