The set of challenges that emerging and developing countries face are complex and multifaceted. Policy makers need to reconcile economic, social and environmental objectives to ensure that their country’s development path is sustainable and that the lives of citizens improve.

 
Multi-dimensional country reviews have supported strategy-making and policy reforms in countries across the developing world. Since their inception in 2012, 19 countries have undertaken a review, spanning Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America. In Asia, Viet Nam (2020), Thailand (2018), Myanmar (2015) and Kazakhstan (2017) have undertaken Multi-dimensional Reviews. The MDCR of Viet Nam supported the country’s 10-year development strategy, zooming in on an integrated investment strategy, modernise tertiary education and double down on the clean energy transition to maximise future opportunity. Thailand’s MDR focused on how to develop the full potential of the country’s diverse regions. Building on its MDCR, Côte d’Ivoire has requested a 5-year follow-up partnership to track implementation of reforms and continue the learning process.

The process of development is complex. Economic, social and governance capacities must evolve to reinforce each other, while adapting to internal and external pressures. Successful strategies recognise this complexity and empower governments to focus efforts on the most important constraints and opportunities.

Learning is a key element of the MDR process. Understanding the successes and failures of other countries that have faced similar challenges is a crucial ingredient for good strategy making. The MDR process includes multiple workshops that focus on learning through participation. Past MDRs have brought experts on rubber from Thailand to Cote d’Ivoire, on government delivery from Malaysia to Peru and on educational reform from Ireland to Viet Nam.

At the core of the learning process is the Mutual Learning Group of the OECD Development Centre, a formal group of member countries dedicated to peer review and exchange on policy experiences. Each MDR includes two dedicated meetings of this group.

The OECD Multi-dimensional Reviews are a tool to assist governments with defining and implementing successful strategies. A 3-stage process delivers a blueprint of strategic reforms that is co-created with local stakeholders, informed by OECD expertise, and validated by a community of peers. The blueprint includes priority actions, good practices to learn from, and a scorecard for effective implementation.

For more information, please contact mdcrs@oecd.org