B-READY 2026: A New Global Benchmark for Business Climate
Context
India’s participation in the Business Ready (B-READY) 2026 assessment has renewed policy attention on the country’s efforts to strengthen its business environment and investment climate.
Understanding the B-READY Framework
Business Ready (B-READY) is a global benchmarking initiative of the World Bank Group aimed at evaluating the quality of business regulations and public service delivery across economies. It succeeds the earlier Doing Business Report, with improved transparency and methodological robustness.
Evolution of the Initiative
After the discontinuation of the Doing Business Report in 2020, the World Bank launched the B-READY framework in 2024 to provide a more comprehensive and credible assessment of business ecosystems.
Institutional Architecture
The assessment is conceptualised and implemented by the World Bank Group, drawing upon inputs from subject-matter experts and enterprise-level surveys, particularly the World Bank Enterprise Surveys (WBES).
Core Purpose
• To deliver objective, data-driven insights into national business environments.
• To assess the role of regulations and public services in enabling private sector activity.
• To promote inclusive, sustainable, and digitally enabled economic growth.
Analytical Dimensions of B-READY
Dimension I – Legal and Regulatory Architecture:
Examines formal laws and regulations governing business entry, operations, and exit.
Dimension II – State-Provided Institutional Support:
Evaluates the effectiveness of public services such as digital platforms, approval mechanisms, and dispute resolution institutions.
Dimension III – Implementation and Compliance Outcomes:
Assesses on-ground implementation, ease of compliance, and firm-level experiences across the economy.
Distinctive Attributes
• End-to-End Business Coverage: Reviews ten thematic areas spanning the complete business lifecycle.
• Integrated Evaluation Model: Links statutory frameworks with real-world performance through a three-dimensional approach.
• Mainstreaming Priority Themes: Embeds digitalisation, environmental sustainability, and gender inclusion across indicators.
• Mixed-Source Evidence Base: Combines expert assessments with enterprise surveys for balanced evaluation.
• Credible Annual Benchmarking: Published annually by the World Bank Group, replacing the Doing Business Report with enhanced transparency and coverage.
Source : PIB