BRI Monitor research uses the Infrastructure Data Standards (IDS) for proactive disclosure developed by the Construction Sector Transparency Initiative (CoST) to assess the transparency level of each case study. The standard requires the disclosure of 38 data points in five key stages of the infrastructure project cycle: identification, preparation, procurement, implementation, and completion. To capture different practices, qualities and levels of transparency, researchers are asked to answer six related questions for each data point. A score of 1 will be assigned if the answer is “yes”. Each data point will, therefore, have a score between 0-6:
0. No information available.
1. The information is available upon formal request and not in the host country’s language or English.
2. The information is available upon formal request and in the host country’s language or English.
3. The information is the same as above, plus it is available on a website run by the host government or project owner.
4. The information is the same as above, plus it is presented clearly and understandably.
5. The information is the same as above, plus the website has at least 10 other data points, showing an effort to consolidate information.
6. The information is the same as above, plus the website provides official project documents, such as feasibility studies, contracts, and environmental assessments.
