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B-READY 2024 report

B-READY 2024 report

Business Ready (B-READY) 2024
Business Ready (B-READY) is a new World Bank Group corporate flagship report that evaluates the business and investment climate worldwide. It replaces and improves upon the Doing Business project. B-READY provides a comprehensive data set and description of the factors that strengthen the private sector, not only by advancing the interests of individual firms but also by elevating the interests of workers, consumers, potential new enterprises, and the natural environment. This 2024 report introduces a new analytical framework that benchmarks economies based on three pillars: Regulatory Framework, Public Services, and Operational Efficiency. The analysis centers on 10 topics essential for private sector development that correspond to various stages of the life cycle of a firm. The report also offers insights into three cross-cutting themes that are relevant for modern economies: digital adoption, environmental sustainability, and gender. B-READY draws on a robust data collection process that includes specially tailored expert questionnaires and firm-level surveys. The 2024 report, which covers 50 economies, serves as the first in a series that will expand in geographical coverage and refine its methodology over time, supporting reform advocacy, policy guidance, and further analysis and research.

Overview

The World Bank Group's Business Ready (B-READY) 2024 report introduces a rich dataset that benchmarks the business environment in 50 economies.

The methodology is built on three pillars—Regulatory Framework, Public Services, and Operational Efficiency—and further detailed into 10 topics relevant for the business environment. These topics include Business Entry, Business Location, Utility Services, Labor, Financial Services, International Trade, Taxation, Dispute Resolution, Market Competition, and Business Insolvency.

The report categorizes economies into groups and compares performance not only at the pillar level but also at the topic level, providing a granular view of where economies stand and where they can improve.

The report reveals that good business environments are not confined to high-income countries, with several low- and middle-income economies performing well in key areas. It also identifies a "public services gap," where the provision of public services does not match the quality of regulations, and it highlights the resilience of firms in adapting to challenging conditions.

The report includes cross-cutting themes of digital adoption, environmental sustainability, and gender, noting the need for better data and targeted support for women entrepreneurs, as well as a broader implementation of environmental sustainability regulations and practices.

Looking forward, B-READY plans to refine its methodology and improve data collection processes, with a continued commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement. The 2025 report will reflect these updates, and B-READY will continue to provide resources and opportunities for knowledge sharing among governments, civil society, and the private sector.