institutionthis

Institutionthis is a conceptual framework and research initiative for the systematic study of institutions and their effects on social, political, and economic outcomes. It encompasses a collection of methodologies, metrics, and case studies intended to facilitate cross-country and cross-sector comparisons.

Origin and development. The term emerged in the early 2010s as scholars sought to integrate formal and informal institutional dimensions beyond traditional rule-based analyses. A collaborative network of political scientists, economists, and sociologists established an open-data platform and a set of standardized indicators.

Methodology. Institutionthis combines quantitative indicators—such as rule formalization, enforcement capacity, and governance stability—with qualitative case studies to capture norms, cultures, and informal practices. Data are curated in an open-access repository and updated regularly.

Applications. Researchers use it to compare governance quality, policy implementation effectiveness, or educational and corporate governance reforms across countries and sectors.

Criticism and reception. Some scholars warn that indicators may oversimplify complex social phenomena, risk cultural bias, or suffer from data gaps. Advocates argue it improves comparability and transparency, provided limitations are acknowledged.

See also. See also institutional analysis, governance indicators, political economy, institutional economics.