DETUROPE | 2026
Authors: Shemetev A.
DOI: 10.32725/det.2026.009
Journal: DETUROPE
Year: 2026
Publisher: Regional Science Association of Subotica (Drustvo za Regionalne Nauke)
Document Type: Article
Open Access: All Open Access; Gold Open Access
Cited by: 0
This paper presents the third generation of the Ethics Perception Index (ETPI) and the Regional Ethics Perception Index (RETPI), which are used as quantitative tools to measure ethical and moral development at national and sub-national levels. Based on earlier conceptual versions, the present study introduces a transparent methodology integrating seven standardised components — corruption, economic freedom, human development, education, human rights, environmental performance and natural resource depletion — rescaled to a 0–100 scale with explicit treatment of negative indicators. The study employs a dynamic framework including time-series analysis, missing-data protocols and regional modifiers based on public engagement (e.g. Google Trends). This enables the indices to capture resilience and recovery potential following shocks. When this methodology is applied to global and regional datasets, the results confirm that Scandinavian countries consistently achieve the highest ETPI values, thus validating the framework against established perceptions of ethical leadership. The RETPI further reveals significant intra-national variation, highlighting regions that diverge from national averages and demonstrating the added value of sub-national analysis. This study contributes to existing knowledge by providing the first replicable ethics-focused indices that are longitudinal and regionally adaptable. These indices complement existing measures such as the Social Progress Index and the Human Development Index. These findings provide policymakers and researchers with a robust tool for assessing the ethical underpinnings of resilience, sustainability and inclusive development. © 2026 Regional Science Association of Subotica (Drustvo za Regionalne Nauke). All rights reserved.
Ethics Perception Index; ETPI; moral-ethical growth; political decision-making; quantitative ethical assessment; Regional Ethics Perception Index; RETPI; sustainable development