Measuring Progress 2026 – Economy Index

The economy index of the Measuring Progress: 2026 Sustainable Progress Index combines SDG 8 (Good Jobs and Economic Growth) and SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure). Ireland ranks 6^th relative to its EU peers on the Economy Index. There have been significant improvements in many aspects of the economy, (Ireland’s GDP per capita continues to be at the top end of the scale relative to other countries).  However, this broader measure of the economy shows there is room for progress, particularly in aspects of the SDG 9 indicators.

SDG 8 identifies the importance of sustained and inclusive economic growth, economic productivity and global prosperity.  The goal recognises that growth is essential for employment (particularly well-paid quality jobs), living standards, and prosperity.  It focuses on providing opportunities to eradicate forced labour, human trafficking, and child labour globally by promoting labour rights and safe and secure working conditions.

We use 5 indicators to reflect SDG 8. As well as GDP per capita and a measure of unemployment, we include additional measures to capture the theme of the goal: the employment rate, the NEET rate (youths not in employment, education or training), and fatal accidents at work. At EU level, SDG 8 shows continued signs of improvement.  This is also the case in Ireland.  Ireland’s NEET rate has improved steadily and is now at 7.5 per cent, ranking Ireland third on this measure. The employment rate continues to improve also, and in 2024 it stood at 79.8 per cent, above the EU average.

The indicator ‘fatal accidents at work’ is used to mirror decent work, and Ireland is ranked 8^th on this indicator, although it would be preferable to have a good measure of ‘decent work’ (there is yet no agreed measure developed for use in the SDGs).  The combined indicators give Ireland a score that ranks it in a relatively good position of joint 4^th place with Germany, just behind Luxembourg and Denmark, respectively.

SDG 8: Rank = 4 (joint)

SDG 9 focuses on supporting inclusive and sustainable development, technological progress, and human wellbeing, with the aim of improving living standards. In doing so, the goal is to promote increased access to financial services, and information and communication technologies, and it recognises the importance of research and innovation for achieving the goals. 

The computation of SDG 9 draws on 6 indicators.  At 1.38 per cent, expenditure on R&D (as a percentage of GDP) in Ireland is one of the lowest of the EU14; only Luxembourg is lower with 0.99 per cent. Sweden, Belgium and Austria top the rankings.  They all have expenditure greater than 3 per cent of GDP.

Other indicators under this SDG - internet use, and number of researchers as a percentage of population -  show Ireland performing better over the recent past, but there is still significant room for improvement.  Ireland’s share of R&D researchers, as a percentage of population has increased.  We score relatively well on the extent of high-speed internet coverage.  In contrast, the Logistics Performance Index - an indicator that attempts to measure the quality of trade and transport-related infrastructure from the World Bank, scores Ireland in last place for logistics capacity.  Ireland’ overall score on SDG 9 puts it in 10^th place.

SDG 9: Rank = 10 

Overall ranking